Paula Smyton, BACP
Paula Smyton is a UK counsellor with ten years of experience across counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice.
- Stress & Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- +16 more
About Paula
Paula Smyton is a UK counsellor with ten years of experience across counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice. She holds BACP accreditation and combines psychodynamic ideas with a flexible, person-centred approach. Paula aims to make it easier to talk about what’s been hard and to help people find clearer ways forward.
Paula often meets people who feel they are managing on the outside while struggling inside. She supports those dealing with anxiety, low mood, relationship and family tensions, parenting pressures, grief, trauma, and major life changes.
Background and approach
She also works with issues such as eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, and career stress. In sessions Paula creates a calm and thoughtful space to reflect without pressure. She helps clients notice patterns that come from past experiences and how those patterns affect current relationships.
Work may include looking at feelings, behaviour and practical ways to cope with difficult moments. Her practice draws on psychodynamic therapy alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. This mix allows sessions to be shaped around each person’s needs, whether that means longer reflection or hands-on strategies to manage stress and mood.
Paula is experienced supporting people through trauma and abuse, LGBT concerns, bipolar mood challenges and bereavement. She welcomes people who are unsure where to start and helps them clarify small, manageable steps. Sessions are offered online by video, phone, live chat or text messaging, and Paula works with people across the United Kingdom and beyond.
The initial step is a short matching questionnaire to help find the right fit.
Registration
| Body | Registration number | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| BACP | 82625 | October 2026 |
Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.
Sessions and payment
Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.
Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.
Focus areas and approaches
What Paula works with
Everything Paula lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Parenting issues
- Depression
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
Approaches Paula lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
Online support
Client-Centred Therapy puts the person’s experience at the heart of the work. The therapist listens carefully and offers empathy and understanding so the client can make sense of their feelings and find their own solutions; this suits people who need space to explore who they are and how they relate to others.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy journey. Paula works collaboratively to match methods to a person’s needs and preferences, combining reflection with practical strategies when that feels helpful. Together they review what’s working and adapt the plan over time.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video is useful for a regular weekly session when seeing each other helps the work. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can fit a short check-in during a busy day. Live chat or text messaging can suit people who prefer typing or want more frequent, brief contact. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family life and other commitments while still engaging in meaningful therapeutic work.
Frequently asked
What concerns does Paula help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family tensions, parenting pressures, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career worries, bipolar disorder and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style blends psychodynamic reflection with practical approaches. Sessions can involve exploring past patterns and using techniques to manage emotions and behaviour in day-to-day life.
How much experience does she have?
Paula has around 10 years of experience working in counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice.
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
She is based in the United Kingdom and holds BACP accreditation as listed in her credentials.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and circumstances.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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