Trainee Counselling Psychologist
Andrew is a Counselling Psychology doctorate candidate with Roehampton University who also works as a commercial pilot with a major UK airline. Having spent most of his career as a pilot, he is transitioning to a new career in Psychology to find greater fulfilment and help make the world a less challenging place. Working as a Person-Centred Counsellor with Umid, he helps people make sense of their own lives in a caring, compassionate and non-judgemental environment. Empathic listening assists people to find solutions to the problems that life sometimes brings. He was born and raised in Ireland and then moved to the US for fourteen years before settling in Hampshire with his wife and daughter in 2012.
Six years ago, Andrew helped establish the UK’s first confidential peer support service for pilots. Since then, they have supported hundreds of pilots with mental health issues including stress, relationship problems, depression, alcoholism, anxiety, career setbacks and even fear of flying. During this time he has trained other Pilot-Peers in the counselling skills necessary for this challenging work. He has spoken extensively on this subject at Continuing Professional Development conferences for psychologists, medical doctors and counsellors and has contributed several magazine articles on mental health.
His experience helping pilots deal with mental health issues inspired Andrew to help people from all walks of life. With a First Class undergraduate degree in Psychology and completion of a Level Two Counselling Course, he is now progressing towards a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology while continuing to fly commercially. Due to his flying schedule, he may be available during the day, evenings or weekends and is happy to schedule sessions up to two months in advance, at times that suit both parties.
During counselling, Andrew's aim is to see the world as his clients see it, while together they explore options and solutions. If someone is experiencing an issue that causes concern, no matter how big or small, he would suggest considering counselling as a pathway towards resolution.