Dr Katherine Smith

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.