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open door
counselling services

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Hello! I'm Patrick Smyth

I have been involved in counselling since 2004. In that time, I have helped a wide range of clients, with issues such as bereavement, serious illness, depression, anxiety, self-harm, addictions, suicidal feelings, anger, family problems, sexuality and relationship difficulties.

In addition to my counselling experience, I also have a background in people management, training and teaching. My many years of experience in building and maintaining relationships, together with my own life experience, are the foundations on which my work as a counsellor is based.

  MORE ABOUT PAT SMYTH  
Patrick Smyth

Expertise

We all encounter difficult times and situations in our lives. Most of the time, we have the personal resources and support that allow us to deal with life's challenges. There are times, however, when a helping hand can make all the difference. Counselling provides you with an opportunity to explore whatever is standing in the way of your well-being and happiness.

Depression counselling

We all feel down from time to time but when these feelings persist, it may be an indication that you are suffering from depression.

I can help you to explore and understand the root causes of why you are feeling this way and support you to make the necessary changes to address them.

Anxiety and stress

Life has a habit of putting challenges in front of us and we can’t control external circumstances.

We can, however, develop new ways of thinking about these difficulties and develop strategies to cope with them.

Low self-esteem

Feelings of low self-esteem are often rooted in false beliefs about ourselves that we have absorbed along the way.

We can challenge these beliefs and replace them with beliefs that are more accurate and realistic and that serve us better.

Relationship problems

Whether we are having problems with family, partners, work colleagues, counselling can help us to gain perspective on these relationships so that we can decide what changes to make to help resolve these problems.

Bereavement and loss

There are many types of losses. We might lose someone or something that is dear to us through death or relationship breakdown or even a change in circumstance.

Processing losses properly helps us to work through the grieving process and resume a fulfilling life.

Issues related to sex and sexuality

We are all sexual beings and this is a core part of who we are. So it’s no surprise that when things go wrong with sex, it can make us very unhappy.

Understanding the nature of our sexual selves opens the way for us to experience what should be a joyful and fulfilling part of our lives.

Testimonials from clients

The counselling I received was hugely helpful and still is. Helped me sort out a muddled part of my life.

HD, East Lothian

I was thoroughly impressed with Open Door Counselling during my 6 months attending weekly sessions. Pat is to be commended for the professional and supportive approach he adopts. From the outset, his trustworthy nature and compassionate understanding helped me to overcome initial embarrassment when talking about many troubling private issues. Pat was not at all judgemental during our sessions, and I felt comfortable talking honestly to him about past events that were shameful to me. He listened attentively throughout and considered what I had said before responding to assist me to understand the root cause of the problems.

OD, Edinburgh

I am happy and confident that I have finally addressed the issues that have troubled me for many years.  Although I still have progress to make, I go forward in a far better position than I was when I first called Pat.  I highly recommend Open Door based on my experiences.

AB, Edinburgh

I found Pat very easy to contact initially and he continued to be flexible throughout my counselling. He explained his role very clearly and gave me the support I needed to understand the process of counselling and how it could benefit me. Throughout our time I was able to discuss and understand everything I had on my mind and I have been able to learn skills to help me manage situations in the future. Thank you very much Pat.

PR, East Lothian

I would have no hesitation in returning to see Pat again, in the future, if I felt my life situation required it. Additionally I have recommended, and will continue to recommend, Pat Smyth to anyone thinking of, or looking for counselling. Having seen 2 previous counsellors and decided it was 'not for me' as I did not gain value from it, I went to Pat, really out of desperation and I will always be glad I did. I found his help and support invaluable at that time and subsequently I was able to deal with and understand what was a very difficult and unhappy time in my life.

AM, Edinburgh