West Yorkshire
Counselling & Psychotherapy
About
Welcome, my name is Lauren Smith. I am a BACP registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist working in Leeds and Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
People access counselling for a number of different reasons; they might seek support after a life event such as a relationship breakdown, job loss or bereavement, or to explore distressing feelings such as panic or loneliness. Others might seek help because they feel "stuck", "low" or unable to cope. Whatever it is that is concerning you, I will work alongside you to find a solution.
Counselling allows us to explore aspects of our lives or feelings that we find difficult, and provides us with a space to talk problems through in a way that is often not possible even with close friends and family.
I can support you by providing a safe, relaxed and confidential environment for you to explore what is troubling you, at your own pace and without judgement. My approach is to work with you to guide you to a better understanding of how and why you have come to feel the way that you do, this may involve exploring how past life events, relationships or traumas are impacting you in the present.
I have experience of working with a wide range of issues including stress, depression, abuse, childhood trauma and emotional neglect, relational difficulties, family conflicts and problems relating to confidence and self-esteem. I also have a specialist interest in working with people who are experiencing anxiety (generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, health anxiety, cyberchondria), and people who have experienced family/relational trauma (physical or emotional abuse, attachment issues or childhood emotional neglect (CEN)).
I offer sessions in Bardsey (LS17) and Leeds (LS1). My Bardsey practice is in a quiet location within easy reach of both Wetherby (5 miles) and Leeds (8 miles), and is ideal for avoiding busy city centre traffic and parking charges. Free off street parking is available at the premises. My Leeds practice is located at Unity Business Centre (LS7 1AB) with free car park or on street parking. I also offer telephone and video counselling for your convenience.
Choosing to access support takes courage. I would love to hear from you - please contact me by phone, email or text message to find out more or book an initial appointment.
I am registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and work to their Ethical Framework (https://www.bacp.co.uk/)
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How I can help
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life. It can serve a healthy purpose such as motivating us to prepare before a job interview or exam. Sometimes however feelings of anxiety can become intrusive, and negatively affect our day to day lives...
Depression
Everyone has days where they feel sad or low. Depression is different, leaving us feeling sad for prolonged periods.
It is important to recognise that depression is not a sign of weakness, or something that you can "snap out of"...
Relationships
Relationship difficulties come in many forms. For example, we might experience problems in forming healthy relationships with others, or we might find ourselves in conflict with family, friends, romantic partners or work colleagues...
Grief and loss
Trauma
Other Issues
Grief is a natural response to loss, and loss can come in many forms. We all experience grief differently, and it is important to remember that there is no "right" way to grieve, and there is no time limit on grief...
Trauma can have a profound effect on our mental health and well being. There are well known causes of trauma, such as catastrophic events, abuse or injuries, but trauma can also occur in less well recognised circumstances, depending on how we experience them. We all respond differently to traumatic events...
There are countless reasons why people choose to access counselling. Sometimes a life event such as a relationship breakdown or job loss can lead someone to seek help. At other times they may feel "stuck" or that something is not quite "right" in their lives. Whatever it is that is concerning you, I will listen without judgement and work with you to find a way forward.