Hillary Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me...
I strive to provide a warm and non-judgemental space for my client’s to talk, believing the relationship and connection between counsellor and client is fundamental to client self-exploration and personal growth. I work collaboratively with each client so I can tailor my approach, this is important, as we are all unique. Offering a safe and confidential space for the expression and understanding of feelings, I may also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for exploring thoughts and behaviour, Behavioural Activation for depression, or Mindfulness to help focus on the present. I offer the Rewinf Technique for trauma/PTSD. I work in a client-centred way, encouraging feedback to help guide any treatment suggestions I make. My aim is to support each client to reconnect and develop the confidence to be the expert in their own life. I am a registered and accredited member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), and I am therefore required to work to the standards set in the ethical framework for good practice.
Taking the first step...
Taking the decision to embark on counselling can be daunting and anxiety provoking. Choosing to face our problems or fears, understand past and present experiences or to make a change takes courage. Finding the right counsellor is important, so in the first instance I am happy to have a telephone conversation to answer any questions. I also offer a reduced fee for our first meeting to allow you to meet me and discuss whether therapy is right for you, and in turn that I am the right therapist for you.
Practical information...
I can offer the flexibility of short or longer term therapy. I am able to offer telephone, video, email or instant messaging sessions. Sessions are usually booked for 50 minutes, however longer sessions are possible. Deciding to embark on counselling does require a financial commitment, with this in mind for those on low incomes I can offer reduced session rates, as well as for students and those training in counselling or psychotherapy. Please contact me to discuss.
Location...
I can offer a limited number of clients home visit sessions within Canterbury alongside outdoor walking sessions. Please contact me to discuss.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP Accredited) and an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of East London. My approach is integrative which means I draw on a variety of models and techniques that best suit my client’s individual needs. As a BACP accredited and registered member I have undergone additional in-depth assessment regarding my practice and experience. I have a Level 3 Certificate in Online Counselling Skills which provided me with additional training in online counselling.
Throughout each year it is a requirement that I continue to update my skills and knowledge by engaging in continual professional development activities.
Alongside my private practice, I am an Associate Psychotherapist for the Weight Matters Group Practice dealing with eating disorders, weight and body issues.
I have experience of working within a busy London university counselling service, and working short-term with NHS patients in Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies IAPT services in London and Kent. One area of focus is working with cancer patients having spend 10 years with Paul's Cancer Support Centre in London. I am interested in the connection between physical and mental health, and promoting holistic care and wellbeing.
Before becoming a counsellor I had a working background in publishing and photography, with a keen interest in wildlife and the environment. I worked as a massage therapist for 10 years, where my interest in health, the human body and the mind developed. I have experience of working in the finance sector and corporate environments, where stress can be a common occurrence.
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
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
Chronic illness, cancer, pain management, dying, fear of dying. Alongside bereavement I am all too aware that the loss of a pet can be just as painful as losing a person in your life, and therefore I am happy to work with those experiencing pet bereavement.
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 - £75.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initial online /telephone 50 minute meeting £20.
On-going online/telephone 50 minute session: £50.
Home visit session: £60-£75 (depending on your location in Canterbury).
Walking outdoor session: £60 (within Canterbury city centre only)
I can offer reduced concessionary fees for those on a low income, and for students, please contact me to discuss.
When I work
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I will try to reply to any contact or enquiry within 24 hours, however this will be during normal working hours of 9am - 6pm.
