Alan Smithson

With over ten years’ experience, I am an integrative psychotherapist and counsellor, alongside my work as a lecturer, trainer, and clinical supervisor. I specialise in working with children, young people, and adults, with particular expertise in trauma, OCD, anxiety, and autism.

My work takes an integrative approach, blending humanistic and psychodynamic ways of working, with tailored cognitive-behavioural tools used where they are genuinely helpful. This allows me to work both with immediate difficulties and with the deeper emotional and relational patterns that often sit beneath them, without relying on a one-size-fits-all model.

I have extensive experience working with neurodivergence (including autism), OCD, gender diversity, anger, panic attacks, sleep difficulties, and emotional regulation. A significant part of my practice involves working with young people under 25, as well as adults who feel stuck in long-standing cycles of distress, compulsive behaviour, or self-criticism.

Where appropriate, I incorporate structured approaches alongside relational work, including the Rewind technique for trauma. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, tailored therapeutic space where people can explore their experiences, understand themselves more clearly, and develop ways of coping that feel realistic, effective, and sustainable.

Sessions are usually weekly and last 50 minutes. We work at a pace that feels manageable, with attention to both what feels most pressing and what tends to sit underneath it. You do not need to arrive with clear answers. Part of the work is making sense of things together.

Therapy may involve talking through current difficulties, noticing emotional and physical responses, and exploring patterns that repeat in relationships, thoughts, or behaviour. Where it is helpful, we may agree clear areas of focus or try out practical strategies between sessions, particularly when anxiety, compulsive urges, or emotional overwhelm are involved.

I aim to work in a way that is steady and direct. I will reflect back what I notice, ask questions to deepen understanding, and, where useful, offer explanations so the work feels transparent rather than mysterious.

The focus is not on quick fixes, but on helping you develop understanding, stability, and tools that you can take into everyday life. Therapy is collaborative, and we review the work together to ensure it remains useful and appropriately paced.

Whatever you’re going through, I’m listening. I’m not here to judge you or tell you what to do, but to help you make sense of what’s been difficult.

The first session is an opportunity for us to talk through what has brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping might change or become easier. We’ll look at what feels most pressing right now, alongside any relevant background that may help me understand your situation.

This session includes an initial assessment to help shape our work going forward. This isn’t about diagnosis or labels, but about understanding your needs and how therapy might be most useful for you.

I’ll also explain how I work, answer any questions you may have, and cover practical matters such as confidentiality and boundaries. My aim is that you leave the first session feeling heard, clearer about the process, and able to decide whether this feels like the right space for you.

I currently offer supervision on a limited basis. Tuesdays are not available.

Supervision is usually arranged on a fortnightly, monthly, or bi-monthly basis, in line with BACP guidance and the supervisee’s workload and requirements.

My typical working hours are 9:15am to 6:30pm.

In-person supervision is usually available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Online supervision is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Availability may vary, so please contact me to discuss current openings and suitable times.

Any planned periods of leave will be communicated in advance and alternative arrangements discussed where appropriate.

I am an integrative psychotherapist, supervisor and lecturer with over ten years’ experience in practice, specialising in CYP, Autism, OCD, and Trauma.

My supervision is theory-informed and relational, with a strong interest in psychoeducation and the clear application of theory to clinical work.

I work within the Inskipp and Proctor model, attending to the formative, normative, and restorative functions of supervision. This provides a reliable structure while allowing flexibility in response to the supervisee’s experience, setting, and client group.

My approach is grounded in a person-centred ethos and draws primarily on psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural perspectives. I use theory actively and pragmatically to support formulation, ethical decision-making, and understanding of the therapeutic relationship, always in service of the work rather than as an academic exercise.

I aim to offer supervision that is containing, collaborative, and appropriately challenging, supporting supervisees to think clearly, work ethically, and develop confidence and resilience in their practice.

Supervision with me offers a reflective, structured space to think about clinical work, professional responsibilities, and the personal impact of therapeutic practice. Sessions are tailored to the supervisee’s level of experience, workload, and context, rather than following a rigid format.

I have particular experience supporting work with adolescents and adults, with a strong focus on neurodivergence, including autism, alongside trauma, anxiety, OCD, anger, and identity-related issues. I also support supervisees navigating transitions within the counselling profession, including trainees, newly qualified practitioners, and those taking on more complex work.

Drawing on my teaching background, I regularly introduce relevant theory, models, and frameworks to help clarify clinical process and strengthen practice. This often supports supervisees to develop clearer formulations, greater confidence in decision-making, and a more integrated understanding of their work.

Alongside attention to clinical material, supervision includes consideration of ethical and safeguarding responsibilities, boundaries, and the emotional demands of the role. I aim to provide a non-shaming, thoughtful space where uncertainty can be explored safely.

The first supervision session is an opportunity to establish a clear and collaborative foundation for our work together. We will discuss your professional context, experience level, client group, and what you are hoping to gain from supervision.

This session includes an overview of how I work within the Inskipp and Proctor model, as well as discussion of expectations, boundaries, ethical responsibilities, and practical arrangements. Where helpful, we may also begin to explore current clinical material.

I may ask you to complete brief preparatory information in advance to ensure supervision is tailored to your setting and requirements. This is not an assessment of competence, but a way of ensuring supervision is supportive, relevant, and fit for purpose.

My aim is that you leave the first session feeling clear about the framework we are using, confident in the supervision relationship, and supported in bringing your work openly and thoughtfully.