Counsellor profile
Philip Smyth, BACP
Counsellor - Relationships and anxiety
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship work
- Grief and loss
About Philip
Counsellor Philip Smyth is a BACP member with four years' experience. He works with people in the United Kingdom on issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and self-esteem.
Philip moved into counselling after a career in business and personal experience of therapy. That background informs his practical, down-to-earth style. He offers one-to-one work and also supports couples who want to repair trust and improve how they communicate.
Sessions focus on whatever is causing most difficulty right now. Philip uses straightforward conversation to help people clarify problems and try different ways of responding. He draws on Client-Centred ideas to follow what the person brings, and on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to look at patterns of thought and behaviour.
He also uses psychodynamic ideas to consider how past experiences might shape current feelings. For relationship work he brings in elements of the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy to address communication and intimacy. Philip’s approach is practical and relational; he aims to help people make small, manageable changes that ease daily life.
Philip is comfortable talking about sensitive topics such as trauma, addiction, parenting strain, fertility issues and guilt. He works in English and will discuss what someone hopes to get from sessions before agreeing next steps. To begin, people are invited to use the See online counselling options button and complete the short matching questionnaire.
Therapeutic approaches and online counselling
Philip often blends Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Client-Centred Therapy means the counsellor listens without directing and follows what the person brings. It helps when someone needs time to talk through feelings and be heard. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at thought and behaviour patterns and suggests practical steps to change unhelpful routines. It suits issues like anxiety and low mood where specific strategies can help.For relationship work he draws on elements of the Gottman Method to improve communication and reduce conflict. This focuses on small changes in how couples speak and respond to each other to strengthen connection. Philip treats choice of approach as a shared decision. He will work with each person or couple to agree which methods match their goals and what feels workable in practice.
If you are considering sessions over the internet, confirm the exact formats he currently offers before booking. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, cut travel time and allow a shorter check-in when needed. It can also let people connect when they are in a different location from their counsellor. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises used in the room for remote work, and Philip will discuss how to run sessions in a way that suits your routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief and self-esteem among other concerns listed on his profile.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses a conversational, practical style. He combines Client-Centred listening with CBT techniques and relational methods for couples.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years' experience working with clients after moving from a business background into counselling.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered to international clients and are conducted in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography mentioned both face-to-face and online sessions in general terms. Please confirm 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?
Select 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.