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Kate Oliver-Smith

Therapist · United Kingdom

Kate Oliver-Smith, NCPS

Practical counselling with a warm, down-to-earth style

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  • Client-centred care
  • Focus on everyday habits
  • Practical goal support

About Kate

Kate Oliver-Smith is a psychotherapeutic counsellor with 13 years of experience. She believes people can reach realistic goals when they want to, and that talking through problems in therapy can help make that possible. Kate combines counselling skills with a practical background in human resources to offer down-to-earth support.

Her early work in human resources involved mediation, coaching and one-to-one help with workplace and personal issues. That time showed her she enjoyed helping people and that she had an aptitude for it. She then trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic work, cognitive behavioural methods and client-centred practice. The credential NCPS appears on her profile as provided.

In sessions she aims to be warm and approachable. She uses a non-judgemental style and listens for what each person needs. Conversations stay focused on practical change as well as emotional understanding, depending on the issue brought to the room.

Kate works with a broad range of concerns, such as stress, anxiety, depression, addictions and relationship difficulties. She also addresses areas like grief, self-esteem, parenting pressures and sleep problems, and has additional experience with issues such as attachment, adoption and chronic illness.

Her approach blends counselling, coaching ideas and therapeutic techniques so the work fits the person. This means sessions may include talking through thoughts and everyday habits, checking small steps, and looking at patterns that get in the way of change.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Credentials

NCPS · United Kingdom

Languages

English

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person as they are, helping people feel heard and explore what matters most to them. This approach suits issues like low self-esteem, life choices and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behaviour and uses straightforward strategies to change unhelpful habits; it is often used for anxiety, depression and sleep problems. Existential Therapy encourages reflection on meaning, values and life direction and can help with major life changes and questions about purpose.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss needs, goals and preferences and then recommend ways of working together. That choice is collaborative and may change as the work develops.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm which formats are available before booking. Many people find remote sessions easier to fit around work and family life, reduce travel time and allow more flexible appointment times. Others prefer in-person contact; the therapist will help people decide what suits their routine and goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with many concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship difficulties, grief and self-esteem. Additional areas include attachment issues, chronic illness, parenting strain and sleep problems.

What is her therapy style like?

Her style is warm, down-to-earth and non-judgemental. Sessions blend listening with practical steps to change thoughts and everyday habits.

How long has she been practising?

She has 13 years of professional experience in counselling and related work, including an earlier career in human resources.

What credentials and location are listed?

The profile lists NCPS as the supplied credential and shows she is based in the United Kingdom.

Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?

International clients are accepted; sessions are offered in English.

What session formats does she offer?

The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

How are costs handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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Kate Oliver-SmithReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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