Charlotte Brydon-Smith

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she/her
BSc (Hons) KUL; PGDip Transpersonal Psychotherapy.

About me

Hello and welcome.

Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with matters...someone you can sit with and trust. I offer a free initial chat so we can see how it feels.

Being human is complex. There’s beauty in it, and there’s loss, confusion, repetition, and pain. Most people arrive in therapy because something isn’t sitting right: a relationship pattern, a sense of stuckness, anxiety that won’t settle, old wounds that still arise.

You don’t have to arrive in a particular way. We start wherever you are.

I work in a way that is kind and clear. Warm, but thoughtful. I’m interested in how your past has shaped you, especially the coping strategies that once made sense but may now be limiting you. Together, we’ll look at what repeats in your life, how you relate to others, and how you relate to yourself.

My approach is relational and embodied. That means we pay attention not only to the stories you tell, but also to what happens underneath them, in your body, your emotions, and in the space between us. Often, the patterns we struggle with show up gently in the room, and that gives us something real to work with.

I believe therapy should increase your sense of steadiness and trust in yourself. Not just coping, but living with more coherence, where your thoughts, feelings, and actions feel less at odds with one another.

And yes, humour has a place here. Not to dismiss what’s painful, but because sometimes lightness helps us move through what feels heavy.

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

Registered / Accredited

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.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

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

UK Council for 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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

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

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

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.

The Practice Rooms, 55 Queens Square, Bristol, Somerset, BS1 4LH

The Practice Rooms, 34 Upper York Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, Somerset, BS2 8QF

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Online platforms

Zoom

Social

Charlotte Brydon-Smith
Charlotte Brydon-Smith