Lauren Smith (MBACP)
About me
COVID - 19 Update: I offer online sessions via Skype/WhatsApp/Zoom. Please contact me for further details.
I am an experienced, BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) registered counsellor working in Wetherby (LS17) and Leeds (LS1). I work with young people (16+) and adults who are experiencing a range of issues including anxiety, depression, bereavement, trauma, relational difficulties and problems relating to confidence and self -esteem. I provide a confidential, non - judgemental space in which you can safely explore aspects of your life or feelings that you find difficult.
My approach is to work alongside you to guide you to a better understanding of how and why you have come to feel the way that you do, this may include looking at how past life events or trauma are impacting you in the present, as well as helping you to develop strategies to better manage unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Relational counselling theory is at the heart of my practice, and I view the relationship between counsellor and client to be central to successful therapy. I draw upon a number of therapeutic modalities in my practice, including the person centred, psychodynamic, behavioural and existential approaches. I appreciate that everyone's situation is an unique as they are, and adapt my approach to suit your specific needs and what you are looking to achieve.
Choosing to access support takes courage. I would love to hear from you - please contact me by phone, email or text message to find out more or book an initial appointment.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a fully qualified counsellor (Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP Accredited)) and a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and work to their Ethical Framework (https://www.bacp.co.uk).
As well as working in private practice, I also provide voluntary counselling for Cruse Bereavement Care, West Yorkshire.
Before becoming a counsellor I worked within the NHS for a number of cancer research charities including Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now.
I am fully insured and DBS checked.
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Specialist Interests
Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic attacks, health anxiety, cyberchondria, COVID - 19 related anxiety.
Grief & Loss
Bereavement (including complex grief), job loss, relationship endings, life transitions.
Relationships and Attachment
I am interested in attachment theory and how our attachment styles can impact our relationships with ourselves and others.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Standard Rate - £50.00/50 minute session
Reduced rates - I offer a limited number of reduced rate sessions (students, low income, key workers, OAPs, trainee counsellors, unemployed) please contact me for further details.
Concessions offered for
Further information
I offer sessions in:
Bardsey (LS17), a quiet location that is within easy reach of both Wetherby (5 miles) and Leeds (8 miles), and is ideal for avoiding busy city centre traffic and parking charges. Free off street parking is available at the premises.
Leeds city centre (LS2 8JD), 5 minutes walk from the train station, ideal for those living in Leeds or commuting.
I also offer video, telephone and online counselling.
