Claire Smith

I am flexible with session times and am able to offer daytime and early evening sessions Monday-Friday. 

I am currently taking on new clients. 

Hi, I work with adults, young people and children from aged 4 as well as families who are having difficulties. I am a BACP registered counsellor and Play Therapist offering face-to-face sessions to those who may be feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or simply have a feeling that they need support in their lives. 

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation of the counselling work and I offer a safe, welcoming environment which is accepting and non-judgemental.

My preferred way of working is using the person-centred approach both within counselling and Play Therapy which means that sessions are led by the individual at a pace which is comfortable for you within your own therapy process.

This may be to look at every-day life challenges or more deep-rooted difficulties that you are facing, such as trauma or patterns that have become problematic in your life. By being given a confidential and safe space, the hope is that you can explore your inner world and reach some resolution within your life. 

I work from a private, confidential space near the edge of the New Forest near Totton with access to free parking.

As well as a comfortable and relaxed environment for adults, the room is a child-friendly space with various items to use within sessions in a creative, playful manner.

Sessions are face-to-face held on a weekly basis, preferably at the same time each week, but I appreciate that some people need a level of flexibility which is accommodated where possible.

Sessions typically last 50 minutes, but when working with younger children this can sometimes prove to be too long, therefore a shorter session can be arranged on an individual basis when needed. 

I understand that deciding to start counselling for you or your child can be daunting, therefore I offer a free 30-minute consultation either in person or over the phone without further obligation.

This is an opportunity for you to see if the way I work suits you and explore what has brought you to therapy and to decide the best way forward.

The first session when working with children and young people is utilised by having a conversation with the parent/guardian to gain some further insight into the difficulties seen for the child and to gather some background information around the child and family.

If we decide to work together, then we will agree upon and arrange further session appointments.