Claudia Smith

I offer a safe, non judgemental, empathetic space both online and in person to explore thoughts and feelings, working collaboratively to find a way forward to feel better and enjoy life. 

I work as an integrative counsellor.  For me this means I tailor my counselling approach dependent on the issues you bring, how I feel I can best help you, alongside discussing how you would like us to work together.  I use an integration of the principles of person centred, psychodynamic and CBT. 

I work both in person and online.  Monday, Tuesday & Friday I work online using Zoom. On Wednesday I work from the Westway Clinic offering in person sessions.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and see if we are a good fit to work together on the issues that are concerning you.

The session enables me to begin to understand:

• the issue you'd like help or support with
• your current wellbeing practices e.g. sleep, diet, exercise, social network, how you relax, work-life balance.

I will usually ask you to tell me a bit about your family and close relationships, work and anything that feels important to you e.g. significant events that have impacted you either from the past or more recently.

I will ask about whether you have visited your GP or reached out to other professionals.

I'll ask about your hopes for counselling and how you will know if it has been helpful to come along.

We'll also discuss if you do decide to work with me, when we will meet, how often and agree the time.  I usually work with people weekly or fortnightly. 

There is no obligation to work with me.  If either of us feel we're not a good fit, I will help to sign post you to other professionals.