Counsellor profile
Steve Smalec, BACP
Counsellor - stress and anxiety
See online counselling options- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem work
About Steve
Counsellor and member of BACP, Steve Smalec has 20 years of professional experience supporting people in the United Kingdom with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem and depression.
Steve uses straightforward conversation to help people understand what is happening for them. Sessions are a place to talk through thoughts and feelings without judgement. He focuses on practical steps people can take between sessions as well as what is discussed in the room.
Over two decades Steve has worked with people on communication problems, guilt and shame, self-love and social anxiety and phobia. He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address these concerns. He pays attention to how patterns of thinking and behaviour keep problems going and looks for ways to change them.
Steve keeps sessions paced to each person. Some people use the work to manage symptoms; others want clearer boundaries or better relationships. He encourages checking progress and adjusting the approach if needed.
People coming to Steve can expect plain language and a steady, problem-solving focus. He asks questions, reflects what he hears and suggests specific ideas to try between sessions. The emphasis is on practical, manageable change over time.
Therapeutic approaches and online counselling
Steve uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on how thoughts and behaviour affect feelings. One common approach looks at unhelpful thought patterns and tests them against real-life evidence to reduce anxiety and low mood. This method helps people notice automatic thoughts and try different ways of responding.Another approach works on behaviours and routines that keep problems in place. It involves setting small tasks to change patterns, such as gradual exposure for social anxiety or rehearsing communication skills for relationship strain. These exercises are practical and aim to build confidence through repeated practice.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Steve will discuss options with each person and agree a plan based on needs, goals and preferences. He treats this as a collaborative process and will check progress and change tactics if something does not fit.
Confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not list them. Online counselling can make it easier to fit appointments into a day, allow quieter or shorter check-ins, or avoid travel time. Ask about the available formats when you book so you know how sessions will be arranged.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What sorts of problems does he help with?
Steve works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, low self esteem and depression. He also focuses on communication problems, guilt and social anxiety.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and plain conversation. The focus is on identifying patterns and taking practical steps between sessions.
How long has he practised?
He has 20 years of professional experience in counselling and related work.
Which professional body is he a member of?
He is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.
Can I have sessions in other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with international clients?
He accepts international clients as part of his practice.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your 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.