Andrew Gavaghan

I typically provide therapy sessions from Monday to Friday, with options available for early mornings or evenings. I recognise that everyone’s schedule is different, so I will strive to be as flexible and accommodating as possible to ensure you can attend appointments at times that suit your needs.

My therapy sessions are available online, by telephone, or face to face in person. Delivering therapy online also enables me to support clients worldwide.

A therapy session is usually between 50 – 60 minutes.

I charge £70.00 per session. Although this may be higher than some other therapists, it reflects my advanced qualifications, considerable experience, and specialist expertise.

I provide concessionary rates to ensure therapy remains accessible, as I believe financial constraints should not prevent anyone from receiving therapy. If cost is a concern, please feel free to contact me. We can then arrange a free initial appointment to discuss how best I can support you. 

I am a Senior Accredited therapist with extensive experience. This is the highest level of professional recognition awarded by the BACP.  I am dedicated to helping people overcome their challenges and lead more fulfilling meaningful lives.

If you are searching for a counsellor or psychotherapist, it can feel confusing. Therapist qualifications and terminology are often unclear, with many therapists naturally boasting of their achievements. I have therefore tried to describe my experience and skills as plainly as possible.

I have considerable experience supporting and treating adults and young people with a broad range of emotional and mental health challenges, including chronic or long-term mental or physical health conditions. My expertise is reflected in my Senior Accreditation with the BACP, held since 2009.

Senior Accreditation recognises therapists with advanced knowledge and considerable expertise, along with substantial experience working in complex fields of psychotherapy. It signifies completion of postgraduate education at Masters level or higher, as well as constant adherence to ethical standards.

I have been awarded by Durham University a Master of Arts (MA) in Counselling and Psychotherapy conferred with Distinction and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (accredited BACP training course). I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) and awarded by Newcastle University. I have many other Certificates pertaining to training related to my therapy practice.

I am enthusiastically committed to ongoing learning and actively engage with current research. This is reflected by my attainment of a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) awarded by Manchester University recognising my research contributions to therapeutic practice. I have worked in Academia training and supporting therapists. 

As a vastly experienced therapist I am able to integrate different therapeutic models to offer you a flexible bespoke therapy tailored to your unique needs. My therapy however is not just about theory because I believe what makes therapy work is always the relationship between you and the therapist. My therapy is founded on the importance of this therapeutic relationship, which has genuine warmth and appropriate humour. I therefore aim to foster a professional, trusting, collaborative therapy environment built on mutual respect where you feel understood and safe to express yourself openly, freely and without judgement.

Having experienced a life of hardship and adversity helps me to connect theoretical knowledge with real-life experiences, ensuring that therapy is not just based on academic theories but also informed by real life, genuine empathy and insight. This approach helps me gain an understanding of your life from your perspective therefore providing a unique, deeply empathetic form of therapeutic relationship that is the foundation for therapy.

I have a specific interest and involvement in trauma focused therapies supporting and treating those who have been adversely affected by distressing or traumatic experiences. I am an Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Europe, trained therapist and current member of EMDR (Europe). EMDR is endorsed by the NHS and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

I am also an experienced clinical Supervisor for therapists. In order to maintain and enhance my expertise, I have enrolled in an advanced specialist supervision diploma programme, certified by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), which commences in 2026.

I have worked across diverse therapy settings as a therapist, clinical lead and manager these include Government, public and private sectors, including the NHS. I have a private practice and volunteer for charitable organisations.

Our first appointment is free of charge. It is an opportunity to meet and see if working together feels right for both of us and whether embarking on therapy feels suitable for both parties.

I would like to reassure you that I understand that for many people the first appointment is the most difficult. The following sessions are usually less stressful as we get to know each other, and you become familiar with the process of our therapy.

In our first appointment, at your own pace, we will look at your difficulties and problems and discuss what you would like to achieve from therapy. At the same time, we will consider how I may be able to assist you to address your problems and improve your well-being. I can draw on my experience and competence as a therapist to offer you therapy tailored individually for you.