Ilona Smith, BACP

Ilona Smith helps people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and intimacy-related issues. She presents as calm and respectful, and focuses on listening carefully to each person's concerns. Her approach is straightforward and practical so people can start making small changes quickly.

She has 16 years of experience working as a therapist in the United Kingdom and holds BACP registration. Ilona adapts sessions to each person's needs and explains options plainly, so people understand what to expect. Sessions aim to be collaborative rather than directive, with the client leading the pace and focus of work.

Her practice draws on several common therapies. Client-Centred Therapy helps people feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going. Mindfulness and Solution-Focused methods help people find practical steps and build coping skills.

Ilona often works with issues connected to attachment, abandonment and feelings of emptiness. She also supports people facing communication problems, commitment worries and midlife concerns. Where trauma, dissociation or domestic violence are present, she uses trauma-focused approaches alongside other methods.

Sessions are offered in English and can be arranged for people inside or outside the UK. Ilona aims to make the first sessions clear and manageable, helping people settle into therapy at a pace that suits them.

Approaches to try online and how they help

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and following your lead so you feel understood and can explore what matters most. It helps when someone needs a calm space to talk through painful feelings or make sense of life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is action-oriented and looks at how thoughts and behaviours keep problems going. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and stress because it teaches straightforward techniques people can use between sessions.

Finding the right approach is something to discover together. The therapist will talk through your needs, goals and preferences and suggest options. Decisions about the method and pace are made collaboratively so the work fits your life and aims.

Online sessions offer practical benefits. Video calls let conversations feel close while keeping travel time down. Phone sessions work well for people with limited bandwidth or who prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging give shorter, flexible check-ins and let people write down thoughts between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to choose what feels most manageable.