Andrew McLay

- 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-Informed Therapist

McLay Psychotherapy and Counselling Service

As a bereavement-informed 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 MÂ鶹ԭ´´

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

Andrew McLay, Â鶹ԭ´´ Registered Therapist

 Curious if therapy could help?

My first session will be a free 30-minute discovery session to explore your goals, rather than a deep therapeutic work.

If this resonates, let's discuss what ongoing support looks like. No pressure either way.

Before our first session, I would like you to complete an assessment.

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 counselling practice, I am wholeheartedly committed to the Person-Centred approach, which focuses on empathetic understanding and personalised support to facilitate individual growth and development. This approach deeply respects and values the belief that every person possesses the natural capacity to thrive and reach their fullest potential. My highest priority is to meticulously craft a safe and nurturing environment, establishing a therapeutic bond where clients can openly share, thoughtfully reflect upon and delve into their past and present experiences. This process is enriched by attentiveness, compassion, and a deep commitment to understanding the nuances of each individual's journey.

I aim to provide a deeply compassionate and genuine service. I wholeheartedly recognise that each individual is navigating their unique life journey, and I prioritise establishing a secure, confidential, and empathetic space to support individuals during challenging periods. My unwavering commitment acknowledges the daunting and transformative dimensions of the counselling process, offering hope and motivation.

A pivotal aspect of my approach involves empowering individuals to progress at their own pace and discover their solutions. While delving into our past experiences is valuable, I equally emphasise addressing the here-and-now moment when individuals are grappling with feelings of concern, anxiety, stress, sadness, or grief.

Respecting the diverse stages of your journey is a cornerstone of my counselling philosophy. I deeply respect each person's unique path and place the power in your hands, allowing you to set the pace and depth of your sessions. I am here to facilitate and support you at every step, making you feel valued and understood.

Our first session can be arranged in a way that suits you best-whether it's by telephone, email, or text. We will agree on a mutually convenient time, daytime or evening, to ensure your comfort and convenience.

Online: I will email you a Zoom link just before the session time and invite you to our meeting.

Telephone: I will call you at the start time of the agreed session.

Face to Face: When you arrive at the venue, ring the bell, and you will be given access to the reception area.