Matthew Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever you're facing, at your own pace. Whether you're struggling with painful emotions, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, or searching for a way forward, I’m here to support you in moving toward a more connected and authentic way of being.
Together, we can process difficult emotions, explore your relationships—with yourself and others—or work through specific challenges. If it feels right for you, we may also bring awareness to your bodily experience, as emotions live within the body.
Beyond my counselling training, my background in social science deepens my understanding of how cultural and social factors shape our experiences and contribute to distress.
Above all, I believe the therapeutic relationship itself can be profoundly healing—a space where you feel seen, understood, and supported.
My Approach
As a humanistic counsellor and psychotherapist, I work from a person-centred foundation, integrating experiential approaches—including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), existential therapy, and focusing-oriented therapy—tailored to your needs.
- Focusing-oriented therapy – helping you tune into your inner experience
- Emotion-focused techniques – working through emotions safely and effectively
- Body awareness – integrating mind and body in the healing process
- Exploring meaning and purpose – incorporating existential or spiritual dimensions if relevant
How I Can Help
My approach provides support for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and stress. Whatever you're facing, I offer a space where you can explore it safely, while (re)connecting with your bodily intuition.
- Anxiety, depression, or overwhelming emotions
- Relationship difficulties or family struggles
- Low self-esteem or a sense of disconnection
- Grief, loss, or major life changes
- Stress, uncertainty, or a feeling of being ‘stuck’
- Spiritual questions or crisis
Specialised Experience
Bereavement and Loss
With experience in hospice settings, I have supported people through grief, loss, and major life transitions. This has deepened my understanding of how we navigate profound change and find meaning in difficult times.
What to Expect
Our first session is a chance to explore what brings you to therapy and how we might work together. You will get a felt sense for what it will be like to work with me, and can ask any questions about the process. We’ll talk about what you hope for from therapy and how we can shape it to fit your needs.
Location and Contact
I offer both in-person and telephone/video sessions.
In person sessions are in a peaceful setting in Nailsworth, (Stroud, Gloucestershire).
To arrange a free initial consultation, please get in touch. I aim to respond within 24 hours.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications & Registration
- L4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB): Person-Centred Counselling.
- Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
- Masters Degree in Social Research (2018).
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (2016).
Current Practice
I have worked across established settings in Gloucestershire, supporting clients with anxiety, depression, bereavement, family issues, and relationship challenges. Currently, I work solely from my private practice.
Professional Development
To provide effective therapy, I engage in ongoing training, including:
- Experiential and somatic approaches
- Focusing-oriented and emotion-focused therapy
- Mindfulness and body awareness for anxiety and stress
- Regular clinical supervision and professional development
Professional Standards
I adhere to the BACP's ethical framework, maintain full professional insurance, and uphold strict confidentiality.
My breadth of experience and continuous learning enable me to offer effective, client-centred support tailored to your needs.
Member organisations
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£40.00 - £50.00
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I aim to keep my services accessible and am open to discussing a fee that works for you if finances are a concern. Please don't hesitate to message me and we can arrange a price that fits your circumstances.
Further information
I strive to create a warm and inclusive space where clients from all walks of life feel welcome and valued. Whether you're local to Gloucestershire or further afield, I offer flexible and accessible sessions both in-person and remotely, ensuring that geography is no barrier to receiving support.
I work with clients facing a wide range of challenges, offering support that is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. In addition to general issues such as stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties, I have a particular interest and experience in working with bereavement, loss, identity, and navigating significant life changes.
