Neil Smith

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BSc (Hons), CertHE, MBACP

About me

My Approach to Counselling

I believe every client is unique, so counselling works best when it reflects this and is tailored to you personally. From the start, I’ll collaborate with you to find the way of working, including the format and pace, that feels right for you to ensure we build a safe, supportive relationship that enables you to fully engage and get you the best outcomes possible.

Examples of potential different ways of working:

Would you feel anxious or awkward in a traditional counselling room? Walk-and-talk sessions can offer a relaxed, natural space where gentle movement often makes talking easier and less pressured. 

Do you have time, travel or mobility challenges? Online or telephone sessions can reduce travel time or give you flexibility to engage from the comfort and familiarity of your own space. 

Prefer something more interactive? We can bring creative tools like art or board games into the counselling space to explore your thoughts in a more engaging, less formal, way. 

Would you prefer counselling to take place in a more traditional setup? I offer face-to-face sessions in a calm, confidential dedicated counselling space in Tamworth town centre.

I’ve supported people through a wide range of challenges, including bereavement, relationship breakdowns, anxiety, low self-esteem, and those who simply feel something’s not quite right - like they’re not living as fully as they want to be. Whatever you are bringing to counselling, you will be met with warmth, respect and compassion. Together we’ll gently ease those difficult feelings and help you feel more calm, clear, and connected in your daily life.

I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), fully insured and DBS checked. Face-to-face sessions are held in Tamworth, easily accessible from Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Atherstone and Nuneaton. Walk-and-talk sessions can be arranged at any safe, mutually agreed outdoor location in the area. Online and telephone sessions are available across the UK and internationally.

Taking the first step

I understand that starting counselling can feel like a big step. That’s why I offer a free, no further obligation, 20-minute introductory phone call to get to know each other a bit and see if we'd be a good fit to work together. The call is a chance for us to discuss what you’re looking for, how I might be able to help, and for you to ask any questions you have about me, my approach, or counselling in general.

You can get in touch using the "email me" link at the top of this page, I aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

Whether it be working with me or with a different counsellor, I wish you well with your personal therapy journey, it really can be life changing.   

 
Quick note: If you’re completely new to counselling and unsure what to expect, I’ve included some helpful resources in the final section below. Taking those first steps can be daunting, so I hope these materials can offer some extra guidance and reassurance as you explore your options.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • BSc (Hons) Degree in Psychology
  • Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • CertHE in Health Care
  • OU Certificate in Delivering Online Counselling 

In addition to my main qualifications I undertake continuing training in the counselling field to keep abreast of up-to-date developments, theories and techniques. During the past 6 months for example these short courses have included courses on: working with neurodiverse clients, Acceptance and Commitment theory, and Emotional Disorders.  

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£35.00 - £40.00

Additional information

It is important to me that my sessions are as financially accessible as possible, so in addition to keeping the costs down to £40 for in person sessions and £35 for online/phone sessions I also have chosen to provide 60-minute sessions, rather than the more common 50-minute duration that is normal for the profession, all with the aim of us getting more time together each week without any extra cost to you. I appreciate that everyone's life commitments and therefore their availability is different so I offer daytime, evening and weekend sessions. 

**May 2026 Update** I have received a few messages this year enquiring about whether I can offer shorter/longer sessions to fit an enquirer's specific circumstances and financial position. So starting in May I will be trialling offering two new session lengths in addition to the standard 60-minute sessions I currently offer. Firstly, shorter 30-minute sessions for £25 (it can't be any cheaper than this due to room hire cost), aimed at clients who would like to get professional counselling support but that cannot afford the longer sessions. And secondly, 100-minute sessions for £60, aimed primarily at clients that struggle to have weekly availability due to work/childcare issues and feel that the standard one hour at irregular weekly intervals isn't as much time as they would like. Please note both of these new options are not necessarily suitable for all clients, depending on the issues they are looking to explore, but it is something we can talk about in our introductory call if one of these alternative session lengths appeal to you. 

Further information

Extra Information and Resources That May Be Helpful

Finding the right counsellor is a very personal decision, and it’s important to choose someone you feel safe and comfortable with. A strong therapeutic relationship - where you feel heard, understood and respected - is frequently identified as one of the most important factors in successful therapy.

I encourage you to shortlist a few different counsellors who feel like they could be a good fit, and then speak with each of them before deciding. Most of us, myself included, offer free introductory calls - please take advantage of these. Finding the right match can make a real difference to your overall experience and outcomes in therapy.

If counselling is completely new to you and you’re unsure what to expect, the resources below from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) may be helpful:

What is counselling? https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/#0  (A webpage that outlines the basics of counselling for those who have no previous experience or knowledge of the counselling process). 

BACP Ethical Framework https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/
(This outlines the professional and ethical standards that all counsellors should follow to ensure your safety and well-being. You don’t need to read it in full, but it’s worth checking that any counsellor you consider is working in line with an ethical framework like this one).

Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Doxy
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp
Neil Smith
Neil Smith