- client-centred approach
- CBT techniques
- couples communication
About Philip
Philip Smyth is a BACP-registered counsellor in the United Kingdom with four years of clinical experience. He moved from a background in business into counselling after personal experience with talking therapy. He now works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, family conflict and anger.
Philip meets people who want to talk things through and find practical ways to manage difficult feelings. He also sees couples who want to repair trust, improve communication and rebuild emotional closeness. He writes plainly and avoids jargon so conversations stay focused and clear.
In sessions he draws on client-centred methods to listen and understand each person’s experience. He also uses cognitive behavioural ideas to identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. For relationship work he applies elements of the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy to help couples work on communication and connection.
Philip understands how hard it can be to make the first call, because he chose counselling himself after personal challenges. He treats that decision as an important step and aims to work collaboratively on realistic goals. He does not promise quick fixes but works with people to identify manageable changes and build coping skills.
He offers conversational, practical therapy aimed at day-to-day improvements. Sessions focus on what is happening now, what keeps difficulties going, and what small steps can reduce tension, manage anger and improve relationships.
How his approaches work online
Philip often combines client-centred listening with cognitive behavioural techniques. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on understanding each person without judgement and helps people feel heard as they talk through concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together and offers practical steps to change patterns that increase stress, anger or anxiety. For relationship work he uses principles from the Gottman Method to help couples improve communication and reduce damaging interaction cycles.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Philip will discuss your goals and preferences and together you will decide which methods to try. That collaborative process can include checking what is helping and adjusting the approach as you go.
Please confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work and family life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people join from different locations if international contact is arranged. Registered or accredited professionals, including counsellors, use online work to keep continuity of care and make sessions more practical for day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, grief, family conflict, anger and related concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a conversational, client-centred style and combines it with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural work.
How much experience does he have?
He has four years of experience working with clients in both face-to-face and online settings.
Is he a registered professional and where is he based?
He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
He accepts international clients but please check any regional regulations that might apply to online work in your country.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule your first appointment.