Darren Smyth

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About me

Hi, I’m an integrative counsellor offering support to adults and young people 14+ in a way that’s down-to-earth, adaptable, and focused on what really matters to you.

You might imagine therapy as someone asking, “And how did that make you feel?” But I believe it should be much more than that. Therapy can be challenging, practical, and focused—while still offering the space to be seen, understood, and emotionally supported.

I offer a warm, collaborative space where you can talk about what’s going on—at your own pace. It’s a place where you don’t have to filter or pretend. I’ll meet you where you are and help you move toward where you want to be.

What I Can Help With

I support people with a wide range of issues including:

  • Anxiety and stress
  • Bereavement and loss
  • Identity and self-esteem
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Anger, shame or guilt
  • Low mood or depression
  • Suicide-related experiences
  • Life transitions or feeling “stuck”
  • Self harm

Sometimes therapy involves exploring past experiences and how they’re affecting you now. Other times it’s about building resilience, changing patterns, or just getting some breathing space.

My Background

I’ve worked with clients in private practice, community counselling services, and high-intensity environments like Childline (supporting young people in crisis), PIPs (supporting those impacted by suicide or trauma) And Relate (supporting relationships). These roles have taught me how to adapt my approach to what each person needs—whether that’s deep emotional work, structure and direction, or just somewhere to feel somewhat human again.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Clients often say they feel comfortable with me because I’m easy to talk to and not overly clinical. I bring a mix of compassion, curiosity, and focus to the work we do. Therapy should feel like it fits you—not something you have to fit into.

It’s okay if you’re unsure where to start. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear goal. You’re welcome to get in touch for a no-pressure initial chat.

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, relational issues with Relate NI 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

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

£35.00 - £50.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

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 enquiries for in-person counselling in Belfast and online sessions. Drop me a message to find out more.

If you feel comfortable moving forward, the first full session is £35 - this gives us time to explore your needs and see how we might work together.

After that, sessions are charged at £50 each.

Concessions offered under some circumstances and to students.

When I work

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

Belfast, County Antrim, BT15

Belfast, County Antrim, BT17

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

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

AccessNI check

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