I am a psychodynamic counsellor licensed in the UK with 10 years of experience working as a counsellor and teacher. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, suicidal ideation, BPD, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, parenting problems and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have experience of working with clients in a range of settings from working with young people in school 12-18 to working with adults 18+ in a counselling centre and within my private practice.
My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and without judgment. My approach combines psychodynamic therapy with an integrative approach which may include working with aspects of person-centred therapy, CBT and solution focussed therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C S Lewis
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #82625
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Paula Smyton. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have rejected therapy for so long, for fear that it will feel like more pressure in my already busy life, and for fear that i will be talking to someone who will tell me what i already know. After surfing 4 different therapists in different virtual and face to face spaces, I found Paula! Although i have not been in therapy with her for as long as i want to be, i could immediate sense that i am a step closer to where i want to be. Her approach works for me, and her personality and experience are the promise from therapy that i have been seeking. She is focused, hands on, knowledgeable, deep, and experienced beyond my expectations. I told Paula that i have friends to vent to, and i have minimal self-awareness, and i do not need someone to tell me what i already know. She opens my eyes and ears and heart to so much that i am not aware of and that i do not know, and she teaches me so much. I continue to learn so much from her. I can finally say that against my expectations i found my therapist.
Written on May 14, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and coping with life changes
The change in my relationships with my family, friendships and my work life has been so substantially improved since I’ve been working with Paula.
She has a great warmth, is calm, gentle, giving insightful guidance, and offering new perspectives and practical solutions, (not just listening with occasional questions which had been my past therapy experience that had put me off returning to therapy for decades.)
She remembers and references everything that I have ever talked about in a way that makes me feel truly listened to and understood.
She also has a great sense of humour and fun which can lift the spirits invaluably where appropriate.
I just wish I’d found her decades ago.
Written on Apr 30, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Very intuitive and focussed. Warm and encouraging. Would thoroughly recommend Paula.
Written on Apr 21, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
In the first session Paula helped me piece together elements of my past and provided new understanding that really resonated and provided healing. Thank you for your expertise and kindness.
Written on Mar 06, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Paula is friendly and openly, making it easier to work with her.
She is good to reflect things I write in my journal helping me to understand my needs better. Worksheets given help me to reflect and think in new ways.
Written on Feb 26, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning trauma and abuse
Finding the right therapist is key to effective counselling and I stuck gold with Paula. She put me at ease within minutes. Paula's tremendous knowledge and professionalism are equally enhanced by her warmth and gentle humour.
Written on Oct 03, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem