Christopher Smith

I offer sessions between 9.00am and 8.00pm Monday to Friday and occasional weekends.

I am an experienced counsellor in SE London who has been practising for over 14 years. I generally support and help clients to overcome overwhelming emotions or difficult issues. I particularly welcome those who are apprehensive about taking that first step towards change at a difficult time in life.

Most clients who have come to engage with counselling for the first time, are pleasantly surprised after their first session and have a sense of a 'weight being lifted' as they begin to talk freely and openly, about their suffering.

I work 'integratively' which means I use the most appropriate theory and practices from a number of modalities which are described below in this listing. My personal style is down to earth and embraces empathy, compassion and the ability to explain things ...I used to be a PHSE teacher. Ultimately your wellbeing is my main priority. The room where we meet, offers a welcoming environment where I hope you will feel supported, understood and safe enough to explore your most sensitive issues.

Our work together will begin with discussing what is going on for you and what you would like to achieve in our sessions going forward. My training and continuous professional development allows me to draw upon knowledge and a range of resources to help you gain insight into how for example, your earlier experiences and deficits have impacted your current way of being. By this, I refer to the emotions, beliefs, fears, phobias, and behaviours that affect your life day to day including your relationships.

The process not only helps in dealing with specific issues but importantly promotes essential personal growth and a strong sense of identity. In understanding how shame and overwhelm can take over we can be free to take charge of life in positive ways.

As a first step, may I suggest you contact me by text, phone or email, so we can arrange a time to meet for a first session, when you are welcome to ask any other questions.

Chris Smith 

I try to be as flexible as possible..some clients feel a few sessions are sufficient whilst others prefer to take a longer approach. Most clients come once a week but I have no objection if you wish a more flexible ad hoc course if it works better for you.

I don't have a rigid approach for the first session, preferring to see what comes up organically. How we progress will vary according to your requirements and personality. It is important that you feel I am a good fit for you.