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Our Locations - Aylesford

Daniella Smith – Adult Therapist

Aylesford Practice

Counselling Aylesford

 

Hello, my name is Daniella and I am a fully qualified ‘Psychotherapeutic Counsellor’ based at CBT and Counselling Aylesford practice. I hold a ‘Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling’ and a ‘Certificate in Hypnotherapy’

I am accredited by the NCS (National Counselling Society) and have my own private practice seeing both couples and individuals. Alongside this I am also an NHS Counsellor and Wellbeing Coach.

‘Psychotherapeutic Counselling’ differs from traditional counselling, in that the emphasis is on the in-depth therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client. Which means, our relationship will be the central factor during our sessions and my down-to-earth and genuine approach will hopefully enable you to feel comfortable enough to open up to me.

About counselling

We all need help at certain times in our lives. However, admitting it can be difficult and might take great courage. However, asking for help actually shows strength, not weakness. In my experience, if we aren’t helped to process painful feelings – we are left to manage them.

I will provide a safe, confidential space so you are able to explore your thoughts, feeling and behaviour.  Knowing you have somebody to speak to who is supportive and completely on your side can be so rewarding and will help you move forward more positively.

The first counselling session varies from person to person. Some people feel apprehensive or nervous, whilst others feel sense of relief or excitement. This is usually because they finally have a space to talk about their concerns, in a completely different way from conversations with friends or family.

As part of our extensive training all therapists undergo counselling.  This means I can put myself in your shoes because I understand what it feels like to be “sitting on the sofa” in front of a stranger, who quickly becomes someone you completely trust and can be open with.

I believe the therapeutic relationship, if handled compassionately, can be healing in itself.  Many people, who have previously had therapy with me, have told me, that it has been a lifesaving or life changing experience. It is incredibly empowering to be heard and accepted, whilst learning new coping strategies that will help in the future.

My approach to counselling

I will ensure you always feel safe and un-judged and will never offer you advice you haven’t asked for.  Our sessions will be your opportunity to share how you feel and what you hope to achieve through the therapy. I may gently challenge you where appropriate, if I feel there may be a more helpful ways of viewing things which might be more rational.

Often, we can be hard on ourselves. Therefore, I will help you unpick some of the negative labelling you many have given yourself, perhaps over many years. I will endeavour to help you increase your self-esteem and dial down anxiety levels if this is a problem for you.

If you are experiencing relationship difficulties at home or at work, I will help you help you.  We can explore what is going on through helping you recognise and reduce any self-sabotaging behaviours. I will assist you in feeling more comfortable about asking for your needs to be met.

Once we understand where any problems you are experiencing may have stemmed from, I may then go on to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools to help you move forward. CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected. This can trap you in a vicious cycle.

CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way, by breaking them down into smaller parts. I will show how to change any negative patterns to improve the way you feel. CBT looks for more practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

I am experienced in problems such as grief, loss, anxiety, depression, anger and relationship problems. No problem is too big or too small.

Ethical standards

As an accredited member of NCS I subscribe to their code of ethics. This includes undertaking continuous professional development and clinical supervision.

If you would like to make an appointment at counselling  Aylesford with Daniella. Then please contact her via CBT and Counselling Kent today. Click Request an appointment

 

 

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