Tracy Smithers
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About Me: I have been a counsellor/psychotherapist since 2002.I work with adults, children, young people and families. Appointments are tailored to suit you and I am happy to discuss what might work best with you. I can work on a long term, or short term basis. I am currently a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I have an enhanced DBS check.
Specialist Areas: I have a range of experience in various areas. These include the following:
- Children and young people
- Childhood
- Relationships
- Family issues
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Trauma
- Depression
- Feeling stuck
- Change
How I might help you:
I appreciate that it is not always easy taking the first step to find a counsellor. Perhaps you aren't even sure what you are looking for, or if you 'need' counselling/therapy. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming. Perhaps you feel like you have lost your way and need some direction in life
Through counselling, I can support you whilst you explore and make sense of any feelings you might have, recognise your needs, help you to understand your past experiences and how they influence your life currently.
Counselling is a two-way process. As a counsellor, I can't give you the answers, BUT I can support you in navigating through any challenges you might be facing. I can work with you to support your growth, healing and to create positive change in your life. It is an opportunity for you to become the person you would like to be and to have the life and relationships you deserve to have.
I offer an empathic, understanding, non-judgemental person-centred, and compassionate approach. One to one appointments in a safe, confidential space where I can listen and support you. I work flexibly to suit your needs.
I understand that talking isn't always easy. So, I provide a space for people to work therapeutically in a way that is comfortable for them. This might include using some of the following techniques. as inner child work, creative techniques, games, mindfulness, visualisation, cognitive behaviour techniques (CBT), and social stories to suit the individual.
I believe the foundation of our patterns of behaviour, relationships, life experiences and how we express our emotions are established in childhood. Therefore a lot of my work is based around children, childhood, and inner child work. This often includes exploring issues such as anger, anxiety, fear, relationships, or trauma that we might not have learned process or express when younger.
We all deserve a safe space to talk and be heard. We all deserve an opportunity to heal past pain or trauma. Whilst we can't go back and change the past, we CAN change the future. We are all worthy and deserving of being happy and having the opportunity to create positive change in our lives. Counselling offers us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves and gain some valuable tools to support to boost our emotional wellbeing.
Change starts with one first step enabling you to move forward in life.
In addition to working privately, I have also worked within the following organisations as a counsellor.
- 7 years in roles as School and University Counsellors.
- 5 years with the YMCA as part of their Open House Youth Counselling
Training, qualifications & experience
I regularly attend trainings and courses to support my counselling work.
- 2024- Eating Psychology Coach Diploma
- 2023 -Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences
- 2021- Inner Child Healing Diploma. Centre of Excellence
- 2021- Anxiety Management Diploma. Centre of Excellence
- 2020- Mindfulness Diploma. Centre of Excellence
- 2012 - Surrey Nurturing Links...Parenting Puzzle Group Leader training
Counselling Experience:
- 2000-2002. Trainee Counsellor. University of Portsmouth Counselling Service
- 2001-2004. Trainee/Volunteer Counsellor. Crossways Counselling Service. Haslemere. Surrey
- 2004-2007. Volunteer Counsellor. Open House Youth Counselling Service. Guildford YMCA
- 2008-2009. Counsellor Support Worker in Primary Schools. Monmouthshire Youth Service
- 2019-2022. Secondary School Counsellor. Cumbria
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Concessions offered for
Additional information
My usual fee is £50. However, for those in financial difficulties, I offer a sliding scale. If you are struggling at this time and need some support, yet worried about the cost, let's talk and see if we can find a solution, so you can access the support you need at this time.
I accept cash and bank transfers. For the first session, I require cash. Please note I do not currently have facilities for card payment.
When I work
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I offer in person, telephone, and online appointments.
Further information
I can offer appointments from two locations. My main therapy room is currently in a rural location half-way between Carlisle and Penrith close to the village of Armathwaite. Here, I have the use of two therapy rooms. One of them has a small step to access it. If you have mobility issues please let me know so that I can ensure accessibility and comfort when you attend your appointment.
From March 2025, I can offer some appointments from a consulting room at Belah Community Centre in North Carlisle. This location is within walking distance of bus stops. It also is within easy reach of the motorway. Please be aware that the days and times I can offer at Belah are limited subject to room availability.
