Stephanie Smith

In light of current government guidelines, face-to-face and online video (via Zoom) counselling is now available.

Do your thoughts and feelings seem to get in the way of living a meaningful life? Perhaps you're not doing things that matter to you because anxiety, depression, negative thinking stops you? This is common for all of us.

To live a meaningful life, we must be willing to experience uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and sensations. I help clients develop this willingness.

My Integrative training had led me to draw on several therapies to best address your individual needs - amongst other approaches, this includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I have experience and training working with both adults and young people (11+) on a range of issues including relationships and families, attachment and developmental trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, self-esteem and confidence, major life changes, bereavement, etc.

Working as a Counsellor gives me great satisfaction by helping clients:

· improve quality of life and gain a greater sense of identity

· learn to interact with thoughts differently, including mindfulness skills and gratitude

· fully experience their feelings rather than bury or control them

· practice acceptance of the things/events that are beyond our control

· explore values to guide life's choices and live a more meaningful life

· enjoy more enriching and successful relationships

· develop coping skills to deal with past issues or current problems, including those arising from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

I am a registered Adoption Counsellor with LINK/Barnardo's and can offer a Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) informed practice for families living with issues regarding attachment, trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs. I am currently training to become a qualified DDP Practitioner. DDP is informed by Dan Hughes' PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) and focuses on Therapeutic Parenting.

Please feel free to call or email for an informal discussion. I offer a 20 minute consultation free of charge.

In our first session, we will typically discuss what it is you want help with (the problems you are experiencing); life now; some of your history; your desired outcomes from counselling and; how we can collaboratively work together in pursing a more meaningful life.