What next?

What do you want to get out of therapy? You may be looking to improve your sleep, but you might also want to explore other issues that are troubling you. You don’t need to be ‘in crisis’ to come to therapy; you may want to understand yourself better or find ways to improve your relationship with others.
what are you looking for?
Psychotherapy (5)

Psychotherapy

As a psychotherapist, my approach is long-term, trauma informed and relational, focused on building a trusting partnership where we can uncover the underlying patterns shaping your life. I integrate body and mind approaches, working in a trauma-informed way, to help clients process past experiences, navigate present struggles, and explore their inner worlds.

Sleep Clinic

Sleep Clinic

I value Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) and often use it in my practice, but I also address its limitations, such as its exclusion of people with co-morbid conditions or diverse backgrounds. Working in a trauma-informed way, I’ve integrated the TranS-C method, a modular treatment based on the Sleep Health Framework, to offer an inclusive and compassionate approach tailored to individual needs.

Body Focused

Body Focused

I integrate mindfulness, breathwork Yoga Nidra, and a body-focused approach into my therapeutic work, offering clients tools to connect with their physical selves and access deeper levels of relaxation and healing. This mind-body integration supports emotional processing and fosters a greater sense of balance and well-being.

Before we begin, I’ll request that you complete a comprehensive health questionnaire. This is to discern any underlying clinical sleep concerns that might necessitate medical intervention. As sleep disturbances can arise from various sources, if we can clarify their origins it helps but its is not always straightforward. Subsequently, in our first session, we will strategise and chart out the path forward.
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Heather Darwall Smith

Frequently asked questions

I offer sessions in person at 85 Wimple Street therapy rooms and online (via Zoom). Additionally, I provide a specialised sleep programme, weekly psychotherapy, and top-up/drop-in sessions as needed.

I do charge for our initial meeting – it’s a chance for us to get acquainted and determine how we will collaborate. During this meeting, we’ll discuss what brings you to psychotherapy, the benefits of the sleep programme, and the flexibility of top-up/drop-in sessions. We will also explore any questions or concerns you may have about the entire process. After this session, I will provide you with a personalised, comprehensive sleep plan outlining how we will work together.

All sessions are confidential. I have regular supervision, which is done in the strictest confidence and I abide by the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

Yes, I am registered with several insurance companies, including AXA, WPA, Vitality, and Cigna. Please contact me to discuss the referral process and how to liaise with your insurance company.

If you have coverage, I will directly bill your insurance company for the number of sessions scheduled, maintaining confidentiality by not disclosing attendance specifics to them.

Individual therapy sessions last 50 minutes. The cost varies based on whether you’re seeking psychotherapy or sleep-related therapy and whether our sessions are online or in person. I offer a range of prices due to being registered with various insurance companies. 

Initially, we meet weekly, either in person or online. After six weeks, we’ll review our progress. The frequency of our meetings thereafter will depend on the issues we’re addressing. Many clients opt for long-term weekly psychotherapy. For those seeking sleep therapy, we might start with weekly sessions, then transition to biweekly, and eventually monthly. Past clients are always welcome to return for individual sessions as needed. 

Yes, the fees vary depending on the location of our sessions and the type of therapy you’re seeking. I reserve four spots per year in my caseload for students and individuals on low incomes at a reduced rate. Currently, all these spots are filled. 

Absolutely. I work with clients on several online platforms. My insurance permits me to serve most overseas clients online, though there are some country-specific exclusions (notably the US). However, I encourage you to get in touch regardless. In-person sessions are available on Wimpole Street in London and in Deddington, Oxfordshire. 

I require a notice of cancellation or rescheduling at least 24 hours (1 working day) prior to the scheduled session time. Failing to provide sufficient notice will result in the session being billed, as it is reserved specifically for you. Standard practice is to remain online for 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, during which I will also send an email to inquire about your attendance. Should there be no response within this timeframe, the session will be recorded as “Did Not Attend,” and charges will be applicable. 

Due to operational constraints, including maintaining a quiet and distraction-free environment while working, phone calls are not a viable means of communication for me, as my phone remains switched off. However, I can receive text messages on my laptop, ensuring I remain reachable via both email and text during working hours. 

I am currently on a sabbatical and will be reopening my clinic in 2025.
My work as a psychotherapist is a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced over the past 10+ years of study, personal therapy, exploration and helping hundreds of clients to do the same.