Andrea Bonsey

Working with me is probably pretty similar to how you would chat to me over a cup of tea. I tend to take a step away from medical diagnosing or pathologising: I am more interested in the whole you; your individual experiences and personal interpretation of your world.  My ability is to listen deeply to you, to focus on the emotions and the beliefs behind your words and actions; to kindly, gently and sometimes firmly challenge and guide you; and to provide you with ways to navigate and embrace the change you are looking for.

In brief my professional qualifications include an undergraduate degree in Social Policy (B.A Hons), from University of Sussex, England, and a Masters in Counselling (M.Ed.), from Acadia University, Nova Scotia. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.  If you are interested in a more formal list of my experience and qualifications, please check out my resume on LinkedIn.

Alongside my professional qualifications and experience, my work with you is influenced by my own journey. I am originally from the UK, and having moved countries, provinces and homes a number of times – including with children; and having experienced job loss, bereavement and the end of a long-term relationship, I have a deep understanding of some of the challenges change and transition bring.

  • I work a lot with women who are struggling with what next.  Who feel isolated, or disconnected; not truly on their own path.
  • I work a lot with men who are feeling disconnected from themselves, and from the people they care about.  Who are struggling to express themselves authentically and feel heard.
  • I work with people who are struggling with their sense of identity, who are longing for acceptance and support to be their authentic selves.

More information about me

If I work with you I will no doubt ask you what you need for a meaningful, healthy and satisfying life, and help you explore the answer.  So, it is only fair to give you some of my own answers to that question!

Some answers I have learnt about my own needs over the past few years:

I need (this is more essential than want or desire):

Solitary time – time out, to reflect, pause and breathe. My safe space.

Connection – time with the people I love and am grateful for; people in my life who ‘get me’, where I don’t need to put on any masks.

Time to play – to take a break from adult or parent role, and giggle, create, have a picnic, go camping, dance around to ‘80s pop; have a pj day.

Personal growth – opportunities to learn and develop, to find out new things, to question, analyse, contemplate, discuss.

Work that I find meaningful – it is important to me that I feel I can pay-forward, make a difference, give something back.

If you feel a connection, and if you would like to chat further please connect with me.

I currently work online or by phone with clients.


The picture of the camper van is my lime-green 1978 VW Westfalia camper van, named Pickles. Pickles, bought during a huge period of change in my life, represents adventures and travels, and all that is chirpy and fun.

© Andrea Bonsey 2022 | Website Design by Lisa McLoughlin Art