Dhiren Doshi-Smith

I currently have availability for new clients and offer weekday sessions from the morning through to early evening. I also hold a few later appointments for people working standard office hours. Just ask if you need something after work or at a time that works for you.

Sessions are available both online and in person in Loughton (IG10), so you can choose the way of working that feels most comfortable and accessible. I aim to keep my diary steady and predictable, and I communicate any planned time off well in advance so we can plan around it without disruption.

If you are Unsure whether counselling feels right, overwhelmed by the idea of starting, or just want a quick sense of whether we might fit, you’re welcome to book a short introductory call first, a gentle, no-pressure way to meet and ask questions without committing. It’s normal not to have the perfect words or a neatly packaged reason to start; you can begin wherever you are.

I work with adults on a range of concerns, including anxiety, low mood, identity questions, relationship issues, cultural pressures, neurodivergence, including ADHD, and more. Many of the people who connect with me are looking for a space that feels respectful, non-judgmental and steady, where they don’t have to explain themselves to be understood. Whatever has brought you here, you are welcome to enquire, and we’ll see if this can be the space that feels right for you.

My approach to counselling is warm, relational and grounded. I work in a person-centred way, which means our sessions are led by you and shaped around what matters most in your life. I am not here to diagnose, analyse or tell you what you should do. Instead, I offer a steady and supportive relationship where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace.

I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel genuinely heard and understood. My role is to provide a space where you do not need to perform, explain yourself repeatedly, or be anyone other than who you are. You do not need to arrive with the right words or a clear plan. We can take our time making sense of things together.

In sessions, I work with care, curiosity and honesty. I will gently reflect patterns, emotions or tensions that may be difficult to notice on your own, while always respecting your autonomy and boundaries. Alongside compassion, I value clarity and authenticity, and I aim to support you in developing a stronger connection to yourself and your needs.

I work with adults experiencing issues such as anxiety, low mood, depression, identity questions, self-esteem difficulties, relationship challenges, cultural or familial pressure, trauma, stress and neurodivergence, including ADHD. I have particular experience working with queer clients and people of colour, and I am mindful of how experiences of marginalisation can affect safety, trust and self-worth.

Therapy with me is not about fixing you. It is about creating the conditions where you can feel more like yourself, make sense of what you are carrying, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

I offer a safe, confidential and welcoming space for adults seeking support with life’s challenges. Sessions can take place in person in Loughton (IG10) in a calm and private setting, or online, so you can engage in therapy from wherever feels comfortable. My aim is to create a space that feels steady, accepting and non‑judgmental, where you can bring your full self, including uncertainty, complexity and vulnerability.

In our work together, you can expect to be listened to with care, honesty and empathy. I work collaboratively, responding to what is most pressing or important for you in the moment. Therapy is not about being fixed or performing; it is about understanding your experiences, exploring patterns, and building a stronger connection to yourself and your needs.

You do not need a clear goal or the “right” words when you start. Many clients come feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with identity, relationships, self‑worth, cultural or familial pressures, trauma, or neurodivergence such as ADHD. I also have experience supporting queer clients and people of colour, and I am mindful of the ways marginalisation can impact trust and safety in therapy.

Sessions are generally 50 minutes long, scheduled weekly or at a pace that works for you. Before starting, you are welcome to have a brief introductory call to ask questions, explore the fit, and feel confident about taking the first step. My aim is to make therapy accessible, safe, and supportive, and to hold a space where you can feel seen, heard, and respected.

Your first session with me is an opportunity to get a sense of what therapy might feel like and whether we are a good fit, rather than a commitment to ongoing sessions. It usually lasts 50 minutes, like subsequent sessions, and takes place either in person in Loughton (IG10) or online, whichever feels most comfortable for you.

During this session, we will discuss what brought you to therapy, what is most pressing for you right now, and what you hope to gain from counselling. There is no requirement to have everything figured out or a clear agenda; it’s normal to feel unsure or anxious about starting.

I may ask some brief questions to understand your background and context, and to help me provide the safest and most supportive space for you. This is purely to guide our work together and is not a formal assessment. All information shared is confidential and handled in line with professional standards.

If relevant, we will also discuss practical details such as session frequency, fees, and accessibility, so you have clarity about the process from the very start. I aim to make the first session welcoming, supportive, and informative, giving you space to explore whether counselling with me feels right for you.

Some clients find it helpful to have a short introductory call before booking the first session. This allows you to ask questions and get a feel for the way I work without pressure. The goal is for you to start therapy feeling informed, safe, and supported.