Ilona Smith

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(MBACP) Integrative counsellor; Clinical Supervisor
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Newquay, Cornwall, TR7
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I am an integrative therapist which means I integrate different theoretical approaches to meet your unique and individual needs. Fundamentally my approach is humanistic, or person-centred, which recognises that everyone, regardless of their life experiences, can develop a deep sense of self-worth, purpose and meaning.

Life can be challenging at times which can leave us feeling emotionally distressed, anxious, disconnected and overwhelmed. I offer you a safe space to reflect on yourself whilst receiving compassion, empathy, acceptance, honesty and support. Embarking on a journey of healing and self-discovery is one that takes courage, but the rewards are fruitful and can have a lasting impact on your life.

I believe that everyone, regardless of their life experiences, can heal from the challenges and traumas that life brings our way.  Difficulties such as work-related stress, relationship problems, abuse, trauma, loss, addictions, sexuality and identity issues can cause emotional distress, depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, a lack of confidence as well as physical pain and illness. The Therapeutic relationship offers you connection, compassion and acceptance which are essential for personal growth, healing and a sense of inner calm.

I qualified as a therapist in 2009 and since then have worked as a therapist, group work facilitator and trainer. I have over 16 years experience of working with survivors of abuse and trauma. I am an experienced group work facilitator and spent 6 years delivering group work programmes to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. I have written and delivered training to health care professionals working with trauma. I am a qualified clinical supervisor and a Mental Health Nurse. I have spent over 25 years supporting adults and children to overcome personal suffering, to heal and to develop a sense of empowerment over their own lives.

I personally engaged in therapy in my 30's and found the therapeutic process to be profoundly life changing. This experience taught me the true power of healing through connection. The realisation that inner turmoil can be overcome with the right support inspired me to re-train as a therapist and re-ignited my passion to help others feel whole and integrated.

The Therapy Space

Choosing an environment for your therapy sessions that feels comfortable for you will help you to feel safe and more able engage in your therapy fully. I offer telephone, online and face to face counselling from a risk assessed venue. I also offer therapy sessions at selected locations outdoors which provides you with an opportunity to experience a deeper connection with yourself and with nature whilst being supported to explore your inner most thoughts and feelings. Cornwall provides us with a beautiful environment in which you can experience the healing powers of nature. We can walk and talk or sit in a beautiful location depending on your needs and preference.

Choosing a counsellor

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is an essential part of therapy.  It is vital that you feel like you can connect with your counsellor without fear of judgement so that you can be your authentic self. I can offer you an initial 30-minute telephone or online free consultation, providing you with the opportunity to discuss the counselling process and decide whether I am the right therapist for you.

I work collaboratively, we will negotiate a way of working that feels right for you and at your pace, this may be short or long-term work. I welcome you to contact me via email to find out more about how we may be able to work together. 

Training, qualifications & experience

  • CPCAB Level 6 in Counselling Supervision
  • Diploma in Integrative Counselling
  • Understanding and Working with Sexual Violence
  • PTTLS Level 3 in Education and Training
  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills
  • Diploma in Physiology, Anatomy and Reflexology
  • Diploma in Physiology, Anatomy and Body Massage
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Safeguarding Adults and Children
  • D32/D33 NVQ Assessor Award
  • Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy MBACP

I deliver training on trauma, abuse, the healing journey and empowerment.

I am a qualified clinical supervisor and offer 1:1 and group supervision.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

I have extensive experience of working with issues relating to domestic and sexual abuse, trauma, depression, anxiety, low-self-esteem, addictions, self-harm, relationship problems, sexuality, intimacy and trust, inner child work, boundaries, anger, loss and grief and shame.

I work in a holistic and creative way depending on your individual needs.

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session

Additional information

Counselling:

Initial 30 minute consultation -free

On-line/telephone therapy session - £50

Walk and Talk session - £55

Face to face therapy session (Newquay) - £50

Please contact me for further information about fees if you are struggling financially.

Clinical Supervision:

Initial 30 minute consultation - free

1hr Online/telephone supervision session - £50

Walk and Talk session - £55

1hr Face to face supervision session - £50

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Please contact me to discuss my availability.

Newquay, Cornwall, TR7

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

I offer Supervision to trainee/qualified counsellors and professionals working in health and social care.

View supervision profile

Ilona Smith
Ilona Smith