Claire Smith, BACP

Claire Smith is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship strain. She also supports those coping with grief, trauma and abuse, parenting pressures, ADHD and challenges around intimacy or self-esteem. Claire holds BACP registration and has four years of professional experience in the UK.

She uses plain talk and a tailored approach in sessions. Claire adapts conversations and plans to each person's needs. She aims to make the room calm and practical, with steps people can try between meetings.

Her background includes work in a children's crisis unit within the NHS NELFT trust, where she supported people with severe mental health needs and higher risk presentations. That setting shaped how she manages serious concerns while keeping focus on everyday coping skills.

Claire draws on several therapy methods to help change thoughts and everyday habits. She blends techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to reduce unhelpful thinking and build small, doable routines.

Attachment-based and client-centred ways of working shape the relationship in sessions. These approaches mean Claire pays attention to how relationships and past experiences affect current feelings. She works alongside each person to set goals and test what helps in real life.

Therapy approaches that shift thoughts and habits

Claire commonly uses cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in her practice. Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviours keep problems going and suggests practical exercises to test new ways of thinking. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values, which can be useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes.

She also draws on attachment-based and client-centred principles to shape the way sessions feel. That means the relationship in the room matters and the therapist will work collaboratively to find the best fit. Together they will review what helps, adjust the plan and try different techniques until something clicks.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around family life or work commitments and lets people keep up with therapy when travel is difficult. It also allows for shorter check-ins or phone options when a conversation needs to be brief. Registered or accredited professionals can use these approaches effectively online, and Claire will help decide which way of meeting suits your goals and day-to-day routine.