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Home Counsellors Philip Gilson-Smith
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Philip Gilson-Smith, NCPS

Credentials
NCPS
Experience
5 years
Practising in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Sessions
Online only
Client ages
Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem

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Philip Gilson-Smith works from an integrative, client-centred perspective. He uses straightforward conversation to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and addiction. Philip is known for helping clients uncover hidden patterns that hold them back and for moving from stuck to practical change.

He combines Client-Centred Therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness practices. That mix lets him listen closely, then offer practical tools for thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

Background and approach

Philip also draws on hypnotherapy and Jungian ideas when exploring deeper themes such as attachment or repetition in relationships. Sessions focus on the person in front of him. People talk about what matters now and what keeps getting in the way.

Philip helps set small goals, try new ways of responding and build skills for managing anxiety, anger or low mood. He has five years of experience and holds NCPS, which is listed as his credential. Philip works with a broad range of concerns including grief, parenting stress, career questions, intimacy-related issues and ADHD-related difficulties.

He also addresses specific themes such as abandonment, codependency, communication problems and substance misuse. Philip can support people seeking clarity, practical coping strategies or longer-term change. He offers several online formats so clients can choose what fits their life and routine.

Approaches used in online therapy and how they help

Philip often blends Client-Centred Therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness work in online sessions. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding a person without judgement, which helps people feel heard and begin to make sense of their experience. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and provides practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness practices teach simple attention and breathing skills to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work itself. Philip will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before, then agree a plan together. That collaborative process lets the therapy shape to the person's needs rather than forcing a single method.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls let people use visual cues and longer conversations, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits shorter check-ins, and messaging supports ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family commitments and day-to-day life.
What concerns does he help with?
Philip works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction among other issues. He also supports people with relationship struggles, parenting strain, grief and questions about life purpose.
What is his therapeutic style?
He uses an integrative, client-centred style that combines listening with practical techniques. Cognitive behavioural and mindfulness tools are used to change thoughts and habits.
How much experience does he have?
He has five years of experience working with a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. That experience includes work with addictions, domestic violence recovery themes and attachment issues.
What credentials does he hold and where is he based?
He lists NCPS as his credential and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Philip offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Clients can choose the format that fits their schedule and communication preferences.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. Pricing details are provided through the service at sign-up.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by clicking the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

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Experience
5 years
Registered with
NCPS
Languages
English

Contacting Philip

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