Ian Smith, BACP

Ian Smith helps people who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, addiction and low mood. He works with people facing relationship difficulties, parenting strain, grief, trauma and issues around identity and intimacy. Ian is based in the United Kingdom and brings ten years of practical experience to his work. He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.

Ian creates a calm, accepting space where people can talk about difficult thoughts and feelings without judgement. Sessions focus on understanding what is already working in a person’s life and building on those strengths. He adapts his approach to fit each person’s priorities and comfort level.

He uses a mix of practical skills and reflective conversation. This can include noticing unhelpful thinking patterns, learning ways to manage strong emotions, and clarifying values to guide change. The aim is to leave people with tools they can use between sessions.

Ian has worked in social services and mental health settings across a range of situations. That background shapes a straightforward, down-to-earth style. He often helps people dealing with long-term health challenges, carer stress, identity concerns and complex life changes.

People who choose Ian typically want a collaborative counsellor who offers clear techniques alongside supportive listening. He supports clients whether they want short-term problem solving or longer work to address longstanding issues. Sessions are offered in English and international appointments are possible.

How Ian applies structured approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps towards those values, useful for anxiety, low mood and life changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting patterns of thinking and testing new behaviours to reduce unhelpful reactions and distress. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships, often helpful for strong mood swings and impulsive behaviours.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Ian will talk with each person about their goals, preferences and life situation and then recommend ways of working together. He often blends methods so the plan fits what the client needs in practice rather than following a single model.

Online sessions can be arranged as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different situations. Video calls are useful for a fuller face-to-face feel, phone sessions work well when internet quality varies, while chat or text can suit quick check-ins or days when writing feels easier. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, caring duties and travel, and they let people choose the format that feels most comfortable for them.