Denise Smith

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MBACP Lv 4 CPCAB Integrative Counselling

About me

Through my personal counselling experience and my client work, I have seen first-hand just how effective talking to the right therapist can help.

Neurodiversity is a particular area of interest within my practice, and I regularly work with clients with ADHD and autism, as well as people working in high-pressure professions such as policing, emergency services and other demanding roles. I understand the unique challenges that can come with navigating stress, responsibility, identity and relationships in these environments.

A significant part of my career has also been spent supporting young people aged 15–25 and their families, including many who identify as neurodivergent or LGBTQ+. I help young people and parents better understand one another, improve communication and navigate the challenges that can arise as independence grows.​

I am an Integrative Counsellor, this allows me to tailor therapy to your individual needs. Together we'll develop greater self-awareness, challenge unhelpful patterns, and where suitable, build practical tools that support you beyond the therapy room.

Am I right counsellor for you? 

My work is grounded in a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a space where you can feel heard and safe enough to be honest about what's really going on, as these are the foundations from which meaningful change and healing can emerge. ​ 

Therapy with me isn't about sitting in silence while someone asks, "How does that make you feel?" It's about understanding why you think, feel and respond the way you do, separating who you are from what's been shaped by life experiences and expectations, and where suitable, developing practical tools to help you move forward.

I work from a discreet location in Lightwater, providing office based or walk and talk sessions, a gentle alternative to traditional indoor counselling.

For neurodivergent clients, walk and talk can be particularly supportive. The movement, fresh air, and sensory elements of the natural environment can help with regulation and processing emotions. It can also reduce the pressure of eye contact and traditional social cues.

What to expect

Many people come to counselling unsure of what to expect. I offer a complimentary exploratory call, (usually around 15–20 minutes) where we can talk about what’s bringing you to counselling, what you might like to get from it, and how I work. It’s a great opportunity for you to ask any questions and decide whether you feel comfortable working together, there’s no obligation to book after this call.

If you feel I’m the right counsellor for you, we can begin with a 50-minute session, and take it from there. Most clients benefit from weekly sessions, some are short term, 6-8 weeks, some are longer term pending their need. Your journey will unfold at its own pace, and we’ll take time to regularly review your progress. 

Training, qualifications & experience

  • CPCAB Level 4 Integrative Counselling
  • 2 years working with 16-25 years olds
  • Experience with neurodivergent clients. I am a neurodiversity advocate with a strong awareness of the nuances of Autism and ADHD, allowing me to adapt my therapeutic approach to meet the diverse needs of each client.
  • Experience with LGBTQ+ clients
  • NCFE qualification in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's)

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

Fees

£55.00 per session

Additional information

I offer a discount to counsellors in training, emergency services and armed forces personnel.

Further information

How I deliver therapy
Long-term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Outdoor therapy, Short-term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Single session therapy (SST), Time-limited

Camberley, Surrey, GU15

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Families
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

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

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