Andrea Howlett

Andrea Howlett is a trainee integrative counsellor in her final year of Level 5 counselling training at The Awareness Centre. She holds a BA in Psychology from York University, Toronto, and is a registered student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), working in accordance with its ethical framework. Andrea takes an integrative, person-centred approach to therapy, drawing on different therapeutic perspectives to meet each client’s individual needs. She aims to provide a safe, confidential and respectful space where clients can feel heard, understood and supported as they explore their experiences. Her approach is calm, grounded and pragmatic, combining warmth and empathy with an honest, steady presence as she accompanies clients through difficult times.

Andrea believes that each person’s experiences are unique and that therapy should reflect this. Rather than relying on a single method, she works collaboratively with clients, adapting her approach to their individual circumstances and what feels most helpful to them. She seeks to understand each client’s perspective with curiosity and compassion, helping them make sense of their feelings, recognise patterns in their lives and explore new ways of moving forward. Andrea values the importance of feeling accepted and understood, particularly when navigating challenges that may be difficult to express or make sense of. She offers a calm, non-judgemental space in which clients can explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace, without feeling pressured to have all the answers. Her pragmatic approach supports clients in exploring their difficulties while also recognising their strengths and identifying meaningful, manageable steps towards change.

Before training as a therapist, Andrea worked in education, supporting children’s wellbeing and inclusion. This experience gave her valuable insight into the challenges people can face when they feel misunderstood, excluded or unable to communicate what they are experiencing. It also strengthened her interest in the relationship between emotional wellbeing, self-understanding and feeling accepted by others. Andrea’s wider life experience has further informed her understanding of how stress, relationship difficulties and significant life transitions can shape the way people see themselves, relate to others and experience the world. These experiences continue to influence her therapeutic work, encouraging her to approach each client with openness, sensitivity and an appreciation of the circumstances that have shaped them. She brings genuine warmth, empathy and a grounded presence to her work, supporting clients as they navigate difficulties, develop a deeper understanding of themselves and explore what moving forward might look like for them.