Helen Martin-Smith
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am a fully qualified counsellor who is extremely passionate about a persons wellbeing.
My aim is to work with you on the challenges you face, why they affect you the way they do, and how you can move forward with awareness and a deeper understanding of yourself.
sometimes it can be hard to find the words to express how you are feeling, however, I am here to support you and we will find ways to explore and gently dig a little deeper together.
Throughout my training I have studied a range of therapeutic theories, giving me the ability to use an integrative approach and tailor to an individuals needs. At the very heart of my counselling is a commitment to developing a secure relationship. One in which you feel safe, accepted, unjudged, and heard.
We live in a hectic and chaotic world where it can be hard to pause, breathe, and reflect on what is going on for you. Counselling can offer the opportunity to do just that, and find greater understanding, fresh perspective, and a stronger sense of self.
Sessions will last for 50 minutes. They are held in a warm and welcoming space.
I work on an open-ended basis so we can go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We will regularly review the sessions to see how you are feeling with the process.
You may find you only need a few sessions, you may find you need more. Some people find it such a valuable resource that they decide to keep going for years. The amount of sessions you have is wholly unique to the individual.
Online appointments are also available for those who may find this more suitable.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and work within the BACP Ethical Framework.
Training, qualifications & experience
FdSc in counselling from the University of Gloucestershire.
I work from an integrative approach giving me the ability to pull on different theories to inform our work together.
I regularly attend training courses to help me become the best counsellor for my clients. I also have ongoing supervision to support my work.
I have broad experience of working with issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Depression
- Sadness
- Relationship issues
- Abuse
- Pregnancy problems
- Stress
- Bereavement
- Grief
- Life changes
- Sexual identity
- Low confidence/self esteem
- Bullying
- Being a carer
- Work issues
- Self harm
- Emotional detachment
- Anger
Member organisations
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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 per session
Additional information
An initial consultation costs £25. It is a full 50 minutes session which gives you the opportunity to meet me and talk at more depth about why you have come to counselling, and what you hope to gain from the sessions.
Subsequent 50 minute sessions are £45
Concessionary spaces are available. Please enquire about this and we can discuss the option.
When I work
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning | |||||||
Afternoon | |||||||
Evening | |||||||
Night |
Further information
My sessions are held in locations close to High Littleton, Paulton, and Midsomer Norton. All the locations are quiet and discreet, ensuring your confidentiality and privacy.
If you would like to book an appointment or require further information, please get in touch via email. or phone, and I will respond as soon as possible to arrange an initial appointment. If I am in sessions I am unable to answer my phone, so please feel free to leave an answerphone message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
The initial appointment gives you a chance to meet me and talk at more depth about what has brought you to therapy.
Please feel very welcome to contact me, in confidence, with any queries.