Liz Smith
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS16-03919
Location: Bicester
I'm a fully qualified counsellor and coach who can help you explore areas of difficulty and discover your own inner wisdom and strength, even if you're not sure you have any. I have specialist training in working with women and men who have experienced infant and pregnancy loss; trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD; and childhood abuse.
I offer both short and long term counselling and coaching by video or phone. (In normal times I also offer face to face sessions in a tranquil, relaxing setting 3 miles southeast of Bicester, and within easy reach of Oxford, Kidlington and Aylesbury.)
I aim to create a positive, healing space that allows you to access your intrinsic potential to make changes that will help you lead a more fulfilling life. You can freely express yourself without being judged, safely process negative feelings and experiences, and think about new ways of living your life and relating to others. You remain the expert on you, but I can offer information, insights and suggestions to help you achieve your unique goals.
I work with adults of all ages who may be experiencing a range of issues, including (but not limited to):
past or recent trauma
workplace stress and bullying
anxiety
depression
bereavement and loss
issues around sex and sexuality.
I also have specialised, accredited training in working with clients who have experienced the loss of a baby before, at or after birth, and have experience in working with women who have experienced sexual abuse and assault through my work at the Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre.
Working with me
Whether we work in a virtual counselling room or a real one, you'll find a warm, friendly welcome and a commitment to helping you tap into your inborn capacity for change and healing.
I’m a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and an accredited member of the National Counselling Society, and I work within the ethical frameworks of both of these bodies. I regularly undertake additional training to continue to improve my work with clients.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
I have personal experience of pregnancy loss so I understand the range of (sometimes conflicting) emotions that can accompany it. I have completed specialist training on working with parents who have experienced pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby during or shortly after birth. Whether one or both parents choose to seek counselling, you are assured of a gentle welcome and a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space to work through this unique grief at your own pace.
Sexual Abuse and Assault
As a counsellor at the Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, I've worked at a deep level with clients who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and/or sexual assault. Dealing with the aftermath of these experiences (flashbacks, dissociation, nightmares, hypervigilance, difficulties trusting other, etc.) can feel overwhelming and, unfortunately, not everyone is able to access free counselling services in a timely way (or even at all).
I've seen firsthand what a big step it is to ask for help as the survivor of sexual violence. I aim to create a safe, compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can carefully process your experiences at your own pace.
