About Me


I am Dr Andrew Maleknia CPsychol AFBPsS, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Director with over 15 years’ experience helping individuals, couples, and organisations turn challenges into opportunities for growth.


As the founder of Mind Matters More, I’ve supported thousands of adults, young people, and professionals through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, Neurodiversity, and self-esteem concerns. I draw on a wide range of approaches tailoring therapy to meet each person’s unique needs. I take a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, tailoring therapy to each person’s needs. My goal is to create a safe space where you can feel understood, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.


I also have extensive experience as a clinical supervisor, mentoring psychologists, counsellors, and health professionals with trauma-informed and culturally sensitive supervision practices.


Throughout my career, I’ve worked in NHS leadership roles, community mental health services, and specialist inpatient units, where I’ve developed therapeutic programmes, suicide prevention tools, and resilience training. I regularly partner with NHS Trusts, police forces, and private organisations to deliver workshops on wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and Neurodiversity.


I am deeply committed to mental health awareness and combine clinical expertise with a genuine belief in every person’s ability to heal, grow, and thrive.

 


My Approach to Therapy


My approach to therapy is different because I believe the most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgemental space where we can work together to explore the underlying reasons behind the challenges in your life.

I don’t come with my own agenda—my focus is entirely on helping you navigate your difficulties and supporting you in finding solutions that work for you. I see vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a strength, and I encourage openness, honesty, and compassion in every session.

I aim to be fully present with you, focusing on your story rather than trying to provide ready-made answers. By truly understanding you and the causes of your challenges, we can work collaboratively to identify the most effective steps forward.

Although I am trained in many therapeutic models, I don’t favour one over another. Every person is unique, and part of my role is discovering which approaches resonate best with you.


Compassion is at the heart of my work, helping to understand the causes of suffering in ourselves, in others, and in the human experience. Coming from a diverse background myself, I deeply value diversity and offer unconditional positive regard to everyone I work with, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, class, age, nationality, or cultural background.


With You Every Step of the Way  Therapy


 Taking the first step to see a therapist is a brave decision. It often involves acknowledging the challenges life has brought you, and it’s completely normal to feel some anxiety about making that first appointment. In fact, these feelings are often the first sign that meaningful therapeutic work is beginning.

Noticing that something isn’t quite working in your life is the first step toward finding solutions. Despite the myths that sometimes surround therapy, there is strong evidence—and countless personal stories—that show it can truly help. Therapy can support people of all ages in living happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

I offer a range of approaches to help you move forward and explore the issues that may be holding you back. These could relate to emotions, unhelpful patterns, or ways of thinking and behaving that stop you from reaching your goals or living up to your full potential. Together, we’ll work to create positive change and help you thrive.


How I Can Help


  • As an experienced counselling psychologist I can support people with a wide range of challenges, including:


  • Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing: Anxiety, panic attacks, depression, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, guilt and shame, loneliness, midlife crises, postnatal depression, suicidal thoughts, and grief or loss.


  • Behavioural & Cognitive Challenges: Addiction, anger management, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, phobias, hoarding, and sleep difficulties.


  • Neurodiversity & Assessments: ADHD and autism assessments (via trusted partners).


  • Relationships & Life Transitions: Relationship difficulties, work-related challenges, redundancy, sexual identity concerns, and other life changes.


  • Serious Mental Health Conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.


I provide a safe, non-judgemental,and, confidential space where we can explore these challenges and work together toward meaningful change and growth.


Qualifications


  • Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology       
  • MSc in Health Psychology
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling                                            
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology                                
  • Diploma in Life Coaching - Life Coaching Institute (UK & Ireland)                                               
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies                         
  • BSc (Hons) in Business Studies



Professional Memberships

 

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - Practitioner Psychologist                           
  • British Psychological Society (BPS) - Chartered Member (CPychol)   
  • British Psychological Society (BPS) - Associate Fellow (AFBPsS)
  • British Psychological Society Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors (RAPPS)


Health Insurance


I have worked for many years with the following insurance companies as an approved psychologist: