- Integrative counselling
- Helps with codependency
- Practical goal work
About Philip
Philip Gilson-Smith is a counsellor working in private practice in the United Kingdom. He uses an integrative approach to help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, addiction and relationship problems. Philip holds the NCPS credential and has five years' experience supporting people through life changes and difficult moments.
Philip aims to help people spot the hidden patterns that hold them back. He listens without judgement and helps clients name repetitive thoughts and behaviours. Together they look for practical steps to change those patterns and reach clearer goals.
Sessions often involve setting small, manageable aims and noticing what happens between sessions. Philip mixes discussion with reflective exercises drawn from a few established approaches. He works to make therapy relevant to everyday life, so people can use what they learn straight away.
People come to him for help with self-esteem, anger, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting pressures and career concerns. He also supports those dealing with addiction, domestic violence recovery and the challenges of separation and divorce. Codependency and attachment-related issues are among the additional areas he focuses on.
Philip describes his role as a collaborative guide rather than an authority. He encourages clients to build tools for long-term change and to find a clearer sense of purpose. To begin, people select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to his availability.
How Philip uses therapy approaches online
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person in the room and on building a trusting relationship. It involves open listening and helping people find their own solutions, which can help with self-esteem and relationship worries. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and uses practical exercises to change patterns that feed anxiety and depression. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help people access different ways of thinking about habits and emotional responses.Finding the right approach is treated as a team effort. Philip will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and suggest ways of working that feel comfortable. He adapts methods over time so the work stays useful and relevant to day-to-day life.
If you want online therapy, please confirm the current session options before booking. The practical benefits of remote work include easier scheduling around work or family routines and the ability to continue sessions when travel is difficult. Some approaches lend themselves to concise, task-focused sessions, while others use longer reflective conversations; Philip will help decide what fits a client's situation and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Philip help people with?
He supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and relationship issues, among other concerns such as grief, parenting and career change.
What is his general therapy style?
Philip uses an integrative, client-centred style that emphasises listening, reflection and practical steps to change unhelpful patterns.
How much experience does he have?
He has five years of experience working in private practice in the United Kingdom.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He holds the NCPS credential and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
International clients are accepted.
How are sessions booked and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What should I do to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.