Andrea Blair     - Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and Supervisor

I am a self-identifying autistic adult, a parent to an autistic daughter and a daughter with a diagnosis of ADHD within a neurodivergent family and have extensive experience of understanding and supporting an autistic person.

I offer both time-limited and open-ended therapy either in-person in South East London or online. As an integrative therapist I draw on a range of psychological and creative approaches to be able to tailor the therapy to your needs which may change and develop as the therapy progresses.

I have a particular professional interest in autism, holding a Certified Autism Clinical Specialist Certificate. I currently deliver training on autism and wellbeing for a national children's mental health charity. 

In addition to offering psychotherapy to neurotypical people, I specialise in working with autistic young people and adults without learning disability. This involves providing person-centred support and guidance around understanding and managing behaviours and helping you to develop new ways to help build your confidence and self-esteem.

Psychotherapy can provide you with the space to talk about how you are feeling without the fear of being judged. This space allows you to express your feelings and explore and understand what is happening in your world and what may have caused you to feel this way.

I have worked for many years supporting autistic young people and adults in a variety of roles. I offer therapy, mentoring and support to autistic individuals, their partners and family members. I draw upon my personal and professional experience to offer a person-centred approach. 

Autistic people often do not respond to standard approaches to therapy as it relies heavily on verbal approaches. I use autism-friendly techniques to enable you to fully engage, understand and benefit from the therapeutic process incorporating a range of non-verbal creative approaches encouraging the opportunity for exploration, self-awareness and building resilience. I tailor my approach to best suit your needs.

Individuals

You may be experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, social, communication or having relationship difficulties.

Therapy can help you to:

• Talk about how you are feeling, without being judged
• Understand your needs and what you want from your life
• Have quiet thinking space to process your thoughts and feelings in a safe place
• Learn coping strategies to help you manage life in a more positive way
• Learn relaxation techniques
• Explore relationships with others and with your self
• Recognise the unique insights and abilities often associated with autism

I also work with family members, siblings and partners to enable them to cope post diagnosis and to understand how to communicate effectively with their loved ones.

Parents and Carers

I can help parents and carers coming to terms with their child receiving a diagnosis of autism, helping them to understand the rewards and challenges that this brings and offer support through the Statutory Assessment and SEND processes.

Women and Girls

Autism in women and girls is something that is often overlooked and misunderstood as they can present differently, and it is important to understand the unique challenges that they face in society. 

​Autism - Supervision, Consultation & Training

• Supervision for therapists who are working with clients who have a diagnosis (or traits) of autism
• Consultancy for organisations and groups
• Bespoke training and workshops

Why use the arts?

Sometimes it can be difficult to articulate what might be the problem; to find the right words to express what you need to say or even remember. The arts offer a way of being able to process feelings in a safe and contained way. 

There is absolutely no requirement to be artistic to benefit from this way of working, and I will fully support you in finding confidence in using the materials available and respect your decision to decline. Sometimes using imagination alone is enough. 

I have a very open approach to what might be of benefit and would encourage you to bring along poetry, literature, paintings and music to our sessions for us to look at together if they have meaning for you. 

Qualifications

I have a Masters degree in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy from the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education and a B.Ed. (Hons) degree. I continue to develop my practice through regular supervision and professional training. I hold a Diploma in Creative Approaches to Supervision from the London Centre for Psychodrama and a Certificate in CBT Skills.

I also have a Diploma in Counselling Children & Adolescents and hold the UKCP Child & Adolescent Proficiency Marker for working with children and young people. I am a certified Youth Mental Health First Aider and approved Instructor. I am DBS checked and receive regular safeguarding training.

Registrations

I am registered as an Art Psychotherapist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am a member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). 

I am a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and belong to their Register which is approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. I abide by their code of ethics.