Welcome to
Listening Space
We all need someone to tell our story to. To be witnessed in what feels true to us, and gently guided to tune in to what is really going on.
My name is Chris Smith, I am a counsellor and psychotherapist providing face-to-face therapy to adults in Bristol, and online throughout the UK.
I work with clients that are new to therapy, as well as those who want to go deeper on their healing journey, or who have found that previous therapy hasn’t helped as much as they’d hoped.
I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation via phone call or online.
My approach
I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist - which means I draw on elements from different therapeutic modalities, supporting you with a coherent, responsive, and ethically grounded practice, that honours your complexity.
Integrative counselling and psychotherapy, which I practice, is a relational and holistic approach to therapy that explores how trauma shows up as symptoms both in our mind and body. Depression, anxiety, attachment issues, addiction, intimacy and relational difficulties, and low self-esteem, can all be indicators of trauma that are held in the mind and body.
What to expect
We will talk about your current and early life experience; reflect on the links between your past and present; identify and try to understand your triggers, and how you might take better care of yourself; pay attention to bodily sensations, for example, do you notice any tension in your body right now?; increase your capacity to regulate emotions and feel safer in the present.
Safety and inclusivity
I strive to create a welcoming and affirming space for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. I am committed to providing inclusive and culturally sensitive therapy.
Getting started
This is deep, beautiful work. It requires trust and openness and it’s important you feel you can work with me. I invite you to book an introductory session so we can start a conversation about working together. You may not feel I am right for you, and that’s ok. If you do feel inspired and supported by our conversation, then we can arrange a first session.
What issues can I help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling and psychotherapy:
Stress
Trauma
Depression
Relationship problems
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger
Anxiety
Problems with addiction
Sexuality
Post-traumatic stress
Grief, loss or bereavement
Work or retirement
Abuse
Family life
About me
The first seed of thought that I would eventually train to be a counsellor and therapist, was planted 35 years ago, when attending college. I saw a counsellor for the first time. I was depressed and struggled to deal with my anger. This affected my relationships and ability to study and work effectively. It was the first time I have ever truly felt seen and heard, and that what I was going through mattered to somebody. I was at the time, not accustomed to receiving empathy and feeling emotional safety. My counsellor identified loss and unprocessed grief as underlying factors, and that strongly resonated with me, but I was until then, unable to recognise that without their help.
Since then, I have continued to be curious, and have never stopped learning. Through reading, courses, workshops and learning from my clients.
- I have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from The Minster Centre (BACP accredited; validated by Middlesex University).
- As a registered BACP member, I am committed to Continuing Professional Development.
- I engage in monthly individual and group supervision in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
"Chris is an excellent counsellor. Immediately relatable and empathetic whilst also encouraging me down different trails of thought. He really satisfied my desire for information whilst allowing me to come to my own conclusions. I would whole heartedly recommend him and am a better human having spent time with him."
Rob, online counselling
“Working with Chris has been an incredibly positive and valuable experience. Therapy has given me practical tools as well as greater self-awareness, and I genuinely feel that it has had a lasting positive impact on my life. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for a compassionate, insightful, and professional therapist."
Andrea, Bristol
“Having started therapy later in my life & unfamiliar with it’s benefits, I’ve found Chris to be a patient and kind counsellor, his constructive approach has helped me negotiate difficulties with my relationships and guide me to be more calm and reflective."
Jem, Bristol
My location
I work from a private practice in Clifton, and private offices on Park street in Central Bristol.
CLIFTON
The Practice Rooms, 14 St Paul's Road Bristol BS8 1LR
CENTRAL BRISTOL
Park House 10 Park Street Bristol BS1 5HX
In addition to face-to-face therapy, I offer online sessions to people throughout the UK via Zoom.
Fees & availability
Session fees £70-80
Each session is 50 minutes and will usually take place on a weekly basis.
Limited spaces for fortnightly sessions are also available.
Payment is made via bank transfer before each session.
Get in touch
Feel free to send me a message, to arrange an initial consultation. This is an opportunity to discuss what you want to work on, to ask any questions, and to see whether I am the right therapist to help. There is no requirement for you to talk in great detail about why you are seeking therapy.
You can also text or call 07758 255888. If unavailable, please leave a voicemail and I will to reply to all queries as soon as I can.
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