Dr Katherine Smith
Counselling PSYCHOLOGIST
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Hi, my name is Katherine and I am a Counselling Psychologist and BACP Accredited Therapist. I have over 12 years experience working therapeutically in both NHS and private sector services. I work therapeutically with individuals who are struggling with emotional and psychological distress.
My career began as a Counsellor working in bereavement services and with children and young people. I mainly use a Person-Centred Counselling approach with a focus on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a genuine understanding of a clients issues. I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental space where individuals can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. This approach empowers clients to find their own solutions and encourages self-awareness and self-acceptance.
My passion for my work led me to starting my Counselling Psychology training at Teesside University. I began building my therapeutic experience within NHS services such as Older Adult Psychiatry, Health Psychology, and with Psychosis Teams. Since qualifying as a Psychologist, I chose to go into private practice. Private practice has allowed me to work flexibly with a variety of individuals presenting with a range of mental health difficulties as well as severe and enduring mental health issues. Private practice offers me the opportunity to focus more on my areas of interest and expertise. My skills lie in working with those who have been impacted by trauma and struggling with relationships, and most importantly, making sense of personal experiences and the impact those continue to have on them today.
My therapeutic approach is human-centred, trauma informed, and compassion focused. The heart of my therapeutic approach is Person-Centred Counselling, which I believe is fundamental for therapeutic growth and change. I am trained in a number of therapies that I integrate into my practice, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I tailor sessions to my clients unique needs and experiences. I begin therapy by creating a safe and welcoming space, either face-to-face or remotely. It is important I can offer an emotional environment that fosters an atmosphere of warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. This then allows me to build trust gradually with my clients, and we can explore what is bringing them to therapy and understanding their story. I find I empathise deeply and strive to understand experiences from an individuals perspective. I hope this helps clients feel validated, understood, and accepted. I aim to promote autonomy and self-exploration, encouraging clients to take the lead in their therapy sessions. I also aim to promote self-acceptance and help clients develop a compassionate attitude toward themselves.
Training and qualifications
- Doctorate in Counselling Psychology
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
- Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and CBT
ACCREDITATION TO PROFESSIONAL BODIES
- HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist
- Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society
- Accredited Member of the BACP
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST
- EMDR Therapy (both trauma focused and non-trauma focused)
- Relationship difficulties with the self and others
- Difficulties from childhood (including abuse and attachments)
- Low mood and anxiety
- Bereavement, grief, and end of life care
- Children and Young People (including Play Therapy)
INVEST IN YOURSELF AND YOUR WELLBEING
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR THERAPISTS
We carry out rigorous checks and vet all our therapists before they join the team. They must meet with our high standards of professional specification which includes:
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- Degree-qualified to Masters or PHD (doctorate) level for clinical psychologists
- Full indemnity insurance
- DBS criminal record clearance
This means that the mental health professional you see will be qualified, experienced and competent.
We are a private mental health clinic and have a number of therapists with different specialities. Because of this, we can offer therapies to help with a wide range of mental health issues from Anxiety to PTSD and child psychology.
Accreditation to the relevant professional body:
- Clinical psychologists are Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered
- CBT therapists are British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited
- Counsellors are British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) accredited
First, we carry out a triage step during a 15-minute free initial telephone consultation. Depending on the challenges you’re facing, we will then recommend a counsellor, CBT therapist or clinical psychologist.
We also have clinic locations throughout the North, so there is usually one not too far from you.
As a result, we can usually offer an appointment quickly and at a time and place convenient for you. But, above all, tailored to your needs.