Susan Smith
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS19-07699
Location: London
I work pre-dominantly in the Person Centred approach, this is a non-directive approach which believes you have the ability to make the right choices and find your own answers and solutions to your personal difficulties. You the client have full control over what is discussed in the therapy session, allowing you to take the lead in sharing your issues.I will walk with you on this journey without judgement and you will be treated with respect and in confidence.
I integrate Person Centred Therapy with the Gestalt Therapy , which is another humanistic approach and concentrates on the 'Here and Now'. I currently blend the sessions with Compassionate Focus Therapy which I accessed during lockdown and found beneficial for my clients. I am continually updating my training and development which enhances my Therapeutic relationship with my clients. This allows me to work with my clients in and empathic, congruent and non-judgemental approach. I also trained Compassionate Focussed Therapy.
I have worked with a diverse group of clients with a variety of issues. This has included relationship issues, anxiety and depression and just coping with day to day life.
We will agree on the number of sessions or we can work open-ended. Together we will explore and move forward.
I was drawn to counselling, when I realised after taking voluntary redundancy from a bank in the city , that this was the avenue that I wished to pursue. I realised that my life experiences would give me a natural aptitude to follow this path. Helping to empower others to search for their own answers is very rewarding.
My experience includes working with the NHS as a loss and bereavement counsellor. This also includes working with diagnosis and palliative care. I have also worked in a drug and alcohol service helping clients with addiction issues .I am an Anxiety UK Approved Therapist and during Covid-19 I volunteered for FRONTLINE 19. I currently run my private practice from Buckhurst Hill. but during lockdown the sessions have been on either online or via telephone. I use Walk and Talk Therapy (Going outside to heal inside), this was an advantage in COVID 19 as we were able to social distance whilst being outside in nature and in person.
I have also completed training in The Ben Raemers Foundation: Counsellor’s Awareness Course
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and have full public liability Insurance