Andrew Douglas
Person-centred Counsellor
Pendulum Therapy
"Your life story is a gift, and it should be treated as one."
~ Emily V. Gordon
Welcome to Pendulum Therapy
Helping you to find balance and restore peace.
Like a pendulum, life swings between emotional highs and lows, moments of calm and intensity, or moves quickly or slowly. Therapy provides a chance to pause, reflect, and understand these shifts, helping you recognise patterns and reconnect with your centre. Much like the pendulum finding its balance, therapy can help restore steadiness, clarity, and a sense of calm amid the constant motion of life.
Seeking support takes courage, and therapy can help you to make meaningful changes in your life. As a qualified person-centred counsellor, I offer a safe and supportive space for you to be heard and understood. I work with people of all ages, from adolescents facing the challenges of growing up, to older adults navigating different life stages. As your counsellor, I'm here to help you to find the confidence to build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
“Begin your journey with a free 20-minute consultation, and let’s uncover the kind of support that feels right for you.”
A bit about me
Hello, I'm Andy
I'm a qualified person-centred counsellor, and the founder of Pendulum Therapy. I am also a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and follow their Ethical Framework to ensure safe and professional practice.
My journey into counselling grew from both a strong interest in supporting others, and my own experience of therapy. From an early age, I became aware of how a person's mental health can affect family dynamics and relationships. These early experiences have remained with me, and have helped shape the way I approach my work as a therapist today. In every session, I bring sensitivity, curiosity, and deep respect for each individual’s unique story.
I have a genuine passion for my work as a therapist, and I am deeply committed to supporting the emotional well-being of both adults and young people. I have worked alongside adolescents in school settings, offering support with challenges such as anxiety, low mood, friendship difficulties, family changes, and issues around identity and self-esteem. I have also worked with older adults ,helping them to navigate their way through a broad spectrum of difficulties. These include bereavement, loneliness, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and long-term emotional or health-related challenges.
I have come to understand how powerful it can be to have a space where you feel truly heard and accepted. This is something I value deeply, not only as a therapist, but also from my own experience of being in personal therapy.
I base my practice on the belief that each person has the capacity for growth and self-understanding when given the right conditions. My aim is to create a space where your thoughts and feelings can be explored safely, without any pressure or judgement.
I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, empathy, and honesty, supporting you to make sense of your experiences in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Education and Certifications
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Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
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Advanced Award in Counselling Skills
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Certificate in Counselling
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Transactional Analysis 101 Course in Psychotherapy
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BACP/Open University Online Counselling
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A Level Psychology
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Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Counselling
"Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to ask for help."
Why have counselling?
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it’s not always easy to make sense of what you’re going through on your own. You might not want to talk to others because you do not want to burden them, or you may simply not know where to start in sharing how you feel. Negative thoughts can feel persistent, weighing heavily on your mind. Combined with self-criticism and low self-worth, they can make it hard to see a way out, leaving you feeling stuck, frustrated, and disconnected. By exploring these feelings in a professional setting, you no longer have to carry the weight of these challenges alone. Counselling can help you find your way forward, offering support every step of the way.
What is counselling?
Counselling provides a confidential and supportive space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Taking the first step to seek support requires significant courage, and counselling can empower you to make meaningful, lasting changes in your life. This is a collaborative process, designed for you to speak openly and feel truly heard without any fear of judgement or criticism.
You are encouraged to share as much or as little as feels comfortable for you, using this time to explore what is happening in your world and what you hope to gain from our work together. My role as your therapist is to listen deeply and support you in making sense of your feelings more clearly
My approach in counselling
My approach is Person-centred counselling, which is rooted in the belief that you are the person best placed to understand your own life. This means our sessions move at your pace, focusing entirely on the issues that feel most important to you. While I provide professional guidance to help you explore your thoughts and experiences, the process is led by your needs and your unique perspective. As your therapist, my role is to offer a safe, non-judgmental, and consistent space where you can process your feelings without pressure. Rather than acting as an authority who provides answers or labels, I aim to help you build the self-awareness needed to find your own clarity and a confident way forward.
How I work
I provide both online and telephone therapy, offering flexible and accessible support that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. This allows you to access your therapy from a place that is convenient to you. I ask only that you feel comfortable and supported in a safe and confidential space, where you are free to talk openly about difficult and upsetting feelings.
Online Counselling
Online counselling offers a convenient and flexible way to access help, allowing you to attend sessions from anywhere without the need for travel. This makes it much easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, especially for those balancing work, family, or mobility commitments.
It also improves accessibility for people in remote areas, or those who find in-person appointments challenging. Being in a familiar environment can help you feel more comfortable and at ease, making it easier to open up and engage in the therapeutic process.
Additionally, online counselling provides greater choice by enabling you to connect with a therapist who truly suits your needs, regardless of location, ensuring your path to support is both private and accessible
Telephone Counselling
Telephone counselling provides a straightforward and versatile way to receive help, giving you the freedom to speak from any private space without the requirement of a camera. This approach simplifies the process of integrating sessions into your routine, particularly if you manage a demanding lifestyle or unpredictable responsibilities.
It is an excellent option for individuals with poor internet connectivity or for those who find video calls draining. Many people feel a greater sense of ease when they are not being observed, allowing them to focus deeply on their internal world.
Furthermore, the phone offers a unique layer of anonymity and comfort, providing a dependable and affordable path towards healing that requires nothing more than a reliable connection.
What issues can counselling help with?
Here are some common issues that can be supported through counselling:
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Abuse
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Addictions
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Anger
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Anxiety and depression
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Bereavement
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Health Related Issues
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Identity Issues
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Loss
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Men's Issues
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Low mood and sad feelings
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Post-traumatic stress
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Relationships
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Low Self Esteem
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Stress and Burnout
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Substance Dependency
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Trauma
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Work related stress
Frequently asked questions
Why might I come to counselling?
You may not have been feeling like yourself for some time, without fully understanding why. You might be going through a difficult or traumatic experience, or finding everyday life more challenging than usual. Counselling offers a space to process your emotions, gain clarity, and better understand what you’re going through.
How do I book a counselling session?
Please contact me via email, phone or through this website's contact page. I will reply as soon as possible to book you in for an initial free 20 minutes, no obligation phone consultation.
What happens during the initial 20 minute consultation?
The 20 minute consultation gives you the chance to share what brought you to counselling, ask any questions about the process, and explore whether you think we may potentially work well together. It’s a brief conversation designed to help you feel informed, supported, and confident about taking the next steps.
How long is a session?
Counselling sessions are 50 minutes in length. This provides enough time for us to explore your thoughts and feelings at a comfortable pace, and allowing space to reflect and gently bring the session to a close.
How often will we meet?
Sessions typically take place weekly at the start, with the option to move to fortnightly depending on your needs and availability. This can evolve over time as the work progresses. We’ll review things regularly to ensure the frequency and flow feel right for you, supporting a pace that feels both manageable and meaningful.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions we have depends on how you feel and what you’re hoping to explore. Some people find that a short-term space meets their needs, while others value longer-term support. We will check in regularly to ensure our time together continues to feel right for you, and reflect on where you feel you are on your journey.
What is the cost of counselling?
The fee per counselling session is £50. I also offer concessionary rates on an individual basis, depending on circumstances. If this would be helpful, please feel free to reach out for further information when booking. Payment is made via bank transfer, with full details provided in your therapy contract.
What is your cancellation policy?
I kindly ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged at the full session fee. Exceptions may be made in exceptional circumstances.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. Everything shared and discussed will be completely confidential. I work in line with professional and ethical standards, and nothing you share will be passed on. In the rare event that I am legally required to disclose information, or if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, this would be the exception. If this were the case, I would always try to speak with you beforehand. Confidentiality and its limits will be fully explained at the start of our work together.