Andrew Thomas, BACP

How Andrew blends approaches in online counselling

Attachment-based work focuses on patterns from early relationships and shows how those patterns affect current connections and emotional responses. It helps people understand attachment needs, manage fears of abandonment and build more supported ways of relating.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical tools to shift unhelpful thinking and behaviours. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress because it breaks problems down into manageable steps.

Somatic-informed techniques pay attention to how the body holds stress and trauma, using gentle body-focused exercises and grounding strategies to help reduce physical tension and intense reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to agree goals and then tries methods that fit those aims and preferences. That might mean starting with practical CBT tasks, then bringing in attachment or somatic practices as needed.

Online sessions offer flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues and keep a therapy rhythm similar to in-person work. Phone sessions can be a better fit when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and text messaging suit those who prefer writing between sessions or need support that fits around work or caring commitments. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent and manageable alongside everyday life.