Cj Smith, MBACP, PG Dip, MA

Experience

I have been practicing as an Integrative Psychotherapist since 2017.  In 2018 I received my Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy from UCLAN University, graduating with Distinction, and I set up my private practice, Rain or Shine Psychotherapy, in 2019.

Since 2019 I have been working exclusively with LGBTQQIIA+/Gender, Sexuality Relationship diverse clients. Many of my clients are trans, non-binary and gender diverse and/ or neurodivergent. To meet the needs of this client group, I am neurodivergence affirmative and trauma informed. I have completed the Pink Therapy Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity Diploma, a qualification which has enriched my understanding of LGBTQIA/ Gender, sexuality and relationship diversity as lived experiences.

My psychotherapeutic work is informed by my earlier career in trans advocacy and LGBTQ support in the LGBTQ+ Charity sector, disability support and education studying literature through an anti-oppressive lens. You can find full details of my qualifications and professional resume by clicking here.

Approach

I am trained in an Integrative, Person-centred and Compassion Focused approach.

At the core of the psychotherapy I offer is the belief that when people are shown empathy, unconditional acceptance and validation they can learn to foster these positive qualities in their relationship to themselves, and live more authentically, with greater access to their human potential.

I recognise that clients who are LGBTQ+/ GSRD often face unique additional challenges, such as discrimination, lack of understanding, microagressions, or navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, and my skills, experience and training are adapted to meet these needs.

My Core Values

• Treating you with empathy and unconditional acceptance

• Being authentic in my relationship with you

• Empowering you in achieving your therapeutic goals

• Understanding and respecting your identities and unique lived experiences

• Working compassionately and fostering a sense of belonging
• Acknowledging that differentials of societal power and privilege exist in all therapeutic relationships and addressing this in a sensitive and informed way.

More details on the therapeutic approaches I use

I work in an inclusive, relational,  compassion focused and anti-oppressive way. What this means is that:

• As a Person-Centred therapist I place the needs, wishes and beliefs of you, the client, at the centre of our therapeutic work together, work with where you are at at the present time, and at your pace
• As an Integrative therapist I am trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic conceptual frameworks and tools which address different ‘layers’ or aspects of experience. I draw on these approaches flexibly, as appropriate to your needs
• As an Inclusive Therapist I strive work in an LGBT+ affirmative, accessible and intersectional way
• As a Relational therapist, rather than seeing the client as an Island, I strive to understand your experience in terms of the therapeutic relationship between us and how this might mirror other relationships in your life
• As a Compassion Focused Therapist I support my clients in fostering a sense of belonging, and help them to 'turn down the volume' on self-critical, shame based thoughts/feelings and 'turn up the volume' on self- compassionate feelings

You can find out more about how I work here; and more about what these terms mean here.