About

I am Andrea Latham, a Systemic and Family Psychotherapist and State Registered Occupational therapist with over 30 years of experience in working in the NHS with young people, adults, couples and families.

I am registered with the Association of Family and Systemic Therapy (AFST) and UKCP in addition to my Occupational Therapy registrations (BAOT & HCPC). I work as a systemic and family psychotherapist, but my core training as an OT also informs my knowledge and skill base.

 I value the importance of hearing different ideas and perspectives when working with groups of people and creating a space where people can feel safe to share differences and similarities. An important part of my work is to try to understand the cultures that may inform both an individuals’ and a family’s experience.

I have lived experience of parenting children and young adults with neurodiversity as well as experience of adoption within my family system. This, along with additional training and clinical experience, has helped me work with and support those coming to therapy who may have experienced trauma, isolation and SEND issues.

Theoretical Background

My clinical work is with children, young people, couples, groups and families,  and I draw upon systemic theory, approaches and techniques. Systemic Theory and training include many approaches and techniques such as – structural, strategic, social construction, Emotion Focussed, narrative, Attachment narrative, reflective processes, single session thinking approach and Exeter Model for couples. 

I would recommend looking at the resources on this link if you would like to know more about systemic family therapy. www.aft.org.uk/page/whatisfamilytherapy

Counselling Offered

Face to Face 

Online

Clinical Background

I worked as an Occupational Therapist across many different hospital and community settings (Kent, London, Berkshire and Dorset) following qualifying in 1996. 

I have always been passionate about connections and systems theory and subsequently completed my foundation and intermediate training in systemic practice. I worked as a systemic practitioner, in a forensic mental health team, at this time setting up and delivering family interventions. 

I then completed my Masters clinical training in systemic research and practice at Exeter University, and I have valued working in different settings including: a community CAMHS team, a day treatment service and a community eating disorder service.

I have experience of working with families who are wanting support to journey through challenges and/or mental health issues. I have worked in several settings with adults, couples and young people providing systemic and family therapy sessions. 

I have worked with couples who have come to therapy for many different reasons including: wishing to process traumatic events; wanting to build skills to strengthen their relationship; wanting to think about how they will parent during/after a separation or those who need a space to think about how they may be supporting a child or family member through a particular challenge.

I am passionate about working with people with neurodiversity and I have experience of adapting therapy to each family and attendee. I use an integrative systemic approach based on the importance of hearing everybody’s voice and experience. 

I can include the use of creative, visual or movement activities to help explore issues and ideas. This can be helpful for those who may benefit in processing their thoughts and feelings in this way.

Professional Credentials

• Professional indemnity Insurance
• Current DBS
• Registered UKCP
• Registered AFT
• Member of Dorset AFT
• Registered BAOT
• Registered HCPC
• Safeguarding level 3 trained
• Regular supervision and CPD