Annabelle Smith

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BSC, PGDip, Integrative, survivor to thriver, CBT & rewind
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Chester CH1 & Wirral CH60
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hi there and welcome

An experienced, warm, empathic counsellor working with an integrative approach as I'm as I'm a great believer one size rarely fits all. I know how difficult it can be  reaching out when struggling but I will do my best to put you at ease. 

I provide a safe and calm space where you will feel heard.  Together we will explore what has been going on in your life and look for a way forward that works better for you.

I believe strongly in what counselling has to offer and who knows if you give it a chance, it could just be life changing. 

How I work?

I work alongside you, without judgement allowing the trust to build between us. 

Being integrative means I have training and experience in a number of different therapeutic approaches which I can bring into our sessions as and when appropriate. 

Many of my past clients have experienced past abuse/trauma which can often lead onto other issues such as anxiety (including OCD), depression, low self esteem and emotional or binge eating. I am very experienced in these areas and trained to use the Survivor to Thriver programme - the only programme that provides a framework for the complex process of healing from childhood abuse and moving on with life. 

I work with adults and teenagers 14+

I offer a free initial meeting either online or by phone giving us a chance to get to know each other a little before our first session. 

Your first session

Before you first session I will send you information by email that hopefully covers everything you need to know before we meet.

During your first session we will spend some time going through the counselling agreement together. This gives us a chance to look at what you are hoping to get from our time together and gives us an opportunity to look at confidentiality.

Get in touch -

Feel free to ask me any questions you have regarding counselling if there is anything at all you are unsure of. 

Training, qualifications & experience

Experience - I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds in a variety of settings from Wirral Mind to Childline. 

I have as a result gained experience of working with wide variety of issues such as

  • Emotional Eating
  • Anxiety
  • Childhood abuse/Trauma
  • Bereavement
  • Depression/low mood
  • Self-esteem
  • Suicidal ideation, Self-harm
  • Gender
  • ADHD

I have a special interest and further training in Childhood abuse, emotional eating and anxiety(including OCD).

Training and qualifications 

I am a member of the BACP - British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists 

Bsc in Life Sciences majoring in Psychology

Level 5 cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

Level 2&3 counselling qualifications

all with CPCAB (cpcab.co.uk)

Further training 

Survivor to Thriver - the only programme that provides a framework for the complex process of healing from child abuse and moving on with life. I am trained to work both individually and in groups

Trauma focussed CBT

Level 2 safeguarding adults and young people 

Certified Rewind Technique Practitioner

self-harm, suicidal ideation training NSPCC

Gender Identity training

Eating Disorders in young people NSPCC

Eating and Attachment

As a counsellor my training is continuous to ensure I can provide the best service possible. 

Enhanced DBS

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).

Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.

Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.

All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Sexual abuse

physical abuse

emotional abuse

Fees

£50.00 - £60.00
Free initial telephone or online session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Aviva
  • Axa Health
  • BUPA
  • Health Assured

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I am in Chester both Wednesday and Thursday, day and evening. 

I am in Heswall on the Wirral Monday day and evening and Friday morning. 

I also work online

Further information

No problem too big or too small, please just get in touch and get the support you deserve

Chester, Cheshire West, CH1

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older adults
Groups
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Counselling rooms in Chester have several sets of stairs. Heswall counselling rooms are both upstairs and downstairs so easily accessible. I also do home visits.

Online platforms

Zoom

Social