Philip Smyth

Practical, empathetic counselling for everyday challenges

BACP United Kingdom

Experience: 4 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches: Gottman Method, Client-Centred Therapy
Languages: English

About Philip

Philip Smyth is a counsellor with four years of practice who moved into therapy after seeing the benefits of talking therapy in his own life. He previously worked in business before retraining, and now offers both online and face-to-face sessions from the United Kingdom.

Background and approach

He holds BACP which indicates registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Philip focuses on everyday pressures such as stress, anxiety and depression.

He also helps with relationship concerns, intimacy issues, grief, low self-esteem and addictive behaviours. Sessions aim to be straightforward and practical so people can use what they learn in daily life.

He works with people facing family conflict, parenting strains, career uncertainty and life changes. Philip also supports those dealing with attachment difficulties, communication problems, commitment worries and the fallout of separation or infidelity.

He welcomes conversations about shame, guilt, body image and feeling isolated. Philip uses a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs.

He draws on the Gottman Method for relationship work, client-centred listening to understand a person’s perspective, and cognitive behavioural techniques to tackle unhelpful thinking. He may also bring psychodynamic ideas and solution-focused steps when they help.

His style is warm and down-to-earth. He aims to create a calm space to talk things through and to help people find practical steps forward.

Philip encourages small, manageable changes so clients can begin to feel more in control.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Philip uses the Gottman Method for relationship work, focusing on communication patterns and rebuilding trust between partners. This approach looks at interactions and practical skills to help couples relate more clearly and kindly. Client-Centred Therapy is a major part of his practice as well; it emphasises careful listening and helping people find their own solutions at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is used to spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour that keep stress and anxiety going.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. Philip works with each person to decide whether relationship-focused tools, listening-led sessions or cognitive techniques will help most. He treats that choice as a shared process and may combine methods as needs and goals become clearer.

Online work is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging so people can pick what fits their life. Video is useful for in-depth work and visual connection, phone calls can be easier on slow internet, and chat or messaging lets people fit quick check-ins into busy days. These formats make it easier to keep continuity when schedules change or travel is involved.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Philip commonly help with?

He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and low self-esteem. Relationship concerns, family conflict, addictions and life changes are also within his focus.

What is his therapeutic style like?

Philip offers a warm, down-to-earth style with practical steps. He listens in a client-centred way and helps people try approaches that suit their everyday life.

How much experience does he have?

Philip has four years of experience working with clients in both face-to-face and online settings. His background includes a previous career in business before moving into counselling.

What credentials and location are shown?

He is listed with BACP which stands for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. His practice is based in the United Kingdom.

Can sessions be conducted in other languages or countries?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients. People outside the UK can work with him using the online formats available.

Which session formats are available?

Philip offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options give flexibility for different schedules and communication preferences.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Intimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAvoidant personalityBody image Caregiver issues and stress Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Divorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Money and financial issuesSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centred TherapyCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodImago Relationship TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Registered with

BACP

Languages

English