Clare Smith

Verified Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

she/her/hers
MBACP
Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire, BD11

About me

Welcome to Empowering Horizons.

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, particularly when you are already feeling overwhelmed, uncertain or simply not quite yourself. My aim is to offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to explore whatever is bringing you to therapy.

I am a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor offering an integrative approach, primarily rooted in person-centred and existential therapy, with attachment theory informing my work. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including ACT, CBT, DBT, Transactional Analysis and Internal Family Systems, adapting our work to your individual needs rather than asking you to fit a particular model.

I work with adults who may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, overwhelm, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, life transitions, emotional difficulties or simply a feeling that something needs to change. You don't need to have a clear diagnosis or know exactly what you need before reaching out.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and compassionate. I believe you are the expert in your own experience, and my role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, understanding and honesty.

Therapy isn't about having all the answers. It can be a space to pause, understand yourself more deeply, recognise patterns, reconnect with your strengths and begin to find a way forward that feels right for you.

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

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Therapeutic Counselling from Leeds Beckett University and am a full member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

My core training is in person-centred and existential counselling, with attachment theory underpinning my understanding of how early experiences and relationships can influence our emotional wellbeing, relationships and sense of self.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Transactional Analysis (TA) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I use these approaches thoughtfully and collaboratively, adapting therapy to the individual rather than expecting clients to fit a particular model.

Alongside my private practice, I have professional experience supporting children and young people within mental health and education settings. This includes working within a Child and Adolescent Mental Health setting as part of Kirklees Keep in Mind, supporting young people with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

I have also worked within school settings, supporting young people experiencing difficulties with inclusion, engagement and emotional wellbeing.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and compassionate. I am committed to ongoing professional development and reflective practice so that my work remains ethical, thoughtful and informed by current therapeutic understanding.

I receive regular clinical supervision and practise in accordance with the ethical standards and requirements of BACP.

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

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

Additional information

My counselling fees are:

  • 50-minute counselling session - £55
  • 70-minute counselling session - £80

Sessions are currently offered online, providing a confidential and comfortable space for you to access counselling from wherever you are.

I also offer a free 20-minute initial consultation, giving us an opportunity to talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, what you are looking for and whether I may be the right counsellor for you. There is no obligation to book ongoing sessions.

I understand that accessing counselling is an important investment and that everyone's circumstances are different. Concessionary rates are available for students and those on a low income. If cost may be a barrier to accessing support, please get in touch to discuss your circumstances and what may be possible.

Payment and booking arrangements will be discussed when arranging your sessions.

When I work

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

Further information

Finding the right counsellor is important. You may be wondering whether counselling is "for you", what you should talk about or whether your difficulties are significant enough to seek support. You don't need to have the answers before getting in touch.

I offer an initial conversation where we can talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you would like support with and whether you feel I might be the right person to work with you. There is no expectation that you have everything figured out.

I aim to make therapy accessible, collaborative and tailored to the individual. Some sessions may involve having space simply to talk and feel heard, while at other times we may explore patterns, relationships, thoughts, emotions or practical strategies for managing difficult experiences.

I particularly value creating a therapeutic relationship where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. I recognise that asking for help can take courage, and I will meet you where you are.

If you are ready to take the first step, or even if you're still unsure, you are welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.

Empowering Horizons – finding your way forward, one step at a time.

Birkenshaw, West Yorkshire, BD11

Type of session

Online

Types of client

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

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams

Social