About me
My name is Helen Martin-Smith. I am a fully qualified counsellor working with people aged 16 to those in later life.
I am an integrative counsellor with a strong person-centred approach. Throughout my training I have studied a range of therapeutic theories, giving me the ability to tailor to individual needs. However, at the very heart of my counselling is a commitment to developing a secure relationship where you feel safe, accepted and heard. We will work together with the struggles and questions you are facing to find an understanding of why these things come up for you.
Sessions will last for one hour. The amount you have can be open ended giving you the freedom to explore things at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Sessions are held in a warm and welcoming space, where you can talk freely, without judgement or criticism, about what is going on for you. I can also offer secure online appointments for those who may struggle to get out.
Counselling will give you the opportunity to pause, breathe, reflect, and be heard. A rare opportunity in todays hectic and chaotic world, but one which can bring about greater understanding and self-awareness, fresh perspective, and a stronger sense of self.
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 have broad experience of working with issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Low mood
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Abuse
- Pregnancy problems
- Stress
- Bereavement
- Life changes
- Sexual identity
- Low confidence/self esteem
- Bullying
- Being a carer
- Work issues
- Self harm
- Emotional detachment
- Anger
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
BACP is one of the UK’s largest professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists registered with the Association fall into a number of different membership categories such as Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP and Registered Member MBACP (Accred), each standing for different levels of training and experience. MBACP (Accred) and MBACP (Snr Accred) members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.
Registered members can be found on the BACP Register, which was the first register to achieve Accredited Voluntary Register status issued by the Professional Standards Authority. Individual Members will have completed an appropriate counselling and/or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but will not appear on the BACP Register until they've progressed to Registered Member MBACP status.
All members are bound by a Code of Ethics & Practice and a Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 per session
Additional information
An initial consultation costs £25. This session lasts one hour and gives you the opportunity to meet me and see how you feel in my company and in the counselling setting. You will be able to talk about why you have come to counselling, and what you hope to gain from the sessions.
Subsequent 1 hour sessions are £45.
Concessionary spaces are available. Please enquire about this and we can discuss the option.
Availability
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Further information
My sessions are held in discreet locations in Midsomer Norton and Bristol ensuring your confidentiality and privacy.
If you would like to book an appointment or require further information, please get in touch via phone or email and I will respond as soon as possible to arrange an initial appointment. Feel free to leave an answerphone message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
The initial appointment is an opportunity for us to assess whether working together feels right, and whether the therapy would suit you.
Please feel very welcome to contact me, in confidence, with any queries.