Andrew Leighton , BACP

Andrew Leighton is a BACP-registered integrated psychotherapist based in the United Kingdom who prioritises creating a compassionate, empathic, and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship. He focuses on building a space where people feel heard and able to explore their experience, allowing sessions to be primarily led by the client while offering guidance to help unpack personal narratives, identify limiting beliefs, and challenge life scripts that can keep someone feeling stuck.

As an integrated practitioner he draws on a range of modalities to tailor support to each person’s needs. His training includes a Level 7 Post Graduate Diploma in Integrated Psychotherapy and specific coursework in addiction therapy, substance misuse counselling, grief and loss, existential anxiety, recovery pathways, and compassionate enquiry informed by the work of Gabor Maté. He is also trained in approaches such as Person-Centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt, Narrative therapy, and Attachment-based work.

Andrew has experience working with issues including addictions, bereavement, anxiety, depression, divorce and separation, body dysmorphia, low self-esteem and related concerns. His approach aims to combine practical tools with relational understanding so people can make meaningful changes aligned with their values. BACP indicates registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Andrew Leighton draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to shape online work that is practical and relational. ACT focuses on identifying personal values and learning flexible responses to difficult thoughts and feelings to increase psychological flexibility - it can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships to understand how those patterns affect current connections and emotional responses - it is often useful for relationship difficulties, intimacy-related concerns, and attachment issues. Client-Centered Therapy prioritises the person’s own experience, offering empathetic listening and unconditional positive regard to support self-exploration and growth, often benefiting self-esteem, grief, and adjustment issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Andrew works collaboratively with each person and licensed professionals will consider the client’s needs, goals, and preferences to determine which methods to emphasise and how to adapt them for online work.

Online sessions using video calls, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family, or other commitments. These options make it easier to access consistent support from a therapist without the need to travel, and allow therapists to match communication style and scheduling to what works best for the individual.