Hayley Smith

Hello and welcome to bluebird counselling.

I understand that reaching out can feel daunting, but know that you are not alone.  I offer a warm and welcoming space where you feel supported and understood. Providing you with the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement. 

Relationships and therapy are very much interconnected.  I am passionate and deeply invested in helping individuals and couples lead happier and more fulfilling lives where you can foster fulfilment and connection with others. 

How I can help?

I provide a safe and confidential space where you can explore what is causing you distress. Sessions are normally weekly but I can offer flexibility, depending on your needs. I work in a client-centred way, at your pace and with what is important to you.  I  aim to create a space that will help you make sense of what you are experiencing and help you work towards the life you desire. 

I have experience working with individual adults and couples of all ages and backgrounds. I have worked with clients who have experienced depression, anxiety, loss, loneliness, communication, relationships, family issues, stress, low self-worth, affairs & betrayals, sadness, trust and much more. 

Couples Counselling/Relationship Counselling. 

I am Level 5 qualified in Relational Therapy and have over 4+ years of experience working with couples. I have a passion for working alongside couples who need professional help. I am deeply invested in helping others understand the complexities of relationships. 

I can help to:

• Improve communication.
• Resolve conflict 
• Build trust 
• Address intimacy issues
• Navigate life transitions 
• Enhance parenting skills
• Cultivate understanding and empathy 
• Promote individual growth

If you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship please get in touch with me. Research suggests that most couples will struggle in an unhappy relationship for 7 years before they seek help and in that time a lot of resentment and damage has been done.  Most couples tell me that they wished they had come to counselling sooner because they have found it to be a really rewarding and helpful experience.

I believe that your relationship with your counsellor is so important to creating an environment where you feel comfortable and safe to talk about and explore all the aspects of your relationship.  I work with clients to create a neutral space where you will both feel heard and respected and where your relationship is kept at the heart of our work together. I have undergone specialist relationship counselling training with Relate and you can feel assured that I have the right training and skills to be helpful to you and your relationship. 

About me.

My name is Hayley, and I am the owner of bluebird counselling.  I started my counselling training in 2015, following a long and fulfilling career supporting families experiencing difficulties in their day-to-day lives.  Helping others to lead happier and more fulfilling lives has always been hugely important to me and being a counsellor is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  

I hold a Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling and a Level 5 Relationship Counselling Diploma with Relate.  My practice integrates various approaches, using mainly, person-centred, systemic and psychodynamic. I work in a flexible way to meet the needs of my clients.  I believe the relationship that I have with my clients is what will help you start to make sense of what you are going through.

I have experience working alongside individual adults and couples from many different backgrounds on various issues, including anxiety, loss, depression, relationships, stress, loneliness, trust issues, affairs and betrayals, communication, trauma, poor health, low self-esteem and much more.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists,  which means I am committed to offering a professional and ethical service. I provide a safe and comfortable space for individuals and couples based in the Basildon and Rochford area.  I offer appointments both inside and outside regular working hours.

If you are an individual seeking counselling, I offer short or long-term sessions. Each session lasts 50 minutes, and my fee is £45 per session.

If you are looking for relationship counselling, I offer short or long-term sessions. Each session lasts 50 minutes, and my fee is £75 per session.

If you need someone to talk to, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can email me through the counselling directory. I normally respond to emails within 2 working days. Please check your junk folder. 

Individual Adult Counselling Fee                                                                                                  £45 - £50 per 50-minute session

Couple/ Relationship Counselling Fee                                                                                    £75 per 50 -minute session

I offer daytime and evening appointments. Please email or telephone me with any queries that you may have or to book an appointment. I usually respond to queries within 48 hours of receiving them (Mon - Fri). Please check your junk folder. 

I provide a working agreement at the time of booking, our initial session which sets out all you may need to know ahead of your first session. For example, how to pay, where I am based, when to arrive and confidentiality etc. 

I am based in the SS13 and SS4 areas.  My Basildon office has designated parking facilities, right outside. My SS4 base has street parking (restrictions apply at certain times during the day) and there is a public car park a short 5-minute walk away.