Charlotte Brydon-Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
My approach: Clear, Authentic, Direct and Compassionate. Therapy with me is about showing up as thoroughly as you can. In this space, you can be as authentic as you dare, knowing that every part of you is welcomed without judgment. We’ll build a relationship that allows us to go deep or stay on the surface, exploring the struggles and the parts of you that show up. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for change. Through our work, we’ll uncover patterns that no longer serve you and explore what truly matters to you.
As a New Zealander with ADHD and a queer identity, I bring a unique perspective to therapy that embraces authenticity and depth. I offer depth and lightness, often weaving humour to shift perspectives and ease tension. Therapy can be enriching, energising, and even exciting.
With my background in Chinese medicine, Five Element acupuncture, and body-based psychotherapy, I offer a holistic approach to your emotional, physical, and relational well-being. Therapy with me is relational and collaborative; our connection is central to the healing process. Open emotional expression and mutual influence will create a safe space for growth.
Together, we’ll work through what’s working well, identify what feels stuck, and explore how past and present relationships influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. My goal is to help you explore the protective behaviours you've developed and guide you toward new ways of responding, growing, and shifting. I draw on diverse influences—including trauma-informed care, somatic practices, psychology, and creative perspectives—to provide a well-rounded approach to your challenges.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it’s an act of self-love. Our work will focus on what matters most to you, at the right pace. I’m here to offer thoughtful, collaborative support to help you navigate life’s challenges and move toward clarity, understanding, and meaningful change.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a UKCP-registered, Karuna-trained psychotherapist with a Level 7 qualification, and I have completed over five years of in-depth training. I have over 25 years of experience working therapeutically with clients across various fields, including acupuncture, nursing, counselling, support, mentor, educator, trustee and youth work. The psychotherapy process has been the most essential part of my professional growth, offering a valuable way to understand our inner lives and the world around us.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have a general psychotherapy practice, working with various issues, believing every client’s journey is unique. While I don't specialise in any one area, I tailor my approach to meet each individual’s needs, drawing on my diverse experience to support their personal growth and healing.
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Concessions offered for
When I work
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Further information
I draw from my diverse background as an acupuncturist, mentor, psychotherapist, and group facilitator to offer a holistic approach to therapy. My experience spans over 25 years, during which I have worked in various therapeutic roles, including leading crisis response teams, such as the Sri Lanka tsunami relief in 2005, and supporting vulnerable populations through youth work and community health.
As a psychotherapist, I value using humour to reveal underlying emotions and unspoken truths while acknowledging how it can conceal vulnerabilities. We can safely approach complex subjects through humour while gradually uncovering what lies beneath the surface.
I believe therapy is a space where we can connect deeply with our authentic selves, supported by a genuine and trusting relationship. My approach is informed not only by my formal training but also by my personal experiences navigating complex life transitions, such as separation, motherhood, sexuality and periods of vulnerability like menopause. These experiences enable me to bring empathy and insight into the challenges of change and resilience.
My work is trauma-informed, with a particular emphasis on the bodily aspects of therapy. I understand that trauma is often held in the body, and I use body-based practices and somatic awareness to help clients access, understand, and release stored emotions. My training in Five Element acupuncture also adds depth to my understanding of how emotional and physical health are intertwined, allowing me to view well-being through a wider lens.
In addition to one-on-one therapy, I have extensive experience leading workshops and guiding reflective practice for other practitioners. I am passionate about integrating creativity and playfulness into learning environments, as demonstrated by my work developing interactive Five Element play corners at the college where I teach. I also bring my experience as a clinical supervisor and educator to my work, mentoring new practitioners and fostering their growth.
Whether you are facing a difficult life transition, seeking to understand and heal trauma, or simply looking to reconnect with your sense of aliveness, I am here to support you. I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that honours both the challenges and the beauty of being human, and I am honoured to be a part of that process.
