Clare Smith

Currently accepting new clients

I offer a warm, compassionate and collaborative approach to counselling, creating a space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted without judgement.

At Empowering Horizons, I work integratively, drawing primarily on person-centred and existential approaches, with attachment theory underpinning my understanding of how our experiences and relationships can shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Where appropriate, I also draw on approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems to support you in exploring what is happening for you and finding ways forward that feel meaningful and achievable.

I believe you are the expert in your own experience. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you, offering curiosity, challenge and support as we explore the things that may be holding you back.

Therapy can be a place to pause, make sense of your experiences, develop greater self-awareness and reconnect with yourself. Whether you are struggling with something specific or simply know that something needs to change, we can work together at a pace that feels right for you.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and grounded in compassion. I aim to create an environment where you can bring your whole self, including the parts that may feel difficult, confusing or hard to put into words.

At Empowering Horizons, I believe that even when the path ahead feels uncertain, you don't have to navigate it alone.

Empowering Horizons is a welcoming, inclusive counselling practice offering a safe and confidential space to explore whatever has brought you to therapy.

Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, stress, difficulties in relationships, changes in your life, challenges with identity or self-esteem, or simply a sense that you are no longer feeling like yourself. You may not have a clear understanding of what is wrong at all. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy.

I offer a non-judgemental space where you can slow down, talk openly and begin to make sense of your experiences. I work collaboratively, adapting therapy to you rather than expecting you to fit a particular model or approach.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and compassionate. I recognise that everyone has their own experiences, strengths and ways of understanding the world, and I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel respected, heard and accepted.

Sessions are a space for you. There may be times when you need to talk and be heard, and others when you want to explore patterns, develop practical strategies or gently challenge thoughts and behaviours that may no longer be serving you. We will work together to understand what you need from therapy and what progress looks like for you.

You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to seek support. Sometimes the first step is simply having somewhere safe to begin.

Our first session is an opportunity to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to counselling.

There is no expectation that you will arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about. We can take our time and start wherever feels most comfortable for you. I will invite you to share what has been happening for you, what you would like support with and what you might hope to get from therapy.

We will also talk about how counselling works, including confidentiality, boundaries and what you can expect from me as your counsellor. I will explain the practicalities of our sessions and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

I may ask some gentle assessment questions to help me understand your circumstances and ensure that counselling is appropriate and safe for you. You will never be expected to disclose anything before you feel ready.

Most importantly, the first session is also about finding out whether we feel we are a good fit. A strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective counselling, and I want you to feel comfortable, respected and able to be yourself.

There is no pressure to commit to ongoing therapy after our first session. We can discuss what you need and decide together what feels like the right next step.

If taking that first step feels daunting, that's okay. You don't have to know exactly where the journey will take you. We can start from where you are.