“The self is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action.”
— John Dewey
I’m Andrew Wilton, clinical social worker & psychotherapist in Buffalo.
I know what it’s like to have felt anxious, confused, and uncertain of the future. Sometimes we feel stuck because there seem to be no good options for moving forward. Other times, it might be seemingly limitless possibilities that immobilize us. Whatever the situation, life change can bring heavy emotions and consuming thoughts.
As it turns out, emotions and thoughts are human things. This is a safe space to honestly and openly process anxieties, fears, and struggles. We’ll work through these experiences in collaborative and accepting conversation free from stigma and blame.
I’ll help you recognize resources and opportunities in yourself and your environment, identify what adds value in your life, and intentionally choose meaningful actions to take on what lies ahead.
We have more strength than we know.
As a young aspiring architect, I was surrounded by close friends and family in the helping professions. I became increasingly aware of the most important parts of the built environment — the people and relationships that fill it. Curiosity about our interactions within social, natural, and structural spaces has been carried throughout my career and informs how I contextualize human stories.
I believe therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth. I look forward to walking with you on your journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step, give me a call.
Experience matters.
When finding a good-fit therapist, you’ll want someone experienced and well-qualified. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credentialed to practice psychotherapy in New York State and Vermont. I earned a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with high distinction from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. Before opening this practice, I served as a social worker in community-based outpatient mental health, community outreach, person-centered peer counseling, school-based counseling and consultation, case management, and social research. I have a diverse teaching history, including community and anti-stigma education, professional mentoring, field education, internship supervision, and university professorship at the graduate and undergraduate levels. My insights have been offered as an expert contributor with Marriage.com and the Anxiety Relief Project. I have post-graduate training in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), behavioral activation (BA), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), person-centered therapy (also known as client-centered or Rogerian therapy), existential-humanistic integrative therapy, trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and more. My most valuable and continuous learning, however, emerges in partnership with those whose lives I am privileged to enter each day.
I believe therapy should be real.
We know about 30 percent of what makes therapy helpful has to do with a high quality relationship between you and your therapist. I see this relationship as the cornerstone of the helping process and can promise to approach our sessions with reciprocal genuineness and honesty. This unique kind of relationship should be professional, supportive, trusting, transparent, and targeted toward what is most important to you.
I’ve had the honor of supporting over one thousand individuals in my career, ranging in age from 3 to 101 years. When I’m not in the therapy room, I enjoy music, the outdoors, cooking good food, restoring vintage furniture, and quality time with friends and family. These things and more add value in my life.
Let’s make time to find what adds value in yours…
Are you ready to meet?
Reach out for your free 15 minute consultation.
It can be difficult to seek support during challenging times. I hope to make that process safe and welcoming. Reach out today for a free 15 minute phone consultation. You can share a bit about what you’re facing and I’ll share a bit about how I can help.