Be Heard, Gain Insight, and Change
Anxiety, addiction and relationship specialist in Crouch End
Feeling Overwhelmed, Stuck, or Worn Down by Dread or Anxiety?
If you are struggling with ongoing worry, panic, compulsive habits, or relationship difficulties, you are not alone.
Many people come to therapy feeling exhausted by their thoughts, unsure why things have not improved, or quietly fearing that something is wrong with them.
Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist in Crouch End
I’m Andrew Martin, an accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over 21 years of experience, based in Crouch End (N8) North London.
I specialise in working with people who feel caught in ongoing anxiety, worry, dread, or a persistent sense that something is not quite right. This includes anxiety disorders such as social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, and other long standing patterns of fear and worry.
I also work extensively with addiction and compulsive behaviours, and with relationship difficulties for individuals and couples.
My approach is calm, supportive, and practical. I help people understand what is keeping them stuck, while gently building the skills and confidence needed to feel more grounded and in control again. Therapy with me is about taking the time to understand what you are carrying, whether that is anxiety, sadness, or something harder to name, and gently supporting the kind of change that helps things begin to feel different, not just talked about.
My Approach to Counselling
The best counselling works when the approach matches your needs and goals, whether you want to explore the past or focus on practical solutions.
My integrative approach combines evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), delivered in a supportive and collaborative style.
I specialise in helping people manage anxiety disorders, overcome addictive or compulsive behaviours, and work through relationship difficulties. My practice is based in Crouch End (N8), and I also work with many clients from the nearby Muswell Hill (N10) area. My goal is to provide counselling and psychotherapy that gives you both insight and practical tools to make lasting changes.
Click here to learn more about my qualifications and experience.
What To Expect
Your first counselling session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and to explore what has brought you here. We might talk about the difficulties you are facing, such as anxiety, stress, OCD, health anxiety, panic attacks, or relationship challenges. This is also a chance for you to ask me questions about the counselling process, and I will explain everything as clearly as possible.
I will outline important aspects such as confidentiality, my approach to therapy, and what working together might look like. By the end of the session, you should have a good sense of whether you feel comfortable with me and whether you’d like to continue.
From my side, I will listen carefully, begin to understand your concerns, and share initial thoughts on the therapeutic direction I recommend. If we both feel there is a good fit, we can agree on a regular weekly session. These sessions are your dedicated time, giving you consistency and space to focus on change.
Counselling sessions usually last 50 minutes and take place at The Vale Practice in Crouch End (N8). I also work with many clients from Muswell Hill (N10), Highgate, and across North London, and my goal is to provide a space where you can make lasting changes.
What do you need help with?
I specialise in counselling for anxiety disorders, addictive behaviours, and relationship difficulties. Many people come to me for help with issues such as OCD, health anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, stress, or alcohol use. Others want support with relationship problems, whether as an individual or as part of a couple.
You can click on any of the topics below to read more about how I work with these difficulties and the types of therapy that may help.
I’m always happy to answer questions, so please feel free to contact me.
Private Healthcare Insurance
I am a registered provider with many of the leading private healthcare organisations. If you have private health insurance that covers counselling, psychotherapy, or addiction counselling, you may find that they will pay for some of the cost of seeing me.
I am a registered provider with Aviva Healthcare, Cigna Healthcare, WPA, and Vitality Health.
If your healthcare provider isn't mentioned above, it's still likely they may cover your treatment. Please feel free to email me so we can discuss it further. Unfortunately, I do not work with patients insured by Axa PPP or BUPA. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Article: Group Therapy for Anxiety
If you are struggling with anxiety, you may have considered one-to-one therapy. Group therapy can feel like a very different idea, and sometimes a daunting one. However, in reality, it is one of the most effective and supportive ways of working with anxiety.
Group therapy brings together a small number of people who are experiencing similar difficulties. This might include general anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic, or patterns of avoidance. The group meets regularly in a structured and supportive setting, led by a therapist.
You Are Not Alone in This
One of the most important benefits of group work is that you are not dealing with things alone. Many people with anxiety feel isolated, or believe that their struggles are unique or difficult for others to understand. Being in a group can quickly challenge that.
Hearing others describe similar thoughts, fears, and patterns can be both reassuring and grounding. It often helps people feel less alone and less "stuck." It also helps reduce feelings of shame about what can sometimes feel like a weakness.
Learning Through Others Experience
There is also something powerful about seeing how other people approach similar difficulties. You may notice how others begin to face situations they would normally avoid, or speak more openly about what they are experiencing. This can gently encourage change in a way that feels natural and less pressured.
Individual therapy can be expensive, particularly over the longer term. For anxiety, it is helpful to have ongoing support to allow space for meaningful change. Group therapy offers a more affordable option, making longer-term support more accessible.
A Practical and Supportive Approach to Anxiety
In my groups, I draw on approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The focus is not simply on reducing anxiety, but on helping you respond to it differently. The work is practical and focused on helping you move towards your values and achieve what matters to you.
Anxiety often leads people to avoid situations, thoughts, or feelings that are uncomfortable. While this can bring short-term relief, it tends to keep the problem going. In group work, we focus on gradually building the ability to face these situations, while developing a different relationship with anxious thoughts and feelings. The aim is to help you move towards the things that matter to you, even when anxiety is present.
Group therapy is not about being put on the spot or forced to speak. You can take part at your own pace. Many people begin by listening and gradually find it easier to contribute as they feel more comfortable. Over time, people often report feeling more confident, more connected, and better able to manage anxiety in their day-to-day lives.
If you are curious about whether group therapy might be a good fit for you, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss this further. You can also click here to complete an online referral form and refer yourself directly to my anxiety group.
Client's Experience
Therapy offers a space to better understand yourself and your emotional responses. It can help you to recognise patterns in your relationships, make sense of past experiences, and find new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Clinic Locations
Crouch End N8
Parking in Crouch End
For counselling or psychotherapy in Crouch End, North London, there is free parking most of the day with some exceptions. Try to leave an extra ten minutes just in case it is hard to get a space.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment.
This gives us a chance to discuss what has brought you to counselling, whether it may be helpful for you, and whether I am the right therapist to support you.
All enquiries are treated in the strictest confidence and handled securely. I will respond to your message as soon as I am able.