Dawn Smiley Counselling Service

Helping You To Make Sense Of Yourself

Counselling and therapy for individuals in a safe, comfortable and private setting

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Dawn Smiley Counselling Service.

My name is Dawn Smiley and I work with adults offering sessions on a weekly basis which can be either short term or long term. I offer in person appointments in Kenilworth and Leamington Spa. Or if you would prefer to be in the comfort of your own home or if accessibility is a barrier, I’m able to offer online or telephone appointments.


Each person is unique and is affected differently by their experience. My practice offers Person Centred Therapy which will put your experiences at the heart of your therapeutic process. Sessions will be led by you, as we explore your emotions and experiences together, at your pace, to help gain an understanding of your internal thought processes and how you can make the changes you’d like to see in your life.

One of the main bodies overseeing the accreditation and registration of counsellors in the United Kingdom is the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am a BACP Individual Member, which means I have met their criteria for therapists and work in accordance with their ethical framework.

Speak in Confidence

Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.

A problem shared...

Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.

Make better, healthier new choices

Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.

How I Work With Clients

Sometimes making sense of your emotions and internal thought processes can be overwhelming and unfortunately starts to impact the way in which we cope with everyday life. I offer an empathic and caring approach within a confidential and non-judgemental space.


I work with a range of clients from diverse backgrounds, presenting with an array of challenges inclusive of anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, domestic abuse, relationship issues and low self-esteem.


You may not know what’s making you feel the way you do or you may be unsure of the best approach to take, but reaching out for help is a positive step. Mental health is as important as your physical health, and investing in yourself can be life changing.


People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:

Feelings of stress or anxiety

Panic attacks

Relationship problems

Grief, loss or bereavement

Problems with addiction

Trauma and post-traumatic stress

Depression

Problems with confidence or self-esteem

Anger management

Issues relating to sexuality

Difficulties at work or in retirement

Problems with blended families

Availability

Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis. I also provide a limited number of reduced spaces for those on low income, or for key workers and students; contact me to enquire about availability.


Please note that if you need to cancel an appointment I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise you will still need to pay for any sessions missed. I accept payment in cash or by bank transfer.

Fees

Face to face counselling

£50 per session
50 minutes

Telephone counselling

£45 per session
50 minutes

Online counselling

£45 per session
50 minutes

Location

My counselling practice is located at CW Therapy Rooms, 56-58 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HH and Positive Mindspace, 39a Regent Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 5EE.

Location

I see clients from surrounding areas including; Coventry, Balsall Common, Solihull and the greater Warwickshire area. I also offer UK reach via online and phone sessions.

Get in touch

Feel free contact me if you have any questions about how counselling may help you, or to arrange a FREE 15 minute initial assessment appointment.


You can also call me on 07847625922 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.

All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions will depend on your own unique needs. It is recommended that a minimum of six sessions on a weekly basis are attended. However you may feel after a couple of sessions that you don't need any more, or you may decide that ongoing regular therapy for several months or years suits your needs. This is no number of sessions but we will always works towards a planned ending and review your progress regularly.

What happens during the first session

During our first session we will agree the counselling contract, clearly setting out areas of confidentiality, discussing your expectations of therapy and explaining what I can offer you. Each session is 50 minutes in duration, providing you with an opportunity for you to explore how you are feeling and what is concerning you.

Are sessions confidential?

In essence our conversations are kept between us, there are though a couple of exceptions which will be clearly explained fully in our first session. These are concerning the safeguarding of yourself and others and illegal activities. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed. Always remember that you are not required to share anything with me that you don't feel comfortable doing so, but it can help to be as honest as possible to help the therapeutic relationship.

What is Person Centred therapy?

Person Centred Therapy was developed by Carl Rogers and puts you at the heart of your therapeutic journey. Every individual is unique and therefore what is right for one person may not be for another. Person Centred Therapy is non-directive, instead through exploration with help from me, you will start to identify how you may be able to make changes in the way you think, feel or act to enable you to be more present and authentic in yourself.

Can I bring a friend or relative with me?

Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you who can be connected those issues makes this opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.


© Dawn Smiley Counselling Service | Powered by WebHealer