Counsellor profile
Philip Smyth, BACP
BACP counsellor - family and relationship concerns
Continue with PhilipAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship work
- Practical coping
About Philip
Philip Smyth is a BACP-registered counsellor in the United Kingdom with four years of practice. He moved into counselling after working in business and after facing personal challenges that led him to try talking therapy himself. He now supports adults with common issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family concerns, grief, addictions and parenting strain.
Philip keeps sessions straightforward and practical. He listens to what is happening at home and helps people talk through current problems. He can work on communication, trust and emotional intimacy where that is relevant, and he uses a mix of talking approaches to suit the person in front of him.
His approach draws on client-centred work to follow the person's lead and on cognitive behavioural techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour. He also uses relationship-focused methods such as the Gottman Method and Imago-informed ideas when conversations focus on couple dynamics. Psychodynamic ideas inform how past experiences can shape present patterns.
Philip often supports people coping with life changes, career stress, fertility and caregiver strain as well as those dealing with anger, guilt, shame or isolation. He combines practical steps with reflective conversation so clients can try out different ways of handling things between sessions.
People coming from a business background or those juggling work and family often find his plain, direct style easy to follow. He accepts international clients and runs sessions online as well as in person, and works in English.
How sessions work
How Philip uses therapy approaches online
Philip combines client-centred work with cognitive behavioural techniques and relationship-focused methods in online sessions. Client-centred work focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person, helping them name issues and decide what to work on. CBT looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and gives practical exercises to try between sessions, which can help with anxiety, low mood and stress. The Gottman Method and Imago-informed ideas guide conversations about communication, trust and emotional intimacy when relationship issues are a focus.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Philip will discuss your needs, goals and preferences and then suggest ways of working together. That choice is collaborative and can change as your situation changes or as you try different techniques.
The biography states he has run online sessions, but it does not list which formats are currently offered. Please confirm the available session formats before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so therapy can slot around work or family commitments.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does he help with?
He works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, grief, parenting strain, addictions and related problems such as guilt, shame and isolation.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Philip uses a straightforward, conversational style that blends client-centred listening with practical CBT techniques and relationship-focused methods when appropriate.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years of experience working as a counsellor after a previous career in business.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is registered with the BACP and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients; confirm practical details before booking.
Which session formats does he offer?
The original biography mentions both face-to-face and online work; please confirm the current session formats before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to see him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.