Matthew Smith
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I offer professional counselling services, both in-person and remotely through online or telephone sessions.
With experience in working with a diverse range of clients, I specialise in helping individuals facing anxiety, depression, grief, significant life changes, and relationship issues. Over the past 18 months, I have also developed a strong focus on supporting bereaved individuals, carers, and those confronting terminal illness. This experience has deepened my understanding of the complexities of grief and loss and the unique emotional challenges of caregiving and end-of-life situations.
How Counselling Can Help
I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, or navigating a major life transition, counselling can help you understand your emotions, develop coping strategies, and foster a stronger sense of self. My person-centred approach allows us to work together to uncover new perspectives and authentic ways of being, empowering you to build self-confidence and improve your relationships.
What to Expect in Your First Session
During our first session, we’ll have the opportunity to discuss what brings you to counselling and what you hope to achieve. This is a time for you to share your story in a confidential, supportive environment. I’ll explain how I work and answer any questions you may have, helping to ensure you feel comfortable and informed. Together, we’ll begin to explore your needs and how we can best address them through our work together.
Specialties
Anxiety and Depression
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions and Change
Relationship Counselling
Support for Carers
End-of-Life Counselling
Availability and Working Hours
I offer flexible appointment times to accommodate different schedules, including evening and weekend sessions. This flexibility allows you to find a time that works best for you, whether you prefer in-person meetings in Nailsworth or online or telephone sessions from the comfort of your home. Contact me to check my current availability and to book a free initial consultation.
My Approach and Belief in Therapeutic Change
My approach is person-centred, grounded in the belief that each person holds the answers they seek within themselves. In our sessions, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Together, we’ll uncover new perspectives and authentic ways of being, helping you build confidence, improve relationships, and foster a stronger sense of self.
I believe in the power of therapeutic change and that everyone has the capacity to grow and heal when given the right support. Through a collaborative process, we can work to understand your inner world and navigate life's complexities with greater resilience and ease.
About Me
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a social scientist and researcher, where I gained valuable insights into the pressures of modern life and the profound benefits of counselling. My own experience with counselling during a challenging time in my life inspired me to help others reconnect with their inner selves.
I am passionate about providing a supportive environment where you can safely explore your feelings and unlock personal growth.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am committed to delivering the highest standard of care, adhering to the BACP's ethical guidelines and professional standards.
My practice includes experience in a range of areas such as:
- Grief and Loss: Supporting individuals through the emotional process of bereavement and helping them find ways to cope and heal.
- Anxiety and Depression: Providing support to manage anxiety and depression and improve overall mental health.
- Relationship Issues: Helping clients navigate interpersonal challenges and improve their relationships.
- Life Transitions and Change: Assisting individuals in adapting to significant life changes and finding resilience.
- Support for Carers: Offering emotional support and guidance to those caring for loved ones.
- End-of-Life Counselling: Providing compassionate support for those facing terminal illness and their families.
To ensure ongoing growth and excellence in my practice, I participate in regular supervision and continually engage in training and professional development. I also maintain full professional insurance, ensuring that my services meet all necessary professional and ethical requirements.
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
£50.00 per session
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.
