About
About
about patrick smyth
Patrick Smyth, PGDip Counselling, MBACP (Accred)
Hello! My name is Patrick Smyth. I have been involved in counselling since 2004. In that time, I have helped a wide range of clients, with issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Addictions
- Suicidal feelings
- Self harm
- Anger
- Family problems
- Serious illness
- Sexuality
- Relationship difficulties
In addition to my counselling experience, I also have a background in people management, training and teaching. My many years of experience in building and maintaining relationships, together with my own life experience, are the foundations on which my work as a counsellor is based.
My qualifications
I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from the Queen Margaret University Edinburgh, which is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the main regulatory body for counselling and psychotherapy in the UK. I have trained with an integrative counselling model, which allows me to draw on the strengths of the three main counselling approaches: person centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy.
Choosing the right counsellor
As important as a solid theoretical training is, I believe that the unique relationship between counsellor and client is the most important factor in producing positive change. Because it's important for you to choose the counsellor that's right for you, I offer an introductory session for £25. There is no obligation and if you decide not to go ahead, I’ll be happy to direct you to other services that better met your needs.
How I work
I will work with you to develop a relationship based on understanding, acceptance and sincerity that will allow you to explore who you are, get to the root of problems in your life - and, more importantly, discover what makes you happy.
Ultimately, I believe that you are the expert when it comes to you and your life. You alone have the ability and the right to decide what is best for you - and how to make the changes you need to create the life you want for yourself.
I am a full accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am bound by their standards and ethics. This means that you can be assured that I will act in your interests - and yours alone. It also means that you will be afforded the care, confidentiality and respect to which you are entitled. I am a full accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Locations
I work from the centre of Musselburgh and also online via Zoom.
Testimonials from clients
The counselling I received was hugely helpful and still is. Helped me sort out a muddled part of my life.
HD, East Lothian
I was thoroughly impressed with Open Door Counselling during my 6 months attending weekly sessions. Pat is to be commended for the professional and supportive approach he adopts. From the outset, his trustworthy nature and compassionate understanding helped me to overcome initial embarrassment when talking about many troubling private issues. Pat was not at all judgemental during our sessions, and I felt comfortable talking honestly to him about past events that were shameful to me. He listened attentively throughout and considered what I had said before responding to assist me to understand the root cause of the problems.
OD, Edinburgh
I am happy and confident that I have finally addressed the issues that have troubled me for many years. Although I still have progress to make, I go forward in a far better position than I was when I first called Pat. I highly recommend Open Door based on my experiences.
AB, Edinburgh
I found Pat very easy to contact initially and he continued to be flexible throughout my counselling. He explained his role very clearly and gave me the support I needed to understand the process of counselling and how it could benefit me. Throughout our time I was able to discuss and understand everything I had on my mind and I have been able to learn skills to help me manage situations in the future. Thank you very much Pat.
PR, East Lothian
I would have no hesitation in returning to see Pat again, in the future, if I felt my life situation required it. Additionally I have recommended, and will continue to recommend, Pat Smyth to anyone thinking of, or looking for counselling. Having seen 2 previous counsellors and decided it was 'not for me' as I did not gain value from it, I went to Pat, really out of desperation and I will always be glad I did. I found his help and support invaluable at that time and subsequently I was able to deal with and understand what was a very difficult and unhappy time in my life.
AM, Edinburgh
