Hayley Barker-Smith

I help people to find their way in life with clarity and hope. 

Every trauma tells a story that has not been truly heard, leaving the core self raw and invalidated and keeping you small. 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 am a highly experienced Person-Centred Psychotherapist registered with the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), Breathwork Facilitator and Accredited ADHD Practitioner. I work with adults and adolescents who are looking for mental and emotional health support with trauma including: -

• ADHD
• 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 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, codependency, 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. I am very in tune with the mind/body connection, and I work very much with the sensations and emotions that are stuck in the body, presence (the here and now), your felt sense, energy, grounding, and imagery.

I work with a deep mind, body and spirit approach which: -

•       Opens the client’s awareness. 

•       Helps them see life through a different lens.

•       Gives them freedom to be themselves.

•       Encourages them to listen to their bodies 

•       Allows them to find their voice.

•       Supports them to release fear (False Evidence Appearing Real). 

•       Teaches them to live and breathe their truth.

Conscious Connected Breathwork

My breathwork journey began 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 an Chelmsford.

Menstrual Cycle Awareness

I am a graduate of the Red School Menstruality Leadership Program and a member of their Cyclical Business Community.

Accredited ADHD Practitioner 

I have trained on the UKs highest ADHD certification program with one of the country’s leading experts, Kim Raine – Author of Square Pegs,.

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.  

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