Andrea Croston , BACP

Andrea Croston is a BACP counsellor who supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression and relationship concerns. She works with issues such as trauma and abuse, addictions, self-esteem troubles, grief, parenting strains and identity questions including LGBT matters. Her approach aims to help people feel steadier and more able to cope day to day.

Andrea describes counselling as a shared process. She begins by listening closely to what matters to each person and uses that as the starting point for change. Sessions are practical and straightforward, focusing on small steps that can bring relief between meetings.

She bases her work on person-centred principles and combines several therapeutic tools tailored to the individual. Cognitive behavioural ideas are used to spot patterns in thoughts and behaviours. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers ways to live with difficult feelings while committing to chosen values.

Andrea has around four years' experience working in a formal counselling role and holds a Level 4 award in counselling and psychotherapy. She also notes many years of voluntary work in charity settings where she listened to and supported people through traumatic times.

People who work with her can expect a non-judgemental space and a steady, listening presence. Andrea emphasises ongoing personal and professional development and prefers to collaborate with each person to find practical strategies that fit their life.

Therapeutic approaches and online delivery

Andrea often combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred ideas in online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, and it supports choosing actions that match personal values. Client-Centred therapy focuses on listening, empathy and building a trusting relationship so people feel understood and can explore what matters.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to test what helps, adapting techniques to a person's aims and preferences. This means goals and methods are reviewed together rather than decided for the client.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to make counselling more flexible. Video works well for face-to-face conversation, phone is useful when bandwidth is limited, live chat and messaging suit shorter check-ins or when typing feels easier. These options help fit counselling around work, family or travel, and make regular contact simpler for many people.