Kate Oliver-Smith , NCPS

Kate Oliver-Smith is a psychotherapeutic counsellor who believes that people can achieve realistic goals when they choose to work toward them and that counselling can help make those goals attainable. Her professional journey began in human resources, where she supported individuals and groups to resolve workplace and personal problems through mediation, coaching, and counselling. It was in that environment that she realised she both enjoyed helping others and had a particular aptitude for supporting people through difficult situations.

She trained across several therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and person-centred therapy, and holds the NCPS credential, which indicates her qualification in psychotherapeutic counselling. By bringing together clinical counselling skills, HR experience, a consistently empathic stance, and a non-judgemental attitude, she offers practical, tailored support suited to each person's needs.

Colleagues and clients find her warm, down to earth, and approachable. She works with a broad range of issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, phobias, abuse, eating concerns, emotional difficulties, self-esteem and confidence challenges, relationship problems, and stress and relaxation difficulties, adapting her methods to what each person finds most helpful.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Kate Oliver-Smith uses a blend of approaches to suit different needs. Client-centred therapy centres on empathetic listening and respect for the client's perspective, helping people explore their feelings, build self-esteem, and improve relationships in a way that feels paced by the client. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to manage difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, and addictive behaviours. Existential therapy invites reflection on meaning, choice, and life transitions, supporting people facing grief, major changes, or questions about purpose.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kate works collaboratively with each person to determine what methods best fit their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. Therapists and licensed professionals commonly adapt techniques over time to match progress and changing needs.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, her online practice emphasises flexibility and accessibility. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, to connect across different locations, and to choose the format that feels most comfortable for ongoing work.