Counselling | Meditation | Addiction Recovery | Depression
Meeting Point
Counselling
Are you looking for a counsellor who can really hear you well and support you to find your own solutions?
Whether you're going through personal challenges, or just want help to clarify your next move, I'm here to help. My name is Andy Travis, and I'm a transpersonal counsellor with a holistic, warm, and client-centred approach.
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Your Counsellor’s story
When I was 17, my mum became a Lifeline telephone counsellor. As she was doing her training, she would often talk to me about all the cool things she was learning. I was fascinated.
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At 18, I discovered meditation and embarked on a life-long journey to wellness and peace.
In my early 30s, a mood disorder and behavioural addictions led me to 12 Step peer-support groups. It was in that context that I started to mentor others who were beginning addiction recovery.
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In the first week of class studying for a counselling diploma, I was excited to realise that being a therapist was my calling and would become my new career. I started Meeting Point Counselling right after completing that qualification, in 2016.
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In working with you, I’d draw on 36 years of meditation practice, 16 years of 12-step addiction recovery, and 6 years of experience as a men's group facilitator. An Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Counselling, and a Diploma of Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy round out the support that I’d be privileged to offer you.
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Transpersonal Counselling
Transpersonal means transcending the ordinary sense of self. If you wished, I could guide you to access more resources than you would in 'ordinary waking state'. This can be very helpful for stored trauma or locked-in grief, which talk therapy may not resolve. So, according to your preferences, you'd be gently lead through methods like meditation; techniques to tap into your body's wisdom; and techniques to communicate with your subconscious.
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Other Therapeutic Approaches
My work with you would also include tools and insights from the following systems: Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Inner Child Work, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Non Violent Communication, and GESTALT Therapy.
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Addiction
Addiction is a complex and often debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of your life. It’s possible to be addicted to substances; to behaviours (eg gambling, work, shopping, internet & gaming, food); and to people (causing co-dependence). My empathy and tools come from my own experience in addiction recovery. We’d focus on understanding the root causes of addiction, such as trauma, and adverse childhood experiences. By addressing these in a safe and accepting space, you could create healthier coping mechanisms, and develop the tools you need to achieve long-term sobriety and emotional resilience. Here’s a step-by-step process that I would be glad to help you work through:
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1. Get support, come out of isolation.
2. Learn tools for self-responsibility.
3. Develop an individual recovery plan.
4. Develop a daily program of self-caring, self-esteem-building actions.
5. Move towards giving to yourself and others, not taking.
6. Measure your progress and be accountable – be acknowledged for incremental improvements.
7. Find freedom.
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Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health issues. They can have an enormous impact on your daily life. My counselling methods focus on providing relief through a combination of guided meditation, mindfulness, and other transpersonal techniques. You can get help to re-frame negative thought patterns, identify and challenge irrational beliefs, and build self-compassion. I would love to support you to can gain a better understanding of your emotions and to cultivate emotional regulation.
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Stress
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to burnout and emotional dis-ease. We could use a variety of stress-management techniques to help you return to calm, and a restful nervous system. I believe this is your birthright.
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Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, can cause extreme shifts in energy and behaviour. I’d provide a safe and levelling space for you, using a combination of therapeutic and transpersonal techniques. We could work together to develop healthier ways for you to respond to emotional fluctuations and impulsive behaviours. We would foster a strong alliance based on your willingness and my lived experience recovering from a mood disorder.
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Sex, Love and Relationships
Relationships are central to our well-being, yet navigating the complexities of love, sex, and intimacy can sometimes feel overwhelming. I could help you and/or your partner to talk about communication, sex and emotional intimacy. You could get tools to build stronger, more enriching relationships. Whether addressing issues related to partnership, power, trust, past trauma, love-avoidance, co-dependence or sex addiction (acting out or feeling betrayed by partner’s acting out), my goal would be to empower you to improve your relationship with yourself, and through that, your loved ones.
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Men's Mental and Emotional Health
Men's mental health often goes under-addressed, with many men feeling reluctant to seek help due to societal expectations and stigma. I’m particularly passionate about working with men to break down these barriers and encourage open conversations about mental and emotional health. I understand the challenges we men face, including societal pressures, emotional suppression, and mental health stigma. I offer a space where you can explore your inner landscape, develop emotional intelligence, and learn how to better ride the waves of life.
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You've read this far...
If you're ready to take the next step towards greater health, balance and fulfillment, feel free to contact me. We can arrange a free 15 minute phone conversation, so you can see if I'm the right counsellor for you. If your specific issues aren’t listed here, I still may be able to help, or refer you to someone who can.
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