Andrew Reay, ACA, PACFA
Practical, narrative-informed counselling for life challenges
Details
| Name | Andrew Reay |
|---|---|
| Credentials | ACA, PACFA |
| Based in | Australia |
| Registered with | ACA, PACFA |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 16 |
About Andrew
Andrew Reay is an ACA and PACFA-accredited counsellor with 16 years of clinical experience. He works with people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, low mood or big life changes. He aims to make the first step easier and meets people where they are.
Andrew uses a narrative-informed stance alongside therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR. He combines talking therapies with practical techniques so sessions feel grounded and purposeful.
Background and approach
He prefers clear, direct conversation and focuses on small, achievable steps. People come to him for issues such as low self-esteem, difficulties from past abuse, grief after separation, or the ongoing strain of chronic illness and pain. He also supports those dealing with guilt, impulsivity, isolation, and struggles around life purpose and men’s issues.
Sessions are tailored to each person’s situation rather than a one-size-fits-all method. His background includes work with first responder issues and family of origin concerns, and he draws on broad life experience to relate to different situations. He describes his approach as respectful, non-judgemental and practical.
Clients can expect a calm, approachable manner and a focus on useful strategies. Andrew offers a mix of psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy techniques where appropriate. If someone decides to start, he works collaboratively to set goals and track progress.
He encourages people to try a few sessions and see how the approach fits their needs.
What this therapist works with
His listing names Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem among the things Andrew works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Abandonment
- Body image
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Family of origin issues
- First responder issues
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Narcissism
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in his listing among his approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Hypnotherapy: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Andrew among the ways he works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Andrew directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how he works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Andrew directly how he uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative and evidence-based methods work online
Andrew commonly draws on Narrative Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people reframe their stories and clarify values. Narrative Therapy involves talking about the stories people tell about themselves and looking for alternative narratives that reduce blame and open up options. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on accepting difficult thoughts while choosing actions that match personal values, which can help with anxiety, low mood and life transitions.He also uses Client-Centred principles in sessions, offering an accepting, non-judgemental stance so people feel heard. Finding the right approach is collaborative - the therapist will discuss options and try methods that fit the person’s needs, goals and preferences rather than imposing one style. The plan can change as work progresses.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different practical needs. Video is helpful for face-to-face interaction and reading non-verbal cues. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit into a work break. Live chat or messaging suits brief check-ins and people who prefer not to use audio. These options make it easier to fit therapy into everyday life and keep continuity when schedules are busy.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does Andrew help with?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. He also focuses on coping with life changes and related issues like guilt, isolation and body image.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Andrew uses a narrative-informed approach combined with practical therapies such as ACT and CBT. He aims for straightforward conversation and small, achievable steps each session.
What is his clinical background?
He has 16 years of experience working in counselling and psychotherapy. His practice blends talk therapy with techniques like hypnotherapy and EMDR when suitable.
Which credentials does he hold and where is he based?
He holds accreditation with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia (PACFA). His practice is based in Australia.
Can people meet with him in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be arranged as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. This gives flexibility for different schedules and communication preferences.
How are session costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Andrew are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Andrew where he has space. Ask about fees, and whether he holds a licence or registration where you live.
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