Andrew McLay

Availability

I currently have availability for new clients and aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

Session Types

I offer counselling via online video and telephone, giving you the flexibility to connect from a place where you feel most comfortable.

My Working Hours

My practice hours are flexible to help accommodate your schedule. I am generally available for sessions during the following times:

Mondays to Wednesdays: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Thursdays to Fridays]: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.

If these times do not align with your current schedule, please feel free to reach out, as I am happy to discuss potential flexibility.

Future Time Off

I am committed to providing consistent support. Should I have any planned time off in the future, I will always provide my clients with plenty of notice to ensure we can plan our sessions accordingly.

Welcome: I am glad you have found your way here.

Living with a chronic illness, a life-altering diagnosis, or a disability can bring profound emotional challenges — not just for you, but for your sense of identity, your relationships, and your everyday life. You may be navigating feelings of loss, frustration, isolation, or uncertainty about the future. My practice is dedicated to supporting you through these experiences with deep compassion, respect, and professional understanding.

About Me

I am a trauma-informed psychotherapist and grief educator with a specialist focus on the psychological impact of illness, disability, and the losses that accompany them. I know that grief is not only about death — it can arise from the loss of your former health, your independence, your sense of self, or the future you once imagined. I offer a secure, confidential, and empathetic space where you can explore these feelings without judgment. My trauma-informed approach ensures that our work together is grounded in safety and stability, acknowledging how these life-altering experiences impact your nervous system and overall well-being.

My Specialisms

  Living with Chronic Illness or Disability: I support you in processing the emotional weight of ongoing health challenges — whether it's adjusting to a new diagnosis, managing fluctuating symptoms, navigating the healthcare system, or coping with the exhaustion of being "always unwell."

  Grief Related to Health Loss: This includes the grief of losing abilities, roles, relationships, or the life you had before. I help you honour these losses while finding new ways to live meaningfully.

  Bereavement: I also support those who have experienced the death of a loved one, particularly when that loss is complicated by illness, caregiving, or disability.

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My Approach

I work from a Person-Centred perspective, which means I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is not to offer a fixed agenda or a "fix" — it is to walk alongside you, offering a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and accepted.

I recognise that living with illness or disability often means your body or circumstances already impose limits. In our sessions, you will not be pushed beyond what feels right. You set the pace, and I will meet you where you are — with gentle curiosity, deep listening, and unwavering respect.

What You Can Expect

 A calm, confidential environment where you can speak freely about your health, your fears, and your hopes.

 Deep listening — I pay attention not just to your words, but to the lived experience behind them, including the invisible aspects of illness and disability.

 No pressure to "fix" anything — we focus on understanding, acceptance, and finding your own path forward, at your own pace.

 Empowerment — you remain in control of what we explore. I am here to support, not direct.

I believe that even in the midst of profound challenge, there is space for growth, connection, and meaning. If you are ready to begin that journey, I would be honoured to walk alongside you.

I know that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and you might be feeling a mix of nerves and hope. That's completely understandable. Before we meet, I offer a 15-minute introductory call—just a relaxed conversation to get to know each other.

If you decide to go ahead, our first session is simply about us meeting and beginning to understand your story. It can take place face-to-face, online, or by telephone—whichever feels most comfortable for you. There’s no expectation for you to reveal everything at once. We’ll go at your pace, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. The session is yours—a space to bring whatever is on your mind, whatever you're carrying, or simply to sit with how you're feeling. We'll explore things together as they arise, without pressure or interrogation. The space is yours, and the pace is always yours.

- Available for sessions on Monday mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

- Available Tuesday evenings.

- Available Wednesdays in the afternoons and evenings.

- Available Fridays in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

- Sessions can be conducted in person, remotely via video, or over the telephone.

- Face-to-face practice is located in Enfield.

Andrew McLay | Bereavement and Grief Therapist/Counsellor and Grief Educator.

McLay Psychotherapy and Counselling Service

As a bereavement and Grief therapist, I am deeply dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate the often overwhelming emotions of grief, loss, and mourning. I recognise that each person's journey through grief can be uniquely difficult, and my approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a compassionate sensitivity to the emotional, psychological, and cultural aspects of bereavement.

Core Elements of My Practice:

1. Grief Models: I incorporate compassionate frameworks such as the Kübler-Ross model (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) and the dual process model (balancing loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping) to help guide you through your feelings.

2. Cultural Sensitivity: I honour and respect the diverse cultural, religious, and spiritual beliefs that influence how we express grief, celebrate rituals, and undertake healing journeys. I endeavour to ensure you feel genuinely seen, understood, and valued in your uniqueness.

3. Types of Loss: I recognise that loss can manifest in many ways—the deep sorrow accompanying losing a loved one or the challenges of losing a job, health issues, or shifts in personal identity. I am acutely aware of how sudden losses (like suicide or miscarriage) can intersect with trauma, and I am here to support you through these painful experiences.

How I Support Clients:

- I acknowledge and validate that your grief journey is your own, without any predetermined timelines or "correct" ways to grieve.

- I create a warm, safe space for you to explore complex emotions—guilt, anger, or even moments of relief—without judgment.

- I help you find a balance between adjusting to life after your loss and maintaining meaningful connections to what you've lost.

- I am attentive to identifying complicated grief, characterised by prolonged or overwhelming symptoms, and I provide tailored strategies to help you navigate this difficult terrain.

Why This Work Matters:

- Your feelings are valid in a world that often shows impatience with grief.

- At McLay Psychotherapy and Counselling Services, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment.

- You can feel less isolated and explore your grief and loss on your own terms.

- You deserve to feel secure and accepted throughout this process.

- Together, we will navigate your grief with compassion and clarity.

📞 Please reach out to learn more about my bereavement-informed approach.

BSc (Hons) in Counselling-

Level 5 Foundation Degree in Counselling.

BSc (Hons) Psychology.

Registered member of the MBACP

I receive regular clinical supervision and engage in continuous professional development.

Andrew McLay, BACP Registered Therapist

 I know that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and you might be feeling a mix of nerves and hope. That's completely understandable. Before we meet, I offer a 15-minute introductory call—just a relaxed conversation to get to know each other.

If you decide to go ahead, our first session is simply about us meeting and beginning to understand your story. It can take place face-to-face, online, or by telephone—whichever feels most comfortable for you. There’s no expectation for you to reveal everything at once. We’ll go at your pace, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. The session is yours—a space to bring whatever is on your mind, whatever you're carrying, or simply to sit with how you're feeling. We'll explore things together as they arise, without pressure or interrogation. The space is yours, and the pace is always yours.

I am available for sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Weekends. These sessions can be conducted in person, remotely via video, or over the telephone.

My Face-to-Face practice is located in Enfield.

In my practice, I work from a Person‑Centred approach which simply means I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to offer a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and accepted, without judgment.

I don’t come with a fixed agenda or a one‑size‑fits‑all plan. Instead, I focus on building a genuine, trusting relationship with you. Together, we can explore whatever is on your mind – past experiences, current struggles, or hopes for the future – at a pace that feels right for you.

What that looks like in practice:

 A calm, confidential environment where you can speak freely

 Deep listening – I pay attention not just to your words, but to what lies beneath them

 Gentle curiosity that helps you uncover your own strengths and insights

 No pressure to “fix” anything; just space to reflect, grow, and find your own path

I believe that every person has an innate capacity to thrive – sometimes we just need the right support to reconnect with that. If you’re ready to begin that journey, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.

I offer a deeply compassionate and genuine space where you can feel truly heard. I know that every person’s journey is unique, and my goal is to provide a secure, confidential, and empathetic environment to support you through life’s challenges. Whether you're feeling anxious, stressed, sad, or overwhelmed, I’m here to walk alongside you — offering hope, motivation, and a steady presence.

My Approach

You are the expert on your own life. My role is to empower you to move at your own pace and discover the solutions that work best for you. While we can explore past experiences when helpful, I place equal importance on the here and now — especially when you're struggling with difficult emotions like worry, grief, or stress.

What You Can Expect

 You set the pace — we go as deep or as gently as you feel ready.

 You stay in control — the power to choose what to explore rests with you.

 I’ll support, not direct — I’m here to facilitate your growth, not push you where you're not ready to go.

I deeply respect where you are right now, and I’ll meet you there with kindness, honesty, and professional care.

I know that reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and you might be feeling a mix of nerves and hope. That's completely understandable. Before we meet, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call—just a relaxed conversation to get to know each other.

If you decide to go ahead, our first session is simply about us meeting and beginning to understand your story. It can take place face-to-face, online, or by telephone—whichever feels most comfortable for you. There’s no expectation for you to reveal everything at once. We’ll go at your pace, and you can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. The session is yours—a space to bring whatever is on your mind, whatever you're carrying, or simply to sit with how you're feeling. We'll explore things together as they arise, without pressure or interrogation. The space is yours, and the pace is always yours.