Philip Gilson-Smith

• Anxiety and depression
• Relationship and intimacy
• Mindfulness and CBT

About Philip

Philip Gilson-Smith works with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and parenting challenges using an integrative counselling approach. He describes himself as an integrative therapeutic counsellor who helps people identify unconscious patterns that hold them back. He is registered with NCPS and has five years' experience in practice in the United Kingdom.

Philip focuses on helping people spot repeated patterns of thinking and behaviour that undermine their goals. He uses conversations to bring these patterns into awareness and then works on practical steps to change them. Sessions are aimed at clarity, goal setting and developing tools to support progress.

His approach draws on client-centred methods, cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness, with elements of Jungian therapy and hypnotherapy where appropriate. That mix allows a focus on present-day coping alongside exploration of deeper personal themes. Philip uses structured exercises as well as reflective dialogue depending on what a person needs.

Over five years he has supported people with issues ranging from grief and life changes to addiction and domestic violence recovery. He also addresses themes such as attachment and abandonment, communication and control issues, and fatherhood concerns. He lists coaching and ADHD among areas he works on.

Philip offers sessions for people who want to work on specific problems or broader life direction. He asks people to get in touch if they need clarity, help setting goals, or practical support to make changes. His practice is based in the UK and he accepts international clients.

How his therapeutic approaches work online

Philip commonly uses client-centred work and cognitive behavioural therapy in sessions. Client-centred work focuses on the person's own concerns and uses open conversation to explore feelings and choices; it suits people who want someone to listen and help them make their own decisions. Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns, which can help with anxiety, low mood and stress.

He also draws on mindfulness techniques to help with present-moment awareness and stress reduction, and may use elements of Jungian exploration or hypnotherapy when those routes seem useful. The choice of approach is discussed together so the counsellor and client decide what fits goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as needs change.

Session formats were not specified in the biography, so please confirm which formats are currently offered before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often find that remote work helps maintain continuity of care when people live in different locations.

Topics Philip lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Trauma and abuse
• Anger management
• Self-esteem
• Addictions
• Family conflicts
• Grief
• Intimacy-related issues
• Parenting issues
• Career difficulties
• Depression
• Coping with life changes
• Coaching
• ADHD
• Abandonment
• Attachment issues
• Avoidant personality
• Codependency
• Commitment issues
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Dependent personality
• Divorce and separation
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Fatherhood issues
• Guilt and shame
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Narcissism
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress
• Process addictions
• Self-love
• Sex addiction
• Sexual assault and abuse

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Hypnotherapy
• Jungian Therapy
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy
• Internal Family Systems

Questions about Philip

Does he work with anxiety?

Yes. He lists anxiety among his main areas and uses approaches such as CBT and mindfulness to address it.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He practises an integrative therapeutic counselling style that draws on client-centred work, CBT, mindfulness, Jungian ideas and hypnotherapy.

What experience does he have?

He has five years' experience working in private practice in the United Kingdom.

Is he registered with a professional body in the UK?

He is registered with NCPS as listed in his profile.

Can I have sessions in English if I live abroad?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm the current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I get started?

Select the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.