Helen Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I'm an Integrative therapist working in the Pittville/ Town Centre area of Cheltenham. As an Integrative therapist, I draw on a variety of theoretical models according to the needs and character of the people who come to see me. I have had the privilege of working with trainers, therapists and supervisors from a number of different theoretical backgrounds and these experiences have all fed into my integrative approach.
I believe it is the quality of the therapeutic relationship that is the most important factor in the healing work, which is why it is very important to find somebody who you feel safe with and whom you can establish a good connection.
Our initial meeting is very much a chance for us to see if we can usefully work together. I will explain more about how I work and will invite you to tell me about what brings you to therapy. You will have a chance to ask anything about the way I work and share any concerns you may have about the therapeutic process.
There is no obligation for you to continue to work with me, at this or any other point. My goal is for you to find the right person for you, and if you don't quite click with me, that's alright too; I might be able to give you some pointers as to the type of therapist you may be looking for. The first session will take place face to face or by Zoom, depending on any restrictions that may be in place. It will be the same in terms of length and fee as any other session. By the end of the session, I aim for you to be able to make a well informed choice about working with me or taking a different route and to feel more hopeful about your problems.
Your problem or pain doesn't need a name or diagnosis in order to be worthy of therapy. I work with whatever you bring. The foundation of my work is the same, whatever your gender, race, religion, class, age, sexuality or education. However, I believe that the intersection of these factors is vital to your experience of the world.
I have a special interest in the following groups:
Women who feel stuck in a life that doesn't quite fit
Perhaps you have a nagging feeling that life could be more beautiful. you may feel trapped by past choices or have experienced a wake-up call or final straw: Bereavement; relationship difficulties; work issues; children leaving home; peri-menopause or menopause; ageing parents; health issues. Whatever you come with I provide support and encouragement to face your feelings and find resources, choices and hope for the future. I'd like to help you face your life with a greater sense of peace, balance and joy.
Teenagers who feel overwhelmed, whose usual coping strategies are not enough
You may find it hard to put your feelings into words or to talk to friends and family about your problems. Perhaps you feel a mismatch between your desires and the expectation of others. As well as being a therapist, I also teach and know about the stresses of school life. I have three children in their twenties and I've seen close up the different emotional challenges they've faced in finding a life that is satisfying to them. I would very much like to support you in exploring your feelings and finding a way forward that feels right for you.
Trainee counsellors
Perhaps you are looking forward to therapy, or perhaps the training is highlighting tender spots in your life that you are nervous of exploring. This is very normal, and I have been where you are now. I would very much like to support you to explore your own experience, becoming more at ease with the breadth and depth of who you are, so that you can live and work with greater authenticity and peace.
Whoever you are, and whatever your problems I'd very much like to meet with you and hear how life is for you and support you to find your way through.
- Private Practice
- Face to face sessions
- Zoom sessions during restrictions or according to client need
- Sessions are 60 minutes
- I work Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10-6 and some Tuesday sessions
Training, qualifications & experience
Diploma in Professional Studies in Counselling Theory and Skills 2006
MBACP
- Foundation year - counselling studies 2004
- Previously worked in Gloucester Listening Post and Cheltenham Listening Post
- Currently working in Private Practice in Pittville, Cheltenham
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- menopause
- peri-menopause
- religious transitions
- fundamentalism
- leaving restrictive religious communities
- women's issues
- female transitions
- female life stages
- personal development
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£70 for 60 minutes
Concessionary rates may be available
When I work
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There may be flexibility around working hours stated above.
