Profile / United Kingdom
Philip Smyth, BACP
United Kingdom
BACP counsellor - Relationships and anxiety
See online therapy options- CBT influenced work
- Couples communication
- Stress and grief
About Philip
Philip Smyth is a BACP counsellor in the United Kingdom with four years’ experience. He moved from a business background into counselling after personal challenges led him to try therapy. He now works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief and faith concerns.
He uses a mix of practical conversations and structured techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. Sessions include focused work on communication, trust and emotional closeness for couples, alongside support for individual issues such as addictions, parenting strain and career pressures. Philip draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centred and psychodynamic ideas to shape the work.
Philip aims for clear, straightforward sessions. He listens to what is happening now, then looks at patterns that keep problems going. He helps people try small changes and see what works in daily life rather than offering abstract theories.
When relationship problems are present he uses approaches influenced by the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy to address communication and repair trust. For personal history or recurring patterns, he uses psychodynamic ideas to make sense of how the past affects current choices.
Philip offers support for many common life challenges such as parenting pressures, caregiver stress, fertility-related strain, anger and feelings of emptiness. He accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English. To begin, people are asked to complete a short questionnaire and then book an initial session.
How his approaches work in online sessions
Philip draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and change unhelpful thought patterns and everyday behaviours; this is useful for anxiety, low mood and stress. Client-Centred Therapy underpins a conversational style where the counsellor listens and reflects so the client can find their own solutions. When relationship problems are the focus, methods influenced by the Gottman Method and Imago Relationship Therapy guide structured work on communication and rebuilding trust.Choosing a therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Philip discusses goals, personal preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before, then recommends ways of working. Decisions about which methods to use are made together and can be adjusted as progress is reviewed.
The original biography mentions both face-to-face and online experience but does not list specific current formats, so please confirm session types before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy day, reduce travel time, and let people join from different locations. They can also allow shorter check-ins or audio-only meetings when that suits a client better.
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 helps with stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, grief and faith concerns, plus related areas like parenting strain and career issues.
How does he use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
He uses CBT ideas to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and to try practical changes that can improve daily functioning.
What is his professional background?
Philip moved from a business career into counselling after personal experience with therapy, and he has four years of counselling experience.
Where is he based and what are his credentials?
He works in the United Kingdom and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP.
Can non-UK residents work with him?
Yes, he accepts international clients and works in English.
Which session formats are offered?
The original profile notes both face-to-face and online work in his background but does not list current formats; please confirm available session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Session cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.