Philip Gilson-Smith, NCPS

Philip Gilson-Smith uses an integrative, client-centred approach to help people untangle repeating patterns that get in the way of daily life. He is presented as Phil and draws on a mix of talking therapies and practical techniques. He works with common problems such as anxiety, stress and depression, and supports people facing relationship and intimacy-related issues.

Phil also helps those coping with trauma and abuse, addiction and grief. He pays attention to self-esteem, anger and issues connected to fatherhood and parenting. Career questions, life purpose and major life changes are other frequent themes he addresses.

His practice combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness and hypnotherapy with ideas from Jungian work. Sessions aim to identify unhelpful patterns, build clearer goals and practise new ways of responding. The emphasis is on practical steps and steady change rather than jargon.

Phil holds NCPS, which is recorded here as his listed credential. He has five years of experience working with people in the United Kingdom and accepts international clients. Sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging.

People who come to him often want clarity, relief from recurring problems or help making a breakthrough. He invites enquiry and uses a collaborative style to find approaches that fit each person’s needs.

Therapeutic approaches suited to online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person’s own experience and priorities. It involves listening closely and reflecting what the person says so they can find their own solutions. This approach helps with issues like low self-esteem, relationship concerns and major life decisions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It uses practical exercises and small experiments to shift unhelpful thinking and reduce anxiety or depression symptoms. Mindfulness Therapy teaches attention skills and simple practices to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has helped or not helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as progress is made, so therapy stays relevant to the person's needs.

Online formats make those approaches flexible. Video calls are useful for in-depth sessions and exercises that need visual contact. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and suit times when being on camera is difficult. Live chat or text-based messaging can be used for shorter check-ins, quick exercises or when writing helps people reflect. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and travel without losing continuity of care.