Val Smith - MBACP (Accredited) Dip. Couns

About me

Hello my name is Val Smith,

Sometimes life events are challenging and can seem a bit overwhelming. You might be feeling at a loss as to what to do. Maybe your mind is full to overflowing with so many mixed emotions just swirling around inside. Perhaps counselling could help?

I can offer you a safe, warm, non-judgemental and confidential space for you to explore what is troubling you. I am an integrative counsellor which means that I like to work in a way which suits you best. Whether that means talking things through; or perhaps looking at more creative ways in order to help you to make sense of whatever is causing distress.

Sometimes negative repeating patterns of thoughts or behaviours can be identified with the aim of working together towards making positive changes to these. Perhaps troubling past thoughts and feelings are popping up and affecting the present?  It can be helpful to explore these too if you’d like to.

How I work?

I work with adults (over the age of 18) as an integrative counsellor, which involves a mix of Person-Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is central to bringing about effective change. I would seek to journey with you in exploring your inner thoughts and feelings as you look for answers. I have varied experience (detailed below) and work with many issues in counselling, including: Depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, bereavement/loss, stress, abuse and others.

Counselling sessions usually take place on a weekly basis and each session lasts 50 minutes. The first session is a time of exploration where we can get to know each other and would help you to decide if I would be the right counsellor to help you. I’d be interested in finding out what you would like to achieve from counselling and would explain how the counselling process works. Some clients prefer a short-term approach, whilst others find it beneficial to take sessions on a longer-term basis.

I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice.