About Me
So, here you are; after all that searching and researching online for a therapist, you’ve landed on my website. I totally understand that trying to find the right therapist can be a challenge, let alone finding one who might actually get what’s been going on for you. Let me introduce myself: I'm Zoe C Smith; a Counsellor and Psychotherapist who specialises in treating the effects of childhood and adulthood relational trauma. Let me tell you a bit about my story and share why ‘Lone Wolf Therapy Services’ is more than just a name.
My Story
I’ve been a Counsellor & Psychotherapist for over 13 years. My journey in this field began in 2008, and by 2012 I’d established my private practice. Along the way, I’ve also worked with Mind, as well as community counselling service in north Birmingham.
My qualifications started with a first class BSc (hons) degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy. This degree, accredited by BACP and validated by Coventry University, laid the foundation for my career.
However, my journey didn’t end there. I’m a lifelong learner and my passion for this work stems from my own personal journey of growth and healing, which is why continuous professional development isn’t a mere tick box exercise for me – it’s a dedicated commitment to remaining at the forefront of the constantly evolving field of personal growth and change. I’m enthusiastic about integrating the most recent research and interventions into my practice, and what I integrate tends to be, more often than not, what I've tried and tested myself.
The approach I originally trained in, often described as ‘Humanistic Integrative’, reflects my belief in the complexity of human experience and the important of relationship and forms the foundation of my work. Drawing from various humanistic theories, including Person- Centred, Gestalt, Object Relations, and Attachment theory, I tailor my work to meet each individual’s needs. At the core of my practice is the belief that every person has the capacity for positive change. You’re not a set of symptoms; you’re a complex, living being navigating a complex world.
But I've moved on a lot from my original training and learned a lot from my own therapy experiences - I no longer just rely on talk therapy alone. Although talk therapy is invaluable, I think if you’ve experienced any kind of trauma it might not be enough. This is why I chose to train in somatic trauma therapy and polyvagal theory. Trauma is held in the body, so it’s so important to listen in to, and understand, your body’s own wisdom - particularly your nervous system. It's this 'somatic awareness' that's key to developing a sense of safety and connection both within yourself and with others, not intellectual awareness. In our work together, we'll most likely be working a lot with body and nervous system awareness, utilising interventions that help you to feel safe, regulated, and connected. And if the idea of working with the body sounds a bit scary, don't worry, it's safely done to match your own pace and unique needs and there's no touch involved either.
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What truly drives me is helping people create lasting change, and empowering them to find new ways of navigating life’s challenges. I’ve spent years researching and working with the repair of toxic shame, as well as the effects of childhood, developmental, attachment, and relational trauma in particular. And this brings me to why I named my service ‘Lone Wolf Therapy Services’.
‘Lone Wolf Therapy Services’ isn’t just a name, it’s a reflection of the human experience. At some point in our lives, we've probably all felt the urge to pull away from connection when we're hurt, overwhelmed, or just need some alone time. For some, the withdrawal is psychological, done to avoid the discomfort of opening up, even when they might be surrounded by supportive people. For others, it’s also physical, and left unchecked, can lead to a slow process of eventual disconnection and isolation.
Being a lone wolf isn’t about isolation; it’s about resilience, independence, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges on your own. These traits are a badge of honour and they serve you well. However, there can come a time when reaching out for help becomes a valuable choice.
I understand the journey of a lone wolf because, like you, I’ve walked that path. I know that trust may not come easily, especially after a long period of self-sufficiency, and especially after being hurt by others. But I want you to know that taking that step to reach out for help can lead to really, really rewarding things.
So whether you’re seeking a one-off therapy session or ongoing therapy, or if you’re considering group therapy as a way to connect with others who’ve experienced similar journeys, know that I’m here to provide the support you need and I really do understand how challenging it can be to take a risk to reach out and ask for help.