online therapy essex
Services
My service to clients
Before my autism diagnosis, I trained in the person-centred approach to therapy and initially specialised in bereavement and loss. My work is now also informed by other counselling theories. I have helped clients experiencing problematic or abusive relationships of all kinds, as well as anxiety, depression and trauma. Some of my clients have needed help to overcome the legacy of a painful past, including narcissistic parenting or other forms of abuse. Finally, I have experience of helping carers and those living with chronic illnesses. I bring to therapy the humility and compassion that clients rely on to deeply explore their difficulties and embark on a process of personal growth that can help them ditch longstanding unhelpful patterns or ways of being. I respect your desired outcomes, your individuality and help you become fully you. I work with an awareness of oppression and social conditions which can affect mental health.
Whatever you are going through, feel free to contact me to see if I am the right person to help.
How I work: theory, ethics and knowledge
Counsellors are trained in various ways, which are known as ‘counselling modalities’. I trained in the person-centred approach, devised and extensively documented by Carl Rogers during the latter half of the last century. His methods place uppermost importance on a certain type of relationship between therapist and client which facilities personal growth, recovery and better mental health. According to his research and experience, the conditions created by this relationship help the individual regain or increase autonomy and lessen feelings of powerlessness. My clients gradually begin to trust themselves to cope with life’s challenges, leading to increased feelings of confidence.
I have also studied attachment theory, CBT and Transactional Analysis. Although these theories inform my practice, they do not constitute my principal way of working.
My work continues to show me that treating the client as an equal partner in the counselling process and showing understanding of their individual experiences allows them to grow and move forward in ways they did not necessarily imagine, uncovering authenticity and fulfilment.
Through a safe, empathic working relationship, clients often gain self-awareness and acquire the confidence and coping skills to cope better with life’s challenges.
In addition, I may use my knowledge of neurodivergent conditions (especially autism and ADHD), trauma, mental health conditions, bereavement, relationships and counselling theory to help you make sense of your feelings and experiences.
I have helped many adults explore whether they could be autistic, and to come to terms with the difficulties involved in a late diagnosis. Some of my autistic clients face considerable problems in the workplace. I help them find ways to cope or ways through, which may involve transitioning towards an occupation that better suits their strengths, if this seems appropriate. I have also helped autistic adults who have been misdiagnosed elsewhere.
I have worked as a counsellor in the charitable sector, specialising in bereavement, carers and autism. Now I work exclusively in private practice and am available at various times from Monday to Friday – please contact me to arrange an appointment.
Video call sessions last 55 minutes and cost £50.
My qualifications and training
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- BACP Certificate of Proficiency
- Level 2, Understanding Autism
- Certificate in Bereavement Counselling (Farleigh Hospice)
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Therapy
- ‘Trauma and the Body’ short course by Carolyn Spring
- Introduction to DBT
My code of conduct
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, which means I undertake to observe its code of ethics. This document can be found here.
It governs confidentiality, supervision by another experienced practitioner, record-keeping, and the ethical principles of trustworthiness, justice, self-respect, autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence.
I promote your ability to trust your own judgement and do not give you advice on how to manage your difficulties. This means that going forward, clients often gain in feelings of self-reliance and reduce their feelings of inability to cope and dependency on outside advice and influences.
Alison Smith MBACP