About Dr Andy
I have a PhD, Masters degree, Diploma in Neuro-Dramatic-Play (NDP), certificates in CBT along with over 35-years of therapeutic practice in the UK and abroad. My background is in counselling, therapeutic drama, one-to-one counselling, neuro-dramatic play (NDP), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodrama, social anthropology, actionwork and creative academic assessment. I am also a published author, playwright, actor, coach, trainer, researcher and Social Theatre practitioner. I bring a broad and in-depth experience, understanding and warmth to our counselling sessions. I was awarded the International FLAME Award in 2013 for my contribution to helping people all over the UK and abroad in dealing with bullying.
As a Social Theatre Director I have worked with a wide variety of people including those within the criminal justice system, mental health institutions, local authority care, special schools and mainstream education. In addition to providing one-to-one counselling with young people, therapeutic groupwork, empowerment training and conflict resolution, I have engaged with national and local goverment on many problems relating to mental health including about the long waiting times to see a Counsellor, anti-bullying provision in schools and the use of alternative creative action methods as a way to help people engage with learning.
As a Humanistic Counsellor I am able to integrate tools and ideas from different models of theraputic approaches ie. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), TA (Transactional Analysis), P (Psychodrama), NDP (Neuro-Dramatic Play), ST (Social Theatre) etc. This means the counselling fits you instead of you fitting the counselling style.
Humanistic counselling adopts a holistic approach that focuses on free will, human potential, self-discovery and action. It aims to help you develop a strong and healthy sense of self, explore your feelings, find meaning, focus on your strengths and be able to take action.
My favourite quote is: "miracles happen when their is a dedication to change oneself". This quote reminds me of the importance of reflection in its ability to help us take action to improve our lives.
My therapeutic specialist areas are: Bullying and victimisation, Anger management, Anxiety, Cyberbullying, Depression, Prejudice and discrimination, Bereavement and loss, Family issues, Feeling sad, Fear, Identity, Internet and social media addiction, Loss of direction in life, Loneliness, Love and spirituality, Low self-confidence, Low self-esteem, Panic attacks, Passive-aggressive behaviour, Aggressive behaviour, Phobias, Relationship difficulties, Social anxiety, Change, Domestic emotional and physical abuse, Disabilities and Stress related issues.
My publications include:
- Hickson, A., Tajer, L (2022) Addressing the Issue of Teenage Pregnancy in Malaysia: Elevating Self-Love in Horizon-JHSSR Horizon J. Hum. & Soc. Sci. Res. 4 (2): 51 – 65. Available online at: Horizon
- Hickson, A., Tajer, L., Alobaedy, M., and Joo Vin, E (2022) Accessing and Delivering Online Education in The Time of COVID-19: Challenges for Visually Impaired People in Malaysia in Horizon-JHSSR Horizon J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Res. 4 (1): 63 – 71. Available online at: Horizon
- Hickson, A (2021) The Orang Asli are our future. Malaysiakini. Available online at: Malaysiakini
- Hickson, A., Tuck, A, Y., Anuar, A., Razak, A., Tam, A. (2020) Data driven communication: HELP University
- Hickson, A (2019) Pushing rubbish out of sight, out of mind. Malaysiakini. Available online at: Malaysiakini
- Hickson, A., Borges, W, G (2019) Does the stereotyping ever end? Available online at: The Sun
- Hickson, A (2017) Is Theatre of the Oppressed relevant in the digital age? Actionwork, UK.
- Hickson, A., Jennings, S (2015) Order & challenges in education & therapy: the influence of Temiar beliefs & practices. In: Malaysia's Original People (Ed) K Endicott). NUS Press: Malaysia. Available online at: NUS Press
- Hickson, A (2015) Social Theatre & Empowerment. Actionwork, UK.
- Hickson, A. (2012) How to stop bullying: 101 strategies that really work. UK: Routledge. Available online at: Routledge
- Hickson, A. (2010) Can young people develop & deliver effective creative anti-bullying strategies? PhD thesis. England: Exeter University. Available online at: Exeter University
- Hickson, A. (2009) Social theatre & action. In: Jennings, S. (ed). London, UK: Chopin Press. Dramatherapy & social theatre: similarities & differences. Ch. 11.
- Hickson, A. (2002) Pause for thought: action or stillness with young people. In: Communicating with children & adolescents: Action for change. Bannister, A. & Huntington, A. (eds) London, UK: Jessica Kingsley. Ch. 3. Available online at: Jessica Kingsley
- Hickson, A (1997) Jacques & his Master – Working with Oppression & Marginality. In: Dramatherapy Theory & Practice, Volume 3: Routledge.
- Hickson, A. (1997) The groupwork manual. Bicester, UK: Routledge. Available online at: Routledge
- Hickson, A. (1995) Creative action methods in groupwork. Bicester, UK: Speechmark. Available online at: The Library
- Hickson, A. (1995) Excite, baffle & aggrieve. In Chamberlain, Franc, eds. “Working Without Boal: Digressions & Developments in the Theatre of the Oppressed.” In: Contemporary Theatre Review. Available online: CTR
