Philip Smyth

• Stress and anxiety
• Relationship repair
• Client-centred work

About Philip

Philip Smyth works on stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and related issues using talking therapy and practical conversation. He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has four years' experience. Philip moved into counselling after experiencing the benefits of therapy himself and now brings that personal insight to his practice.

He offers straightforward, conversational sessions where people can talk through what is troubling them. Sessions focus on understanding patterns in feelings and behaviour, and on small, workable changes. Philip uses approaches such as client-centred work and cognitive behavioural techniques to help with moods, thoughts and day-to-day coping.

Philip also works with couples to address communication problems, repair trust and rebuild emotional closeness. He draws on relationship-focused methods including elements of the Gottman Method and Imago relationship work to look at interaction patterns and practical ways to improve listening and connection.

His background includes time in business before training in counselling, and he speaks from personal experience of seeking therapy. This perspective shapes a pragmatic, down-to-earth style that aims to make sessions easy to follow and immediately useful.

People come to Philip for help with a wide range of concerns beyond the main issues above, including self-esteem, addictions, parenting worries, career stress, attachment issues, body image and coping with major life changes.

Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions

Philip commonly uses client-centred work, which focuses on listening closely and helping people speak about what matters to them. This approach supports emotional clarity and helps people decide what changes they want to try.

He also uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to look at links between thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT offers practical exercises and manageable steps for issues like low mood, anxiety and unhelpful thinking patterns.

Relationship work is another strand of his practice, drawing on ideas from the Gottman Method and Imago techniques to address communication, trust and intimacy problems within partnerships.

Finding the right approach is part of the initial work together. Philip will discuss clients' goals, preferences and the presenting problems, and they will decide collaboratively which methods to try and how to adapt them.

If you want online sessions, check the current session options before booking as formats are not listed in full here. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find it helps them keep momentum between sessions and make practical changes in daily life.

Topics Philip lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Relationship issues
• Grief
• Self-esteem
• Depression
• Addictions
• Family conflicts
• Trauma and abuse
• Intimacy-related issues
• Parenting issues
• Anger management
• Career difficulties
• Coping with life changes
• Coaching
• Attachment issues
• Avoidant personality
• Body image
• Caregiver issues and stress
• Commitment issues
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Divorce and separation
• Emptiness
• Family problems
• Fertility issues
• Forgiveness
• Guilt and shame
• Infidelity
• Isolation and loneliness
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Money and financial issues
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Self-love
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Workplace issues

Ways of working

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Gottman Method
• Imago Relationship Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

Questions about Philip

Does he help with anxiety?

Yes. He works with anxiety and stress using talking therapy and practical coping strategies.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

Philip uses client-centred approaches alongside cognitive behavioural techniques and relationship methods such as the Gottman Method and Imago work.

What is his experience?

He has four years' experience and became a counsellor after benefiting from therapy himself.

Is he a registered counsellor in the UK?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), as stated in his profile.

Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?

Yes. He accepts international clients and offers sessions in English.

What session formats does he use?

The biography mentions face-to-face and online sessions; confirm the current session options before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

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