Kate Oliver-Smith, NCPS

Kate Oliver-Smith is a psychotherapeutic counsellor who believes people can reach realistic, meaningful goals when supported by thoughtful therapeutic work. With a background in human resources, she began helping individuals and groups resolve workplace and personal issues through mediation, coaching, and counselling, and discovered a clear talent and passion for supporting others in this way.

She trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Person-Centred Therapy, and holds the NCPS credential, a recognised counselling qualification. Kate combines counselling skills, HR experience, and an empathic, non-judgemental approach to tailor support to each client’s needs.

Clients find her warm, down to earth, and approachable. She works with a broad range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, phobias, past abuse, eating difficulties, emotional challenges, self-esteem and confidence issues, relationship problems, and stress management. Using collaborative, evidence-informed methods, she aims to help clients build practical strategies and personal insight to manage current difficulties and pursue realistic life goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kate blends client-centered work with evidence-based techniques to tailor therapy to each person. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding the client’s perspective, offering empathy and support so individuals can explore their values, strengthen self-esteem, and find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-focused approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, often used for anxiety, low mood, stress, and coping with life challenges. Psychodynamic Therapy explores past experiences and recurring patterns to increase self-awareness and help address deeper relational or emotional difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Kate collaborates with each client to understand their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting methods as progress unfolds so the work remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect with a licensed professional. Whether through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can schedule sessions that fit around work, family, and travel. This flexibility supports continuity of care and makes it easier to access regular sessions from different locations while working together toward practical change.