Therapies

Individual Therapy

A safe, confidential space to explore what’s going on for you.

Couples Therapy

Space and time to work together.

Family Therapy

Support and understanding when things are difficult.

Sound Bath Therapy

Sound Healing: A resonant soothing therapy for treating stress and anxiety backed by recent research.

Individual Therapy

Life can be very difficult sometimes – full of challenges which may seem to big to face alone. Perhaps you feel that nobody is listening to you. Maybe you don’t feel understood. It could even be that you can’t see how your issues could ever be resolved.

We will focus together on the things you would like to work on. I work in a creative and adaptive way, with you as the client as my primary focus at all times.

If you would like to be heard and understood; if you would like to change the aspects of your life which are causing you pain; if you would simply like to talk to someone without fear of judgement or criticism, please get in touch…

Couples Therapy

Sometimes our familiar ways of managing challenges in our experience can hinder our capacity to lead fulfilling and contented lives. The work we will do together will help you break the patterns of behaviour which could be causing difficulties and help you to resolve issues in the future.

Couple’s counselling is an intervention that involves the development of a safe and confidential relationship between therapist and client which will help us examine the issues which led you to seek help. In couple’s counselling, your relationship is the client.

 

My approach

We will firstly spend some time looking at you as a couple: your lifestyle, work, health and experiences. You will both be given equal opportunity to talk about how you see your relationship and what you perceive to be the difficulties for which you would like support.

For some couples, following this initial joint consultation, an individual session for each partner may be appropriate. This is not an opportunity to ‘get your side of the story in’, but rather a chance to reflect on what could be happening for you, how this affects your relationship and what you would like to achieve from the therapy. 

 

What you can gain

Couples therapy is not a magic cure for a relationship in difficulty. There is no blueprint or ‘cure all’ solution. However, we can work together on your relationship and establish what you would like to achieve. This is not necessarily an attempt to fix something which feels broken. 

Instead, we will examine the dynamics of the relationship – how each partner feels within it and what could be improved or altered in order to strengthen it. We will examine the different stages of all relationships, how they work and what impact there can be if partners are experiencing different stages. Couple’s therapy is about providing a safe and supportive environment within which to explore what is best for both of you and, ultimately the relationship. 

Family Therapy

Sometimes our familiar ways of managing challenges in our experience can hinder our capacity to lead fulfilling and contented lives. The work we will do together will help you break the patterns of behaviour which could be causing difficulties in your family and help you to resolve issues in the future.

We will examine the dynamics of the relationships within your family unit – how each person feels within it and what could be improved or altered in order to strengthen it. We will examine the different stages of all relationships, how they work and what impact there can be if family members are experiencing different stages. Family therapy is about providing a safe and supportive environment within which to explore what is best for all of you. It will help you explore what’s going on for each of you, recognise any key issues and help to resolve them in a constructive and positive manner. 

Sound Bath Therapy

Sound Healing is a resonant soothing therapy for treating stress and anxiety backed by recent research. Immerse yourself in the transformative power of sound therapy, a holistic approach that taps into the healing vibrations of music and frequencies. Find solace as resonant sound waves wash over you, dissolving tension and reestablishing harmony within. Scientific studies have revealed the profound benefits of sound healing, affirming its ability to reduce stress, calm the mind, and alleviate anxiety.

Allow the enchanting melodies to envelop your senses, gently guiding you towards a state of deep relaxation and restoration. Embrace this ancient practice, harnessed by modern research, as a natural remedy to cultivate inner peace and well-being. Experience the profound effects of sound healing and transcend the burdens of everyday life, immersing yourself in a symphony of tranquility and balance.

FAQ

Talking Therapy

WHAT SORT OF PROBLEMS CAN I BRING TO THERAPY?

There are lots of reasons why someone might seek therapy. Sometimes it’s because of a traumatic event which has happened in life. Sometimes it’s because of a need for someone objective to hear what’s going on, without passing judgement or offering solutions. Therapy can be useful for grief, for anxiety or depression or simply for when life feels overwhelming and you need someone to talk to about the difficulties you’re facing. 

HOW LONG WILL THERAPY LAST?

When we contract at the beginning of our work together, we will think about any goals or targets you may have. Sometimes therapy is quite short and focussed; sometimes the sessions take place over a longer timeframe. It really depends on you – it will be your decision to end the therapy, in the same way it was your decision to seek it.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME?

Again, there is no rigid answer to this question. Some people like the regularity and security of a weekly session, others prefer fortnightly or even monthly. You will probably get a feeling for what works best for you and your needs as we begin working together and we will review this regularly together.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE FIRST SESSION?

It is possible that you will feel quite worried about meeting a therapist for the first time. But don’t, I understand this and will do my best to put you at ease.

At the first session your I will tell you all about the practical information you need to know and of course you will be able to tell me about your own goals for having the counselling. I will give you the guidelines about:

  • how many sessions you will have;
  • what type of therapy I use;
  • how much it will cost;
  • what happens if you miss a session; and
  • if you can contact me between sessions.
WHAT DOES THERAPY FEEL LIKE?

It’s different for everyone. Therapy is a safe place to let your feelings out and share what’s on your mind. It can be a relief to talk about something that has been upsetting you. When someone who understands really listens to you, without judgement, it can be very powerful. Feeling heard, seen and understood can be very moving. You might find yourself crying, getting upset or angry in therapy or between your sessions. This can feel unsettling and intense but I am trained to help you process and cope with the emotions that come up.

DOES THERAPY WORK?

There is a large body of evidence to show that psychotherapy or talking therapies are effective in addressing most mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use problems, and what are often diagnosed as 'personality disorders'.

WILL MY THERAPIST GIVE ME ADVICE?

I will listen, and ask questions, but I won’t tell you what to do. This might feel difficult to begin with. But I am here to support you to open up and guide the process. Sometimes just talking about your problems will help you see them in a different light and bring up new ideas you may not have considered. We might look at solutions or goals together, but you are always in the driving seat with any decision-making.

IS THERAPY SAFE?

I am a registered, accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) and I am bound by their Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. The code provides boundaries for you and I to work within and are important in building a professional, trusting relationship. We will discuss safety and boundaries, as well as how I will protect your data, safety and confidentiality.

Sound Baths

WHAT IS A SOUND BATH?

In my sound baths, multiple gongs, crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, chimes and other percussion instruments are played in a therapeutic manner in order to relax the body, calm the mind, and help the brain to reach an altered state of consciousness (a little bit like a daydream). Participants lie down for the experience with their eyes closed.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SOUND BATH?

Participants will lie down on a mat in a comfortable position. Pillows, blankets, cushions and eye pillows may be used. A limited number of mats, blankets and pillows are available, so it’s always a good idea to bring your own if possible. 

Once we have discussed contraindications and safety, you will be encouraged to lie back and drift away as I play the instruments in a mindful and soothing manner. There may be some periods of more challenging sound and periods of silence, but you will hear some discordant percussion at the end of the sound bath, and then my voice will bring you back to full awareness. 

You will be provided with aftercare information, which includes ensuring you are fully grounded (present and aware of your surroundings) before you leave.

IS A SOUND BATH FOR EVERYONE?

Sound healing therapy is categorised as a low-risk therapeutic practice. There are, however, certain contraindications to the therapy, which clients should be aware of before booking. 

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

As a precaution, it is not recommended that you take part in a sound healing session in the following circumstances:

  • If you are within the first three months of pregnancy
  • If you have epilepsy or experience seizures of any kind
  • If you have any unmanaged mental health issues such as PTSD, personality disorder or schizophrenia. Generalised stress and anxiety or depression to not exclude you from attending)
  • If you are fitted with a pacemaker or have a heart condition
  • If you are intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs

In the following circumstances, please speak to me before attending:

  • If you have any metal implants, or have had recent surgery, broken bones or other major physical injuries
  • If you suffer from, or have in the past suffered from tinnitus or any other condition which could be triggered by sound
  • If you are currently, or have previously, attended counselling or psychotherapy sessions
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND BRING WITH ME?

Wear comfortable clothing. Layers are a good idea – your body may cool as you lie down for the sound bath, but you might need to take a layer off if you get too warm.

You should bring your own exercise mat, blanket and pillow if possible (a limited number are available) and also bring a bottle of water.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE OR OVERWHELMED DURING THE SOUND BATH?

Feel free to adjust your position on the mat to get comfortable. Most people lie on their backs, but others prefer to lie on their side or front – do what works best for you (and don’t be afraid to move around once the sound bath has begun!)

If you feel overwhelmed during the sound bath, place your hands on the chest and focus on your breath. You could also place your hands on the floor, move your feet or legs or even leave the room (if you do need to leave, please be mindful of those around you who may be in a state of deep relaxation – sudden movement or noises could be startling)

WHO SHOULDN'T ATTEND A SOUND BATH?

As a precaution, it is not recommended that you take part in a sound healing session in the following circumstances:

  • If you are within the first three months of pregnancy
  • If you have epilepsy or experience seizures of any kind
  • If you have any unmanaged mental health issues such as PTSD, personality disorder or schizophrenia. Generalised stress and anxiety or depression to not exclude you from attending)
  • If you are fitted with a pacemaker or have a heart condition
  • If you are intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs

In the following circumstances, please speak to me before attending:

  • If you have any metal implants, or have had recent surgery, broken bones or other major physical injuries
  • If you suffer from, or have in the past suffered from tinnitus or any other condition which could be triggered by sound
  • If you are currently, or have previously, attended counselling or psychotherapy sessions
Angela Smith Therapy


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2 Slingsby Gardens, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8JW

Tel: 07771 173 430

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