Annabelle Smith - Integrative Counsellor*

Hi there welcome to my website and nice to meet you. I am just going to tell you a little bit about me and why I might be the counsellor for you. Anything I don’t cover and you feel you want to know please don’t hesitate to ask. I am just a message/call away.

After gaining a BSc in Life Sciences, majoring in Psychology I went on to work in a number of different industries from health to education, with very small people right through to fully grown matured people! During that time my love of psychology/counselling remained at the forefront and I often ended up doing further training just for personal interest. I finally decided the time was right and trained to be an integrative counsellor, as I am a great believer that one size doesn’t fit all. The different modalities I trained in (psychodynamic, person-centred and CBT) meaning I am able to adapt my working style around you.

I have been working now for sometime as a self-employed counsellor with adults and young people and have been lucky enough to work with some of the most amazing people. Please check out my reviews to see what they have to say. I gained a number of years of invaluable experience at Wirral Mind working with adults presenting with a variety of issues. Alongside this I was also working at Childline as a staff counsellor. This gave me great insight into the world of young people as well a lot of experience with the issues they face such as bullying, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders to name a few.

Counselling is not just a profession for me but a passion as well. I am a great believer in what it has to offer and the impact it can have on your life. I look forward to starting your journey with you.

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BACP Registered Member - 380481

Level 2 counselling CPCAB, Level 3 Counselling CPCAB, Level 4 Diploma in Counselling CPCAB, Level 5 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CPCAB

I did all my training alongside the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, (BACP) and being integrative* means I usemore than one modality:-

Person Centred - This is type of therapy deals with how you see yourself and accepts you as you are in a non judgemental way, while at the same time believing you have the ability to get to where you want to be and achieve whatever it is you would like to achieve with the right therapeutic conditions. At the same time eliminating or mitigating feelings of distress allowing you to feel more comfortable making whatever changes you are wanting to make.

Psychodynamic - This type of counselling looks at processes/experiences we are unaware of, exploring where they come from and looking at how they are impacting our current behaviour. This allows you to become more self aware as we move your unconscious thoughts into conscious ones.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) - varying techniques are used to help us change unwanted thoughts or behaviours. It can help reduce stress and enable us to deal with common life challenges in a more productive way.

I work alongside the BACP ethical framework to ensure the safety of all my clients.

I am qualified to use the survivor to thriver 21 step programme that works with physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse (please see separate page). I do this both individually and in groups.

I am trained to use Rewind Therapy a non intrusive and highly effective method for detraumatising people

I also enjoy working creatively when the time is right and have been known to work with pebbles, colours, shapes and even playdoh!

Everything I have done since qualifying as a counsellor means i have gained valuable experience working with adults and young people as well as knowledge of working in many different areas such as: -

Bereavement, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, stress, Bullying (workplace and school), Anger, family relationships, eating disorders, gender identity, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, abuse, pet bereavement …..

Qualifications

BSC

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Rewind practitioner

I also have further training in:-

Eating and attachment

safeguarding and child protection

gender identity

self-harm and suicidal thoughts

eating disorders

Remember there is always someone out there.

The Samaritans 116 123 (24hrs) NHS 111 (24hrs) Childline 0800 1111 (up to the age of 19, currently open 9am to midnight)

“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength”

— Sigmund Freud