Darren Smyth

Verified Professional task_alt 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.

About me

Hi, I'm an integrative therapist working with adults, offering counselling and emotional support in a way that’s down-to-earth, flexible, and tailored to you.

My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable - somewhere safe, supportive, and free of judgment - so you can talk about what’s going on at your own pace. I believe therapy should feel like it fits you, not something you have to fit into. That’s why I work collaboratively, adapting to your needs, preferences, and what feels helpful to you.

I’ve worked in a range of settings - from supporting clients at PIPs with things like anxiety, bereavement, identity, anger, and suicide-related issues, to working as a staff counsellor at ChildLine with high-risk young people. I've also provided therapy in counselling agencies and in private practice. These experiences have helped me learn how to be flexible in my approach and meet people where they are, whatever they’re facing.

The kind of support I offer depends on what you’re going through. It might involve looking at past experiences, exploring difficult thoughts or emotions, managing stress or anxiety, working with low mood or depression, or navigating relationship or life challenges. I also help people build emotional resilience, understand themselves better, and find healthier ways to cope.

I know it’s not easy to sit with painful feelings, let alone talk about them or try to change things. That’s why I aim to offer a space where you can feel heard and supported - and when you're ready, we’ll work together toward whatever change or clarity feels most important to you.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am a professionally trained Integrative Counsellor with experience across a range of therapeutic settings. My background includes working with adults and young people in both voluntary and professional roles. I have supported clients with issues such as anxiety, bereavement, anger, identity, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts - particularly during my time at PIPs Suicide Prevention and as a staff counsellor with ChildLine (NSPCC), where I worked with high-risk young people in crisis.

My training integrates humanistic, psychodynamic, and cognitive behavioural approaches, and I tailor therapy to suit each client's unique needs and goals. I am an Accredited Registrant with the NCPS and engage in regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications and Training:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling - Ulster University
  • Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling - Ulster University
  • ChildLine Telephone & Online Counselling Training - NSPCC
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)
  • Bereavement Support Training - Relate NI
  • Safeguarding and Suicide Prevention Training

Member organisations

school 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.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£30.00 - £40.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

I offer a free 15-minute introductory phone or video call so you can ask any questions and get a sense of how I work.

 Currently taking expressions of interest for in-person counselling in Belfast. Drop me a message to find out more.

If you feel comfortable moving forward, the first full session is £30 - this gives us time to explore your needs and see how we might work together.

After that, sessions are charged at £40 each.

Concessions offered under some circumstances and to students.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

My working hours are flexible

Belfast, County Antrim, BT17

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

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

Key details

AccessNI check info

AccessNI carries out criminal records checks for individuals working in certain roles in Northern Ireland. Find out more at justice-ni.gov.uk , or contact this professional directly.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams
Zoom
Darren Smyth
Darren Smyth