Emily Smith

Life can throw us off course, from time to time we feel confused, overwhelmed, stuck, frightened or alone. As an experienced counsellor, I offer the opportunity to talk through feelings, thoughts and worries in a safe, non-judgmental space. Sometimes it is not easy to talk to our family or friends. The counselling relationship offers a confidential, safe and consistent space to share and work through the problems we often find hard to bring up with others.

I support adults and young people who might be presenting with anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship troubles, self-harm, work-related issues, stress or burnout. For some it is difficult to put into words how they are feeling, it might simply be that they would like to feel differently. 

I have particular experience in working with carers of all ages, as well as clients who are facing a new medical diagnosis themselves or in a loved one. Along with clients who are living with a long term chronic physical or mental health condition.

As an Integrative Relational Therapist, I work with a range of counselling and therapeutic approaches. I believe that how we feel about ourselves is intertwined with our relationships with others. 

Working together our therapeutic relationship will support you as you gain insight into repeating patterns and where they are rooted. The intention being that as our work unfolds you might start to notice changes in how you are feeling and relating to those around you.

I have a keen interest in the role of story in people’s lives. How we hear about ourselves from others in the stories of our childhood or how we tell others the stories of our own relationships and experiences can act as both a scaffold but also a bind. There is a therapeutic power in language, image and metaphor.

I work in person in a Covid secure room in my garden, along with offering walk and talk sessions in one of the many outdoor spaces available close by. I also offer online and telephone sessions. 

As a member of the BACP I am bound by their requirements for continuing professional development along with their codes of ethics and good practise. My work is supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor.

Beginning counselling can feel like a big step and it is important that you find the right therapist for you. With this in mind, I offer a free 20-minute phone or Zoom consultation to every new client. 

Our first full session will include some questions on both our parts; you might want to know a little more about how I work, I will ask you what has brought you to take this first step and we could also start to explore what your hopes might be for our time together. For many clients this can take a few sessions and that is OK.

My working hours are currently Monday – Saturday. I can also accommodate early morning and evening sessions.

Each session 60 minutes and £70.

There are discounted rates for NHS employees and students