Liz Smith

“I feel like I’m existing, not living.”

"I don’t know who I am anymore. I just want my old self back.”

“Why do I overthink things all the time?!"

"Surely life shouldn't be this hard.”

If this sounds familiar, I can help you make sense of what has happened, explore ways to cope with how you're feeling, and make positive changes to shape your future. Please text, email, or use the 'Schedule an Introductory Call' facility to get in touch.

Is this You?

Life throws you all sorts of curve balls, and most of the time you cope, or at least survive. But after a lifetime of 'muddling through' or 'masking', maybe you've hit a wall (some people call it a breakdown) or something momentous and overwhelming has happened. And suddenly it's like you've lost touch with who you really are.

Some common triggers include:

• Changes at home and work, e.g. children starting school or leaving home, job loss or retirement, bereavement, personal or professional relationship problems.
• Hormonal changes during menstruation, perimenopause, menopause, and gender-affirming and fertility treatments.
• Trauma, whether a one-off (e.g. a car accident) or the ongoing effects of an abusive childhood, bullying at work, intimate-partner violence, etc.
• Health issues, like being diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness.
• Coping with being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, or receiving a late diagnosis and wondering who you might have been if you'd had the right support earlier.

You may be experiencing anxiety or depression, emotional or physical pain, lack of confidence, or intense sensitivity to the world around you. It may feel as if your brain just isn't working as well as it used to or that you're more easily hurt by things you once could shrug off. Sleep might be eluding you, and as for eating well and exercising? Ha!

Don't worry. These are normal feelings and thoughts, but you are not doomed to live like this forever.

Who Am I?

I'm a fully qualified counsellor and coach who can help you tap into your own inner wisdom and strength (even if you're not sure you have any!) to find the right way forward for you. As someone who is 'AuDHD' (i.e. ADHD and Autism), I have a particular interest in working with neurodivergent people, but all are welcome.

Together we can explore what's happened in your past (if you want to), what you want for your future, and how you can get there.

What do I do?

I offer both short- and long-term counselling and coaching by video or in person. My counselling space is located in a tranquil setting 3 miles southeast of Bicester, within easy reach of Oxford, Kidlington, and Aylesbury, with free parking.

Whether we work in a virtual counselling room or a real one, you'll find a warm, friendly welcome (and tea or coffee for those coming in person!). 

I’m an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society, and I work within their ethical framework. I undertake regular supervision and am committed to continuing professional development.

Who do I work with?

I work with cis, trans, and non-binary adults on a 1:1 basis (I'm afraid I'm unable to offer counselling to couples or children and young people).

As mentioned above, I am 'AuDHD' myself, and have a particular interest in working with neurodivergent people, but neurotypical people are of course welcome, too!

My counselling room is accessible by wheelchair, and I can offer closed-captioning via Zoom. Please don't hesitate to talk with me about your specific access needs or other ways I can make you feel safe and welcome.

Specialisms

Neurodivergence: Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and certain physical conditions that can cause widespread pain and other challenging symptoms. You may also be exhausted after a lifetime of 'masking' in order to fit in to a neurotypical world. If you were diagnosed as an adult, you may feel grief and anger, or simply not know how to understand yourself through this new lens.

Together, we can work through the unique challenges posed by your unique neurodivergence. And whether you're seeking counselling because of your neurodivergence or not, your authentic self is welcome here.

Sexual Abuse and Assault: I have worked extensively with survivors of sexual assault and abuse and intimate-partner abuse (including coercive controlling abuse) at both the Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre (now Survivor Space) and the Aylesbury Vale & Milton Keynes Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service. Dealing with the aftermath of these experiences (flashbacks, dissociation, nightmares, hypervigilance, difficulties trusting other, etc.) can feel overwhelming. I aim to create a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can carefully process your experiences at your own pace.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss: I have undertaken specialist, accredited training in working with clients who have experienced the loss of a baby before, during, or shortly after birth. You are assured of a gentle welcome and the space to work through this unique grief at your own pace.

Contact Me

If you're ready to make positive changes in your life, text or email me to schedule a friendly, confidential chat about what you'd like to get out of counselling. You can ask me any questions you might have and, if you want to, arrange our first session (you're under no obligation to do so!)

I specialise in working with women (trans) women are welcome) who feel they need to 'find themselves', e.g. leaving a relationship, experiencing menopause or hormonal upheaval, empty-nesters, etc.

I am also a specialist counsellor in sexual abuse and assault, and in pregnancy and infant loss.

Session frequency is completely up to you! I don't require or expect clients to come at the same time on the same day every week.

Concessionary rate: £35 per session (subject to availability)

Sessions are 60 minutes long

My last appointment of the day is normally 1:00pm, although I aim to be as flexible as I can.

I am located in a pleasant village 3 miles southeast of Bicester, within easy reach of Oxford, Kidlington, and Aylesbury. There is on-site parking and the counselling room is accessible for wheelchair users.

A cat and a dog (aka the furapists) live here and like to help me greet clients. If you have allergies or any concerns, you may want to do online counselling instead.