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Rebuilding Confidence After a Breakup: A Journey to Self-Love
A breakup can leave even the most self-assured person questioning their worth. The end of a relationship often brings feelings of...
Amy Smith
Nov 25, 20243 min read


How to Heal from a Breakup: Steps Toward Emotional Recovery
A breakup can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—grief, anger, confusion, and even relief. Healing from this emotional upheaval takes time...
Amy Smith
Nov 20, 20243 min read


Breaking Free from the Shackles of "Not Good Enough": Unravelling the Struggle and Finding Empowerment
In a society that often emphasises comparison and achievement, it's not uncommon to grapple with feelings of inadequacy. At some point in...
Amy Smith
Feb 22, 20244 min read


Navigating the Storm: Healing and Moving Forward After a Romantic Breakup
A romantic breakup is an emotional earthquake that can shake the foundation of our lives. The end of a relationship can bring about a...
Amy Smith
Feb 22, 20245 min read


Conquering the Spotlight: Understanding and Overcoming Performance Anxiety
What is Performance Anxiety? Performance anxiety is a type of anxiety that is triggered by the expectation of performing a task in front...
Amy Smith
Feb 21, 20243 min read


ERP: A Powerful Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety
In the journey towards mental well-being, individuals often encounter hurdles that seem insurmountable. Anxiety disorders, in particular,...
Amy Smith
Feb 15, 20245 min read


Everything you Need to Know About Narcissists
What is a Narcissist? A narcissist is someone who has an excessive sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration and attention,...
Amy Smith
Mar 28, 20237 min read


How to Deal with an Angry Person?
Firstly, despite the wording of the title it is not helpful to label people, including using the label an ‘angry person’. Labels can...
Amy Smith
Mar 12, 20238 min read


How to Deal with a Challenging Colleague?
When working in a team it is common to come across at least one person who can be considered 'challenging' In this article I explore...
Amy Smith
Mar 2, 20235 min read


What Makes Therapy Work?
Therapy is a complex process, and there is no single factor that makes it work. However, research suggests that several factors can...
Amy Smith
Feb 24, 20232 min read


Why am I Easily Frustrated by Small Things? The Causes, Impact and How to Deal with This Phenomenon
There are times in our lives when we may find ourselves getting frustrated to a disproportionate level with minor inconveniences or...
Amy Smith
Feb 23, 20236 min read


Spotlight on Perfectionism
What is it? What are its causes? What is its impact? How to Address? These are the questions this article will outline in detail. What is...
Amy Smith
Feb 19, 20237 min read


Dealing with being Ignored by Someone you Love
Being ignored by someone you love can occur when you are in a relationship with someone and also when the relationship has ended. This...
Amy Smith
Feb 18, 20233 min read


How to Deal with Job Rejection?
The process of finding a job and attending interviews can be stressful and daunting for many. It is particularly difficult if you are...
Amy Smith
Feb 18, 20232 min read


How to Deal with a Narcissist?
We can come across narcissistic people in all kinds of relationships. In this article we explore what narcissism is, what are the causes,...
Amy Smith
Feb 18, 20234 min read


Why Can it be Hard to Develop Self-Compassion?
Many people find it hard to be self-compassionate because they have internalised critical and negative messages from their culture,...
Amy Smith
Feb 16, 20232 min read


How to Develop Greater Self-Compassion?
Developing self-compassion can be a powerful tool for improving your mental and emotional well-being. Here are some ways to cultivate...
Amy Smith
Feb 16, 20233 min read


How to Foster and Protect Romantic Relationships?
Relationships have their ups downs, it is normal to have difficulties along the way. When things get tough in relationships this can have...
Amy Smith
Feb 16, 20232 min read


The Inner Child: What is it and How to Heal it?
What is The Inner Child? All children have basic emotional needs, such as, to feel loved, valued, respected, to be protected, to feel...
Amy Smith
Feb 9, 20234 min read


M.E./CFS: Its Challenges and Tips on How to Manage
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E./CFS) is a physical health condition that affects many people. There are many...
Amy Smith
Feb 6, 20233 min read
Contact
St Albans Rooms
21 Victoria Street
St Albans
AL1 3JJ
England
And
Hertford Well-Being
5A Great Northern Works
Hartham Lane
Hertford
SG14 1QW
England
07825910485
FAQs
I provide therapy on a self funded basis and can also see individuals with insurance cover. The rate for self funded sessions is £110 per 50 minutes session. For more information, please see the following page: Fees(https://www.hertstherapypractice.com/fees)
Knowing when to seek therapy is an important step in prioritising your mental health. While everyone’s journey is unique, certain signs and experiences suggest that professional support may be beneficial. Therapy can help if you are:
1. Feeling Overwhelmed by Stress or Emotions
If you’re constantly anxious, sad, or irritable, and these emotions feel unmanageable, mental health support can provide tools to regain control and balance in your life.
2. Experiencing Persistent Negative Thoughts
Repetitive worries, self-doubt, or feelings of hopelessness may signal deeper issues that a therapist can help address.
3. Struggling with Relationships
Conflicts, communication challenges, or feelings of disconnection in personal or professional relationships may benefit from exploring patterns and building healthier interactions.
4. Facing Major Life Transitions
Significant changes, like a breakup, job loss, or becoming a parent, can be emotionally taxing. Therapy offers a safe space to process these adjustments.
5. Dealing with Physical Symptoms of Stress
If headaches, fatigue, or sleep problems persist without a clear medical cause, they might be linked to emotional distress, which therapy can help alleviate.
6. Feeling Stuck or Unfulfilled
A sense of emptiness, lack of purpose, or difficulty achieving goals can often stem from unresolved personal challenges. Therapy can guide you toward clarity and growth.
7. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Over-relying on alcohol, food, or avoidance behaviors to cope with stress or emotions could indicate the need for healthier strategies.
What Therapy Can Offer You
Therapy provides a non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, identify patterns, and develop skills to cope with life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can help you move forward with confidence.
The first therapy session is a welcoming space designed to help you feel comfortable and supported as you take this important step toward improving your mental health. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Exploring Your Concerns
I will ask about what has brought you to therapy. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, or something else, this is your chance to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.
2. Learning About Your Background
To better understand your situation, I will ask about your personal history, lifestyle, work, and relationships. This helps create a fuller picture of who you are and what you’re experiencing.
3. Goals
We will explore your goals for therapy and we will discuss how therapy will be tailored to your needs.
4. Building a Connection
The first session is a chance to see how you feel about my style and approach. I am warm and down to earth which can help create a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for successful outcomes.
There’s no need to prepare extensively—just come as you are. It’s normal to feel a little nervous, but I am there to support you every step of the way.
I provide evidence-based psychological therapies tailored to your individual needs, including:
1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s highly effective for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns.
2. Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy helps you explore and heal deep-rooted patterns developed in childhood that may affect your relationships and emotional well-being. It’s ideal for addressing long-standing challenges such as low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, and unhealthy relationship dynamics.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions, clarifying your values, and committing to meaningful action. It’s particularly helpful for managing anxiety, chronic stress, and life transitions.
Each therapy type is designed to address different challenges, and we’ll work together to determine the approach that best suits you. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or personal growth, the tailored therapy I offer can provide the tools you need to thrive.
The duration of therapy depends on your individual needs, goals, and the type of mental health difficulties you’re facing. Here’s a general guide to help you understand what to expect:
1. Short-Term Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Typically lasts between 6 to 20 sessions for issues like anxiety, depression, or stress. It’s goal-oriented and focused on providing practical tools for change.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): May range from 8 to 16 sessions, depending on the complexity of your goals and challenges.
2. Medium to Long-Term Therapy
• Schema Therapy: Often requires a longer commitment, especially for deep-rooted patterns or longstanding difficulties like low self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, or chronic relationship issues. Therapy can last 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual progress.
3. Tailored Approach
Therapy duration is always personalised. Some people feel significant improvement within a few months, while others benefit from ongoing sessions to work through complex challenges or maintain mental health over time.
I will regularly review your progress and goals with you, ensuring that therapy is aligned with your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression or personal growth, therapy is designed to provide support at a pace that feels right for you.
I am a fully qualified Counselling Psychologist where I am trained to a Doctoral level. I am registered with the recognised body of the HCPC. I adhere to strict ethical standards, prioritise ongoing professional development, and maintain valid insurance coverage. I ensure I deliver ethical, effective, and personalised mental health care tailored to your needs.
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