“... I smile more and hold boundaries, both of which were alien to me when we first met. I am so grateful for meeting Abby and the support she has offered me. Thank you.”
Contact
Would you like to find out more about how I work and whether I might be the right counsellor or coach for you?
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What Do My Clients Say?
“There is no beating around the bush, counselling is hard. But with Abby’s care, kindness, warmth, understanding and compassion I feel renewed and back in touch with myself. I smile more and hold boundaries, both of which were alien to me when we first met. I am so grateful for meeting Abby and the support she has offered me. Thank you.”
“I reached out to Abby when my daughter was going through a really difficult period in her life. We were extremely lucky to have Abby respond and go on to support my daughter over the past 2.5 years.
The techniques Abby used were really effective in helping my daughter overcome any sad and anxious thoughts she was having and she felt able to open up to Abby about these. A lot of this is down to Abby being very kind, friendly and just generally, lovely!
My daughter has grown in confidence and is so much stronger than she was a few years ago and we definitely have Abby to thank for that!”
“I contacted Abby just after being diagnosed as AuDHD. Abby has helped me to understand what that means, explore who I am, communicate my needs, and live a much fuller life than I was living pre-diagnosis. Thank you Abby.”
“My life has transformed since starting counselling with Abby. I was so anxious when I first asked for help, and now, I enjoy life and feel so much more confident.”
About Me
I am Abby Atkinson-Smith MBACP, a passionate, empathic, trauma-informed counsellor, psychotherapist, and coach based in South Bristol.
I offer counselling and coaching services in person from a beautiful therapy room in Bristol (BS13) and online via Zoom to clients all over the UK. I always aim to provide my clients with a safe, warm, non-judgemental, compassionate, and empathic space to share, process, and explore what is going on for them.
I am fully insured, a member of BACP, and hold a Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, as well as many coaching certifications and diplomas, including:
Diploma in Educational Psychology
Understanding Neurodivergence
Confidence Coaching
Anxiety & Resilience Coaching
Counselling ADHD and Autistic Clients
Working with Children and Young People in Counselling
CPD is essential to my practice, so as both a counsellor and coach, I commit to completing at least 40 hours of Continued Professional Development annually, as well as updating my qualifications and certifications whenever necessary.
As a counsellor, I work with young people (age 14+) and adults. I can support clients seeking help with:
Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues
Managing stress
OCD, compulsive behavior, and intrusive thoughts
PTSD and CPTSD
Coming to terms with diagnoses
Gender, sexuality, and identity struggles
Grief, loss, and bereavement
Exploring and healing from recent and historic trauma
Sexual issues
Family and relationship challenges
Self-esteem and self-worth building
Friendship issues and bullying
Unhelpful behaviour, thoughts, and beliefs
Understanding, exploring, and healing from domestic violence and abuse
Understanding, exploring, and healing from sexual violence and abuse
Understanding, exploring, and healing from childhood neglect and abuse
Much of my work as a coach has been with children, young people, and adults who wish to let go of anxiety and build their confidence.
Inclusivity is a strong value of mine, so I always aim to offer a therapeutic environment that suits each client’s individual needs. This is something we can talk about in our first session and will return to throughout our work together. Ensuring you feel safe is always my priority.
Currently, I work with many ADHD and Autistic clients. I believe my practice is well suited to neurodivergent individuals.
As well as running my Bristol-based private practice, I co-run HappiMe CIC, a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to improve children’s mental health. I also volunteer at SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support), and I am deeply motivated to make a difference to the lives of survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
I identify as a queer woman and use the pronouns she/her.
