Michelle Smith, BACP

Michelle Smith uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and depression. She works in straightforward language and aims to make the first steps into therapy less daunting. Michelle has three years of professional experience and holds BACP accreditation.

Michelle believes the person in the room knows their own story best. She looks for practical ways to build on strengths and reduce what gets in the way of daily life. Sessions focus on small, achievable steps rather than complicated theory.

She has supported people facing addiction and substance concerns, and those living with mood disorders and obsessive habits. Michelle also works with issues linked to trauma, shame, guilt and social anxiety. She pays attention to how prejudice or discrimination can affect mental health.

Michelle has experience with ageing and geriatric issues, attachment concerns and problems linked to veteran and armed forces backgrounds. She is also experienced with hearing impaired clients and adapts how she communicates to match needs.

Language used in sessions is plain and direct. Michelle helps people create coping plans, practise new ways of responding, and notice progress. She encourages realistic goals and checks in often to see what is helping.

When someone is ready to begin, Michelle guides them through a short matching questionnaire and scheduling. She aims to make the process clear and manageable so clients can focus on the work ahead.

Evidence-based approaches and online therapy

Michelle uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear strategies and measurable steps. One commonly used approach involves learning practical coping skills to manage anxiety and stress, such as breathing exercises, behavioural experiments and activity planning to reduce low mood. Another approach focuses on understanding and changing unhelpful patterns that keep addictions or compulsive behaviours going, using problem-focused work and relapse prevention planning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals and preferences, and will adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls are useful when face-to-face interaction helps, phone sessions can fit into a busy day or require less bandwidth, live chat allows quicker check-ins, and text messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options give flexibility for different schedules, energy levels and technology access, while keeping the focus on making steady progress.