Petra Smith

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she/her
Adv.Dip Integrative Counselling, BSc (Hons)Psychology

About me

If you’ve found yourself here, it may be because life feels especially heavy or confusing right now. It can feel strange at first to talk to someone you don’t know. But sometimes that’s exactly what makes it easier. Because I’m not part of your family or social circle, you don’t have to protect me, worry about being judged, or hold anything back.

 In our first session, we’ll simply talk about what’s on your mind and what you’d like from counselling. There’s no pressure—you set the pace and it’s normal for us both to feel a little nervous when meeting someone new. You can just be honest—and I’ll be here to listen, with no agenda except supporting you. You might be wishing for someone who can listen without judgement, without pressure, just genuine understanding.  We can talk about the hard stuff – but there’s also space to breathe, be real, and sometimes even laugh. Therapy isn't serious all the time. 

  • HOW I CAN HELP

 You may feel like you’re stretched too thin—always putting others first, saying ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no,’ or carrying responsibility that isn’t really yours. Over time, this can leave you feeling drained, unseen, or even resentful. I can help you reconnect with your needs, feel more confident saying what’s right for you, and create healthier relationships. 

You might notice it as a racing mind, a tight chest, or never quite being able to relax. Maybe you feel tense, restless, or like you’re always on edge. These are common signs of anxiety—though many people don’t call it that. I can help you understand what’s happening and find ways to feel calmer and more grounded. Many of my clients tell me they feel lighter after just having a space to talk openly. 

I work in a relational way, which simply means our connection is at the heart of the process. I’ll always adapt my approach to what feels right for you. 

I also want you to leave with practical tools and insights you can use in everyday life. Whether it’s learning how to use gentle techniques to regulate and ground yourself, or strategies to gently shift unhelpful thought patterns.

  • Our work isn’t just about what happens in the session – it’s about helping you start building trust in yourself, feel more empowered and supported in the rest of your life too.

This space is yours. There’s no pressure, no judgment – just support that meets you where you are, and walks with you at your pace. 

  • NEXT STEP                                                                                                              Reaching out can feel scary, but it’s also a brave first step toward feeling lighter. If you’d like someone with a warm and friendly approach to walk alongside you, I’d be glad to hear from you. Message me today and I’ll reply within 24 hours to book a free 15-minute chat to see if we’re a good fit.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • BSc Psychology, Birkbeck College, London 
  • Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, Iron Mill College, Exeter 
  • National Autistic Society Non-medical helpers and mentors (NMH) Bundle Understanding autism, Autism and communication, Autism and sensory experience, Autism, stress and anxiety, Autism: supporting families, Women and girls on the autism spectrum.
  • Cognitive-Behavioural Hypnotherapy, UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy 
  • Personal Coaching, Coach U
  • Human biology (1 year), Open University 
  • Online courses in Somatic approaches to Trauma (CPD)                                                                                                                                                                     I genuinely enjoy helping others uncover the potential they may not yet see in themselves, and every client I've worked with has shown incredible courage and resilience as they come to realise their own strength. 
  • BEREAVEMENT                                                                                                        I also volunteer as a bereavement counsellor, offering support to people who are navigating the pain of loss. Walking alongside someone in their grief has taught me so much about the depth of human resilience and the importance of gentle, steady support during the most difficult times.
  • MENTORING  (Neurodiversity)                                                                              I support university students with Autism and ADHD diagnoses. This means supporting students not just academically, but emotionally and practically, helping them navigate challenges such as focus, organisation, managing stress, and adapting to the demands of university life. 
  • MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WORKER 

I have experience working as a support worker with people living with mental illness, supporting them through both complex mental health needs and the everyday challenges that can come with this. This experience has given me a real appreciation of the courage it takes to manage daily life while facing ongoing struggles, and it has taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and truly listening. I also enjoyed the practical side of support, such as helping with strategies to cope with day-to-day tasks. 

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

Fees

£55.00 - £60.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Unemployed

Additional information

I know starting therapy is a big step, both emotionally and financially, and I'm committed to working with you to keep it accessible. I offer 50 and 60 minutes sessions, either weekly or bi-weekly. 50min session costs £55, 60min sessions cost £60. I don’t want finances to stop you from getting support and I offer a limited number of concession spaces, so do get in touch if this would help.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Please contact me with your preferred days / times. 

Further information

  • Initial 15 minute Consultation via Zoom: Free
  • 60 minute In-person Therapy session: £60
  • 50 minute In-person Therapy session: £55
  • Same prices apply to online sessions 

49a Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1TP

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Employee Assistance Programme

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

Additional languages

Czech

Online platforms

Doxy
Petra Smith
Petra Smith