Ilona Smith

I work Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm and some evenings.

I am an integrative therapist which means I integrate different theoretical approaches to meet your unique and individual needs. Fundamentally my approach is humanistic, or person-centred, which recognises that everyone, regardless of their life experiences, can develop a deep sense of self-worth, purpose and meaning.

Life can be challenging at times which can leave us feeling emotionally distressed, anxious, disconnected and overwhelmed. I offer you a safe space to reflect on yourself whilst receiving compassion, empathy, acceptance, honesty and support. Embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery is one that takes courage, but the rewards are fruitful and can have a lasting impact on your life.

I believe that everyone, regardless of their life experiences, can heal from the challenges and traumas that life brings our way.  Difficulties such as work-related stress, relationship problems, abuse, trauma, loss, addictions, sexuality and identity issues can cause emotional distress, depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence as well as physical pain and illness. The Therapeutic relationship offers you connection, compassion and acceptance which are essential for personal growth, healing and a sense of inner calm.

I have been a qualified therapist for 15 years and have spent the last 16 years working with survivors of abuse and trauma. I am an experienced group work facilitator and spent 6 years delivering group work programmes to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I have written and delivered training to health care professionals working with trauma. I am a qualified clinical supervisor and a Mental Health Nurse. I have spent over 25 years supporting adults and children to overcome personal suffering, to heal and to develop a sense of empowerment over their own lives.

Choosing an environment for your therapy sessions that feels comfortable for you will help you to feel safe and more able engage in your therapy fully. I offer telephone, online and face to face counselling. I also offer walk and talk therapy sessions at selected locations outdoors which provides you with an opportunity to experience a deeper connection with yourself and with nature whilst being supported to explore your inner most thoughts and feelings. Cornwall provides us with a beautiful environment in which you can experience the healing powers of nature. We can walk and talk or sit in a beautiful location depending on your needs.

I work Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm and some evenings 

Supervision is an important process offering both qualified and trainee counsellors a safe space to review their practice with clients. My supervisory approach is rooted in a humanistic/person-centred perspective, but I work with a variety of approaches to suit the therapist. 

I am a qualified integrative therapist and work on the premise that one size does not fit all. I therefore see the benefit in adapting my way of working to meet the unique needs of the individual.

I am effective in supporting supervisees to develop their skills, knowledge, experience, self-belief, and ability to become increasingly reflective. I encourage and promote a climate of growth, supporting supervisees to develop their own internal supervisor and become increasingly confident in their work whilst receiving compassion, acceptance, congruence, and support.  

I have spent over 27 years supporting adults, children, and young people to overcome personal suffering, to heal from trauma and to develop a sense of empowerment over their own lives. Formerly a qualified mental health nurse, I am a qualified therapist and clinical supervisor and have spent the last 15 years working with survivors of abuse and trauma. 

I offer online, telephone, face to face and walk and talk sessions to fully qualified and student counsellors. I create a safe space for supervisee's to reflect on their practice whilst receiving compassion, acceptance, congruence and support.

I am a trauma informed practitioner and support supervisees to develop their knowledge and understanding of how to effectively work in a trauma informed way. 

I have many years experience in writing and delivering bespoke training packages for continual professional development.

I offer a free half an hour session which will help you to determine whether I am the right supervisor for you. 

I offer concessionary rates to student counsellors.