Reconnect with your
Psychotherapy helps us uncover the deeper roots of your struggles, going beyond surface symptoms. My holistic approach supports you in finding ease within yourself, in your relationships, and in how you sleep at night – a journey of insight and change we undertake together.
Struggling with Sleep? Discover Holistic Sleep Therapy & Psychotherapy
Heather Darwall-Smith
PsychotherapistIn my work with clients, we venture into the deeper questions of what it means to truly be in this world – to confront the anxieties, conflicts, and desires that may underlie restless nights. It is through our genuine connection, and by integrating diverse therapeutic approaches, that we can begin to touch the core of these issues. The aim is not just better sleep, but a more profound sense of peace – an alignment of your inner world that resonates in both your night-time rest and daytime existence.

Discover your sleep identity
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How to Be Awake (So You Can Sleep Through the Night) is written from my perspective as a psychotherapist who specialises in sleep. In my work, I’ve seen how deeply personal and complex sleep struggles can be – how they’re often intertwined with emotions, behaviours, and the pressures of modern life. This book is my way of sharing what I’ve learned from working with people who’ve felt stuck, frustrated, or even hopeless about their sleep.
It’s not just about giving advice; it’s about helping you understand the relationship between your mind and your ability to rest. By exploring the emotional, psychological, and practical barriers to sleep, the book provides tools and insights that go beyond the typical “sleep hygiene” tips. It’s a compassionate, evidence-based guide to addressing the deeper issues that keep you awake at night and learning how to feel truly awake during the day.
Written with the understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, this book is for anyone ready to approach sleep differently – by focusing on self-awareness, sustainable habits, and the connection between being present during the day and finding peace at night.
What they say
Whether you seek short term work or a longterm, more reflective journey, my approach is flexible and responsive. I’ll meet you where you are, offering targeted solutions or a deeper dive, all within a compassionate, empathetic, and balanced environment.








What came first?
This is often the question we ponder in therapy, especially when dealing with the complex interplay between sleep and wakefulness. Is it the sleepless nights casting shadows over your days, or the daytime worries banishing your sleep? I’m here to help you untangle these threads. Using a biopsychosocial approach, we’ll explore your current landscape together and chart a course that honours your unique rhythm and needs.
Whether you seek immediate relief or a deeper, more reflective journey, my approach is flexible and responsive. I’ll meet you where you are, offering targeted solutions or a deeper dive, all within a compassionate, empathetic, and balanced environment.
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The Science of Sleep is a collection of evidence-based answers to the questions I’m asked every day in my work. It’s designed to take a visual and beautifully illustrated approach, making complex sleep science accessible and engaging.
The book is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of sleep, offering clarity on key topics such as the history of sleep research, the stages of sleep, the impact of technology, and the deep connection between sleep and mental health.
Alongside the science, it provides practical, easy-to-follow tips for improving sleep hygiene, managing sleep disorders, and creating better sleep habits. It also shares personal stories from individuals who have struggled with sleep issues, offering relatable insights into how sleep challenges can be overcome.
My approach blends psychotherapy with evidence-based sleep techniques. Find out how I do it.
Location
London

Online

Many clients have continued with online sessions since lockdown, finding it offers flexibility to travel without missing appointments and eliminates the need for commuting. At times, my work requires me to travel, so there may be occasions when in-person sessions will need to shift online. This option ensures continuity of care, no matter where either of us are located