Annabelle Smith - Counsellor & Psychotherapist

I have a special interest and advanced training in the following areas: 

• Anxiety: Helping individuals manage and reduce the overwhelming effects of anxiety. 

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Supporting clients in understanding and managing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. 

• Historic Child Abuse and Trauma: Including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as neglect. 

• Emotional Eating: Addressing the emotional triggers behind eating behaviours and fostering a healthier relationship with food. 

Additionally, I am a trained Rewind Practitioner, which means I use the Rewind Technique to treat trauma and phobias in a non-intrusive and highly effective way. 

I am also a Survivor to Thriver Practitioner, helping individuals who have experienced trauma move beyond simply surviving to truly thriving. 

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of issues, including: 

• Anger Management: Helping clients understand and manage their anger in healthier ways. 

• Attachment Issues: Supporting individuals in exploring and improving their relationships. 

• Bereavement and Grief: Including pet bereavement, offering compassionate support during times of loss. 

• Bullying: Whether in school or the workplace, helping clients rebuild confidence and self-esteem. 

• Depression: Providing tools and support to navigate feelings of sadness and hopelessness. 

• Gender Identity: Offering a safe and supportive space to explore identity. 

• Family Relationships: Helping clients navigate complex family dynamics. 

• Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts: Providing a non-judgmental space to explore and address these feelings. 

• Self-Esteem: Supporting clients in building confidence and self-worth. 

• Stress: Helping individuals manage and reduce the impact of stress on their lives. 

• Trauma: Working with clients to process and heal from traumatic experiences.

Whatever you’re going through, I’m here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can work together to find the support you deserve. 

I am an Integrative Counsellor, which means I use a variety of therapeutic approaches to tailor my work to your unique needs.

I believe that one size doesn’t fit all, and I adapt my style to suit you.

The modalities I use include: 

• Person-Centred Therapy: A non-judgmental approach that focuses on how you see yourself, helping you feel accepted and supported as you work toward your goals. 

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring unconscious processes and past experiences to understand how they influence your current behaviours and emotions. 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Using practical techniques to help you change unwanted thoughts and behaviours, reduce stress, and manage life’s challenges.

I also enjoy working creatively when the time is right, using tools like pebbles, colours, shapes, and even playdoh to help clients express themselves in new ways! 

After earning a BSc in Life Sciences, majoring in Psychology, I worked in various industries, from health to education, with people of all ages.  

My passion for psychology and counselling remained constant, and I pursued further training to become an integrative counsellor. 

My qualifications include: 

• Level 2 and 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, CPCAB 

• Level 4 and 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, CPCAB 

• Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, CPCA  

I am an Accredited Member of BACP (No. 380481), which stands for British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

This means that I have undergone rigorous assessment and evaluation to meet the BACP's strict standards for professional practice, so you can rest assured that you are choosing a qualified and ethical counsellor. 

I’ve gained invaluable experience working with adults and young people in a variety of settings, including:  

• Bupa: Currently working as a Counsellor for Bupa alongside my private practice. 

• Wirral Mind: Supporting adults with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.  

• Childline: Working as a staff counsellor, helping young people navigate challenges such as bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and eating disorders.