Marisa Smallman

The decision to see a therapist begins with the decision to find the right therapist for you. There is absolutely no ‘one-size fits all’ and it is with this in mind that I invite you to see if we can make a connection in which you feel safe, willing and hopeful.

Many clients present with anxiety or depression. It is my belief that both anxiety and depression are symptoms of an overwhelm caused by an attempt to ‘contain’ as opposed to ‘process’ too much emotion. Emotion is ‘energy in motion’ the effort it takes to contain such a force will eventually manifest in symptoms of depression and anxiety. I strongly believe that by bringing what we hold in the dark into the light we gain relief and perspective in every sense.

My approach is integrative and person-centred a balance between looking at the past to understand the present and working towards some solution based focus for the future.

First and foremost my goal is to provide a confidential, non-judgemental setting in which you feel safe and secure.

I offer 1:1 counselling from my Private Practises in Hare Street Buntingford and Hertford Town Centre as well as online via the Zoom platform. I am happy to travel to you at your home or place of work, if suitable.

Please feel free to contact me on : 07970491888 or email me.

‘Thank you for the priceless gifts you give me. When talking, I feel heard, held, understood and accepted. I often crack up with laughter at your brilliant humour and always gain wisdom with the experience and insights I hear. You reflect back to me what I can not see and voice what I can not hear. 

I feel blessed to crossed paths with you. Thank you ❤️’

‘Thank you so much for all your support and your amazing encouragement and spirit. You have taught me a lot about myself’

‘I am feeling better, you always manage to do that. You are a lovely lady and I am so glad I found you’

‘Marisa thank you. You are really helping me to accept what this is and deal with it. You are an angel’

‘Speaking to you today was like having a massage’

‘Marisa, I just wanted to say thank you for your support. You’ve been instrumental in some of my biggest ‘ah-ha’ moments and really helped me to understand myself better’

‘I'm crying happy tears at the moment. The feeling of feeling safe and secure is so overwhelming for me at the moment . Something I have longed for.... I was going to put a time on how long I had longed for it but actually I can't remember if I ever felt the security that I feel now. I know it's me that had to put one foot in front of the other but there is no denying I knew you were there to catch me if I fell. Thank you’

I am feeling better, you always manage to do that, so glad we met. X

Love our sessions Marisa, so so helpful in so many ways. You are simply superb X 

Thanks for being such an amazing (and really funny) therapist! (and human) you kept me going and kept me safe ✨❤️

Thank you Marisa. I mean this when I say I don't know what I would do with out you. 

You really helped today and I was very grateful you were there just as it happened. I was thinking today everyone should have a Marisa in their life 😊 xx

I feel absolutely battered by that today!!! I’m so tired I look shattered it’s amazing how much it takes out of you and I seriously don’t think there are many people that could have got me to that point if it wasn’t for you I would have given up by now . I feel such a connection with you I just think you’re a lovely kind understanding beautiful person thank you 🙏 

I have much experience and specific interest in the areas of :

Addiction

Anxiety

Depression/Sadness/Low Mood

Panic Attacks

Family and blended family dynamics

Parenting, Step Parenting and Step Children

Difficult/Dysfunctional childhood

Relationships

Bereavement

My sessions are 60 mins long as opposed to the more traditional 50min 

I do offer concessionary sessions where needed / appropriate 

The pandemic has obviously forced much of my work to be on Zoom. I approached this with skepticism but what I have found is that working together on Zoom is a whole world better than not working together at all.
I am constantly amazed by the feelings, nuances and emotions that ARE transmitted via a screen and as such I am able to reach those that previously I might not for which I am grateful.

In person my office is easily accessible from London, North London, Hertford, Ware, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Bishops Stortford, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Potters Bar, Hadley Wood, Barnet, Radlett, Borehamwood, Elstree.