Julie Smart
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I understand approaching a counsellor for the first time can be daunting. From the outset I offer a safe, non-judgemental, confidential environment where you can talk about how you are feeling and gain deeper insight into any difficulties you may be experiencing. If you are unsure, or you have any questions about engaging in counselling, we can have a brief talk prior to committing to sessions. I will aim to support you to feel at ease in taking this first step.
I am a qualified counsellor, accredited and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I have 15 years experience working with adults with a wide range of presenting concerns. Some of the areas of counselling I deal with include bereavement and loss, depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, obsessive behaviours, relationship difficulties, transition and major life changes, low self-esteem and self-worth.
I also offer couple and relationship therapy, facilitating and supporting with: identifying the underlying reasons for challenges within relationships; improving communication skills; understanding and resolving conflict; reconnecting and/or rediscovering moments of connection and attachment.
How I work
Following an initial phone call (for which there is no charge), we may arrange to meet for an assessment session which will determine whether the counselling I offer is appropriate to your needs and also for you to decide if you would like to work with me. Prior to the assessment you will be given a copy of my Privacy Policy which outlines how I keep your data secure in line with current GDPR legislation (ICO reg. no. ZA450555).
After assessment, and depending on need, I can offer short-term counselling which can be anywhere between 8-20 sessions with a focus on a particular concern, or open-ended counselling to explore deep-rooted feelings and past experiences that can affect daily life.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a trained psychodynamic counsellor. I also work within an integrative model, incorporating different approaches in order to meet individual need. As an accredited member of the BACP, I work to their Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions which requires attendance at regular clinical supervision and continued professional development (CPD). I have in-depth understanding of the therapeutic process gained from 15 years of providing open-ended psychodynamic and short-term focused counselling to individuals experiencing a broad range of concerns.
I also offer couple and relationship therapy having completed specialist training to be awarded The Grove's Certificate in Couple & Relationship Therapy accredited by COSRT at level 5.
I have a practice room in Watford. As well as delivering face-to-face counselling, I am trained in working online and can also deliver counselling via telephone and webcam Zoom. I work with clients from a diverse range of social and cultural backgrounds. I also offer emotional wellbeing and reflective practice supervision to staff within the healthcare and educational sector.
I have previously worked in hospices, schools and counselling organisations.
My qualifications and training include:
BSc (Hons) in Reflective Therapeutic Practice (Metanoia Institute/Middlesex University)
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling (WPF/Herts and Beds Counselling Foundation)
Certificate in Couple & Relationship Therapy (The Grove - Accredited by COSRT at level 5)
Certificate in Attachment Narrative therapy theory and skills (Bowlby Centre)
Certificate in Online Counselling, Audio and Webcam (OCST)
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 per session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Initial 15 minute phone call - no charge.
Individual counselling session £65 (50 minutes)
Couples and other relationships £100 per hour
When I work
I offer daytime and evening appointments subject to availability.
Further information
I work from professional premises which are within a few minutes walk from local transport links.
