Deborah Smith

Hi, I'm Deb. I am a Counselling Psychotherapist,  I also hold an additional Level 5 qualification in CBT which means I have the option to be able to utilise and integrate both methodologies into my practice to best support you. I am also an Accredited EMDR UK, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) practitioner. This type of therapy is recommended for helping individuals process trauma(s). It involves Bi-lateral stimulation whilst looking at a light bar and has a high level of success. I can also offer IFS therapy for trauma.

Prior to being a Counsellor/Psychotherapist I spent over twenty years as a Police Officer, so I am able to relate to the pressures of working on the front line, and the burdens often carried by individuals within those organisations. Pressured not only by members of the public, but also from management structures within the work place. Life can be difficult enough at times, which is why you are looking at this I guess? Without bringing our work home as well.

So what exactly is Counselling and how can it help? Well......

Person centred counselling is a non-directive approach that provides therapeutic support which allows you to begin a journey of personal growth and positive change and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps you to look at troubling situations in a different way and it can be useful if you feel you suffer from anxiety or depression. EMDR is typically used for CPTSD and PTSD but also has success with OCD, Anxiety, Migraine, Pain and many other conditions.

Auricular acupuncture is centred on the ear. Placing needles in the ear can help alleviate certain pain conditions and help lower blood pressure. People who have suffered some kind of trauma in their life can typically exhibit certain physical symptoms that Dr's can find it hard to explain. As few people in the medical profession will ask about the emotional/physical/sexual trauma you may have experienced in the past. 

I offer a non-judgemental, confidential and safe place to explore your emotions and help you find what works best for you. Quite often people think there is something 'wrong' with them, but it's not what is wrong with you, it is very often what has 'happened' to you? For many this burden has been carried for years and years, but is frequently carried by the wrong person! Hopefully we can work together and put this in perspective. We can facilitate a growth and healing process together.

I am committed to working within an ethical framework and as such follow the guidelines of the professional organisations to which I belong; BACP and National Counsel of Psychotherapists.

Due to many situations I have witnessed and been involved in, my special interest lies within trauma work. It is profoundly devastating and also very workable with. There is hope, honestly! Sometimes it feels like you relive the same things over and over and over, but I have worked with many individuals with very good results.

I am also a qualified clinical supervisor, please see my Supervisor profile if you are looking for supervisor.

What Happens In The First Session?

The first session covers the Counselling Contract, Confidentiality/Privacy Statement and completion of the initial assessment. We will explore the reasons why you have sought counselling and what your expectations of our time together are.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions is up to you, it is usually 6-8 , but dependent upon the individual and the presenting issue it may be shorter or longer, but you will always dictate the pace and there is no obligation to remain with me should you decide to seek help elsewhere.

Where Does Counselling Take Place?

My counselling service takes place in a contemporary garden office space located at the rear of my property. There is a small woodland behind my house which makes for a very peaceful and tranquil setting to explore your issues.

**Due to COVID 19 A Hospital type hand sanitiser station has now been fixed to my office and all clients are respectfully requested to use it upon entering**

Please note I do not do home visits. However should the 'therapy' require utilising other public places then I am happy to do this. Sometimes clients struggle with using public transport etc.

I do have a small but extremely friendly little dog who is kept inside the house and will not cause any distractions, but please bear this in mind if you do not like dogs.

• 1st 30 minute session is FREE in order to gauge a working alliance.
• £45 is charged for all other subsequent 50/60 minute sessions.

    There are no discounts for 'block' booking sessions as I believe a client is autonomous and has the right to change their mind or counsellor at any given time and I would not want anyone to feel obligated to come because of a financial arrangement.

I am located between Leyland and Chorley approximately a 5 minute walk from the nearest bus stop on Slater Lane.

There is ample parking on the road.

**Fees in January 2022 are going up to £45 per session. Current clients and those on a waiting list will be unaffected and pay the current rate**