Hayley Barker-Smith

You may find yourself facing many challenges at various times in your life. Sometimes feeling shame or afraid to speak up, struggle with low self-esteem or confidence issues, feeling stuck or like you are living in a dark place with no sense of how or where to find the light. 

I offer 1:1 personalised psychotherapy as well as therapy focused Breathwork on-line and in person.

My sessions offer a compassionate person-centred space for transformation with an embodied (somatic), process-oriented approach. This means focusing on the mind/body connection, suppressed emotions, presence (the here and now), your felt sense, mindfulness, and imagery to support deep emotional healing.

My intention is to support you to understand your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences as valid responses to your previous and current experience so that you can feel empowered, heard, and begin to heal.

I am a graduate of the Red School Menstruality Leadership programme. I have lived experience and specialise in PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) & ADHD and as a public speaker I am passionate about supporting anyone facing these challenges.

I have accumulated years of experience and knowledge in providing high-quality psychotherapy for a large variety of psychological difficulties, including but not limited to:

ADHD
PMDD
Relational issues 
Narcissistic abuse
Co-dependency
Anxiety 
Depression
Self-harm
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Coercive and controlling relationships
Childhood trauma
Bereavement
Shame and worthlessness
Suicidal ideation

My intention is to support you to understand your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences as valid responses to your previous and current experience so that you can feel empowered, heard, and begin to heal.

­My Experience

I graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy (working with adults), and a DipHE in Person-Centred Counselling Children & Adolescents.

I spent many years working as a bereavement counsellor and also trained and worked with the Woman’s Trust helping women of all ages experiencing domestic abuse, overcome emotional and mental harm from narcissistic abuse, coercive and controlling relationships, co-dependency, sexual violence, and all forms of abuse. I know and understand the different ways abuse can impact individuals and their sense of self - anxiety and depression, trauma, suicidal feelings, self-loathing, shame, and worthlessness. 

How I work

Processing deeply held loss, grief or trauma in therapy can be both painful and life changing. You will go at your own pace and share what only feels right for you, as YOU are the expert of YOU.  

I have a deeply empathic person-centred approach and give you the time and space to express your feelings and discuss your experiences openly, in your own words and in your own time. I will work sensitively with you as a compassionate witness to your story; without judgement, and with unconditional acceptance.

Mind & Body (Somatic experience) 

With a VTCT diploma in complementary therapies and background as an energy practitioner, I offer a very calming space where you are treated with sensitivity and respect. 

Conscious Connected Breathwork

My breathwork journey began over 20 years ago, something which changed my life and set me on my spiritual pathway and healing journey. I am a fully qualified Breathwork facilitator working with clients on a 1-2-1 basis and in groups in Leigh-on-Sea and Chelmsford.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness

I am a graduate of the Red School Menstruality Leadership Program and a member of their Cyclical Business Circle. My life's work has been centred around healing my own trauma held within my cycle (PMDD). I live my life around the seasons of my cycle and MCA (menstrual cycle awareness).

Certified ADHD Practitioner 

I trained on the UKs highest ADHD certification program with one of the country’s leading experts, Kim Raine – Author of Square Pegs. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and understand the impact living undiagnosed or misdiagnosed has on a person's quality of life and sense of self.

I support those undiagnosed, self-diagnosed, diagnosed or awaiting diagnosis and I can ease the distress for those lost in the system potentially in crisis without support.  

Public Speaking (Trained with Catherine Sandland)

I have presented several online workshops and at in person conferences with SeedTalks and Online Events: 

PMDD & ADHD – How to Find your Sanity - Online Events Working with Neurodiversity Conference October 2024

Breathwork – the Calm in the Storm – SeedTalks: The ADHD & Women Summit (London) September 2024

Breathwork – the Calm in the Storm – SeedTalks: The ADHD & Women Summit (Bristol) September 2024

Breathwork – the Calm in the Storm - SeedTalks: The ADHD Summit (London) January 2025

ADHD & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – SeedTalks: Online workshop March 2025

ADHD & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – SeedTalks: Online workshop August 2025

ADHD wholeness - SeedTalks: The Holistic ADHD Summit (Glasgow) October 2025

ADHD wholeness - SeedTalks: The ADHD & Women Summit (London) November 2025

ADHD wholeness - SeedTalks: The Holistic ADHD Summit (Manchester) November 2025

How to live authentically for Women with ADHD – 6 week live online group programme November 2025

Where you can find me

I work from a cosy, comfortable and welcoming counselling practice in a peaceful location in the Billericay / Stock / Ingatestone area. 

There is free parking right outside, communal toilet facilities and I am centrally located within easy reach of Billericay, Chelmsford, Galleywood, Wickford, Basildon, Noak Bridge, Langdon Hills, Shenfield, Margaretting, Hutton, Great Baddow, The Hanningfields, Ramsden Heath and Downham.

You can  also visit me at the Moulsham Mill in Chelmsford, Life House Therapy in Leigh-on-Sea or online from the comfort of your own home.

My Fees

My current psychotherapy session fee is £70 per therapeutic hour (50 minutes). 

My current Breathwork session fee is £120 per 90 minutes.

I offer a limited number of concessionary rate spaces, which you are welcome to enquire about.

​I am happy to offer a brief chat (maximum 15 minutes, fee-free) via Zoom or telephone if you would prefer to speak with me prior to booking your first paid session.

• Menstrual Cycle Awareness
• Menstrual Health
• Mother/Daughter Attachment
• Women's Power Circles Facilitator

My current session fee is £70 per therapeutic hour (50 minutes). 

My rate for Breathwork is £120 (90 minutes)

​I am happy to offer a brief chat (maximum 15 minutes, fee-free) via Zoom or telephone if you would prefer to speak with me prior to booking your first paid session.