Qualified Counsellor

Susan Smith

Counsellor

About Me

Susan Smith is a qualified Counsellor at Cherry Tree Therapy Centre in Buckhurst Hill.

Life isn’t always easy and it can be quite tough for some of us to get through the day. Normal is a word of the past, we need to feel happy in our own skins. I will empower you to find your own answers and find the happiness that you are searching for. I can offer a safe and confidential space for you to talk and explore your issues. I will listen to you without judgement and in confidence. Counselling is not about giving advice but about working together in an honest, non-judgemental and support

I work predominantly in the Person-Centred approach, this is a non-directive approach, which believes you have the ability to make the right choices and find your own answers and solutions to your personal difficulties. You the client have full control over what is discussed in the therapy session, allowing you to take the lead in sharing your issues. As a qualified counsellor, I will walk with you on this journey without judgement and you will be treated with respect and in confidence.

I integrate Person-Centred Therapy with Gestalt Therapy, which is another humanistic approach and concentrates on the ‘Here and Now’. I am continually updating my training and development which enhances my Therapeutic relationship with my clients. This allows me to work with my clients in an empathic, congruent and non-judgemental approach. I also trained in Compassionate Focussed Therapy.

I have worked with a diverse group of clients with a variety of issues. This has included relationship issues, anxiety and depression and just coping with day to day life.

We will agree on the number of sessions or we can work open-ended. Together we will explore and move forward.

I was drawn to counselling, when I realised after taking voluntary redundancy from a bank in the city, that this was the avenue that I wished to pursue. I realised that my life experiences would give me a natural aptitude to follow this path. Helping to empower others to search for their own answers is very rewarding.

My experience as a qualified counsellor includes working with the NHS as a loss and bereavement counsellor. This also includes working with diagnosis and palliative care. I have also worked in a drug and alcohol service helping clients with addiction issues. I am an Anxiety UK Approved Therapist and during Covid-19 I volunteered for FRONTLINE 19. I currently run my private practice from South Woodford and Buckhurst Hill.

Qualifications

  • Certificate in Humanistic Counselling (Gestalt)
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Skills Level 3 (NFCE)
  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 4 (CPCAB)
  • NHS Bereavement Training
  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
  • Safeguarding
  • Working with Children and Adolescents
  • Anxiety Disorders (NICE)
  • Theory and Practice of Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT)

Professional Memberships

  • Accredited Registrant NCS19
  • Registered Member MBACP