Registration on file

Paula Smyton, BACP

Paula Smyton is a UK counsellor with around 10 years of experience in counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice.

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
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About Paula

Paula Smyton is a UK counsellor with around 10 years of experience in counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice. She holds BACP registration, which she lists as part of her professional background. Paula offers a calm and compassionate way of working for people who are worn down by anxiety, low mood, relationship strain or big life changes.

She often meets people who feel they are coping on the outside but struggling inside.

Background and approach

Some arrive overwhelmed by several things at once. Others feel emotionally exhausted from long‑running responsibilities or repeated relationship problems. Paula aims to provide a warm, thoughtful and non-judgemental space.

In sessions she listens closely, helps people make sense of what is happening, and supports them in finding ways forward that suit their life. Her work is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, which looks at how past experiences and relationship patterns affect present feelings and choices. She also uses client-centred ideas and solution-focused techniques to tailor sessions to each person’s needs.

Much of her practice concentrates on relationships with partners, family, friends and colleagues, and on the relationship people have with themselves. Paula encourages slower, clearer thinking about recurring patterns and emotional reactions so people can find more clarity and relief. You do not need a neat plan before you start.

Paula supports people who want a quiet place to reflect, be heard, and begin making small changes that feel manageable.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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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.

Check on the BACP register

Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Paula lists on their public professional profile, 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

Ways of working Paula names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor lists and does not check training records.

How Paula’s approaches translate to online therapy

Paula often draws on psychodynamic therapy to look at how past experiences shape present feelings and relationships. Online this can help people notice repeating patterns, understand emotional reactions and talk through issues that feel stuck.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed and on committing to small actions that matter. ACT can help with anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes by building practical skills and clearer values.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula treats therapy as collaborative and will discuss which methods fit your needs, goals and preferences. She adapts the mix of conversation, reflection and practical techniques so the work feels useful and doable.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. Video is useful for deeper conversation, phone works well when video is difficult and live chat or text can be a shorter check-in or fit around a busy day. These options give flexibility to fit sessions around work, family and travel, while keeping the focus on steady progress.

Frequently asked

What concerns does Paula work with?

She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, grief, trauma and abuse, LGBT matters, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self‑esteem, career concerns, bipolar and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is warm and thoughtful with an emphasis on listening. Sessions combine psychodynamic exploration with client-centred and solution-focused elements to suit practical needs.

How long has she been practising?

She has around 10 years of experience working across counselling services, education, mental health settings and independent practice.

What professional registration does she hold and where is she based?

She lists BACP as her professional credential and is based in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can be carried out by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How do fees and billing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling sessions according to the therapist's availability.