Counsellor profile
Paula Smyton, BACP
Counsellor - relationships and emotional wellbeing
See online counselling options- Psychodynamic therapy
- Client-centred work
- Solution-focused help
About Paula
Paula Smyton is a counsellor registered with the BACP and has around 10 years of experience working in counselling services, education, mental health settings and private practice. She focuses on relationship and emotional wellbeing, and on common life challenges such as stress, anxiety, low mood and grief.
Paula works with people who have been managing difficulties alone for some time. She often meets clients who feel they are coping outwardly while struggling inside with family or relationship problems, sleep and eating issues, anger, or the fallout from trauma and loss. Sessions are described in straightforward terms, with time to talk and reflect.
Her main foundation is psychodynamic therapy, which looks at how past events and relationship patterns can shape present thoughts and feelings. She also uses elements of client-centred practice and solution-focused ideas to respond to what a person needs in the moment.
In practical terms Paula aims to help people notice repeating patterns, understand emotional reactions, and gain clearer ways to manage day-to-day stresses. She listens for what is getting in the way of change and works with clients to try different ways of responding.
Paula has experience across a range of difficulties including parenting and family strain, intimacy issues, bipolar mood concerns, LGBT matters, career stress, and coping with major life changes. She offers sessions in English and accepts international clients. To begin, people use the site matching questionnaire and book a first appointment.
Therapeutic approaches and how online counselling works
Paula draws on psychodynamic therapy and client-centred work in her practice. Psychodynamic therapy looks at how past relationships and early experiences can shape current feelings and reactions, which can help when recurring patterns keep causing distress. Client-centred work focuses on listening and reflecting so the person can make sense of their experience and decide what matters next.She may also use solution-focused ideas to identify small, practical steps that can be tried between sessions. Choosing which approach to use is a shared process. The therapist and client talk about goals, preferences and what seems most helpful, and they adjust the way they work as things change.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so please confirm options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also mean quieter surroundings or no need to be on camera for some sessions, depending on the agreed format. Registered or accredited professionals can explain the practical arrangements and help set up a way of working that fits everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What types of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, low self esteem, career stress, bipolar and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She combines psychodynamic thinking with client-centred and solution-focused methods. The approach is conversational and reflective, aiming to identify patterns and practical steps forward.
How much experience does she have?
She has around 10 years of experience working across counselling services, education, mental health settings and private practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is registered with the BACP and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to start working together?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.