Sharon De Smit

Hello, welcome to my profile! I’m passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges through compassionate and insightful counselling.  My journey into the world of counselling began with a profound interest in understanding human behaviour and a deep desire to make a positive impact.

 My counselling practice is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support to help you overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. By focusing on creating a strong therapeutic alliance and using evidence-based techniques, I aim to empower you on your journey to mental wellness. Whether you are struggling with a specific issue or seeking personal development, I am here to support you every step of the way.

As a dedicated counsellor and therapist specialising in trauma, I bring vast experience in working with clients who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse and are now facing challenges in their adult lives.  I adopt a Humanistic Integrative approach with a Pluralistic framework, incorporating various therapeutic modalities such as Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Gestalt.  This allows me to tailor my methods to best meet your individual needs and preferences.  My goal is to create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you feel supported and understood.  Together, we will work collaboratively to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.  I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship and strive to build a strong, trusting connection with each of my clients.  I understand that trauma often underpins many of the issues that bring people to counselling and psychotherapy.  Our childhood experiences profoundly impact how we feel and function as adults, with trauma manifesting in various forms such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and substances abuse.  I am here to help you work through your experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.   By exploring your past and understanding how it has shaped your present, we can work together to break free from negative patterns and learn to identify and manage triggers.  Your well-being is my top priority, and I am committed to supporting you both during and between our sessions.

For students who are seeking additional support with counselling skills practice training, I offer specialised counselling practice sessions.  I vividly remember the challenges or practising counselling skills during training.  It was tough to accept feedback from peers who were at the same level as me.  While they provided valuable insights, I often felt it wasn’t enough to truly help me improve.  This struggle inspired me to create a more supportive and effective learning environment for future counsellors.  For further details please visit my website:  https://desmitcounselling.co.uk

I provide a complimentary 10-20 introductory phone call to all new clients.  This call provides an opportunity for you to discuss your needs, ask any questions you may have about the counselling process, and determine whether we are a good fit for working together. During the initial consultation, I will listen to your concerns with empathy and without judgment.  We will discuss your goals for therapy and explore how I can best support you on your journey towards healing and personal growth.  The consultation is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of my therapeutic approach and style, ensuring that you feel comfortable and confident in our partnership.