Daniel Smith

Finding a therapist can feel daunting. There are many options, and you may not yet know exactly what kind of help you are looking for - only that something does not feel quite right. I offer one-to-one psychotherapy, providing a space to understand yourself more deeply and work towards lasting change rather than short-term relief.

In our work together, we explore thoughts and feelings that may sit beneath the surface, making sense of how past experiences shape the way you relate to yourself and others today. My approach is warm, thoughtful, and grounded in curiosity about what makes you you. I work from the belief that developing a deeper understanding of our emotional world can support meaningful change, self-acceptance, and a more fulfilling life.

I specialise in open-ended psychotherapy, offering time and space for deeper exploration. Shorter-term counselling is also available where this better suits your needs. Sessions are offered in person at my consulting room in central St Albans, as well as online or by phone.

I offer a free initial telephone consultation to help you get a sense of how I work and whether therapy with me feels right for you.

I have over five years’ clinical experience, with my core training being an MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy. I am registered with both the BACP and BPC.

Alongside my private practice, I work within the NHS, providing psychotherapy in cancer and palliative care settings. This involves supporting individuals and families facing complex emotional challenges related to illness, loss, and dying, and is an area in which I have specialist experience. I have also delivered teaching and training to healthcare staff and previously held NHS psychotherapy posts in other mental health settings.

I have experience with issues that commonly arise for Chinese individuals and welcome referrals from this population. I can work with a wide range of difficulties, do reach out if you are unsure whether therapy would be helpful.

I usually work with people over an extended period, often in an open-ended way, allowing time for deeper reflection and lasting change. Where a shorter-term focus feels more appropriate, we can also work together in a time-limited format.

Sessions are available in person at my private consulting room in or remotely via online video or phone.

If you have any questions or would like to explore whether therapy might be right for you, please feel free to get in touch. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can discuss what you’re looking for and how I may be able to help.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and explore what brings you to therapy. You’re welcome to talk about whatever feels important, and it can also be a chance to get a sense of how it feels to speak with me and whether this way of working feels right for you. We can discuss any questions you might have, as well as practicalities such as session time. It’s really an initial meeting, a space to get a feel for one another and see whether this feels like the kind of therapy that could be helpful for you.