Hazelwood Therapy
Counselling in Nailsworth, Stroud & Online
Matthew Smith MBACP
Hi, I'm Matt. Welcome to Hazelwood Therapy.
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You might be going through something difficult right now — a major life change, a sense of feeling stuck, or the weight of past experiences. Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed, caught in cycles of unwanted thoughts or emotions, or unsure how to move forward. Whether you're hoping to process painful feelings, feel more at ease, or reconnect with yourself and others, you're welcome here.
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I bring a compassionate and steady presence — a warm, supportive space where you can share what you’re carrying, feel heard, and explore things at your own pace, without pressure or judgment.
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I hope these pages give you a clear sense of what I bring to this work and how therapy might support you.
I'm a professional counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer in-person sessions in Nailsworth (Stroud), and online or telephone sessions for those further afield — working with people across the Cotswolds and South West, as well as throughout the UK and overseas.
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I understand how important it is to have a space where you can speak openly, without fear of judgment or consequence. No matter what you are carrying, my aim is to build a genuine, trusting relationship where you feel safe to share, so we can gently explore even your most uncomfortable feelings together.
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Alongside my counselling training, I have a background in social science, which deepens my understanding of how social structures, culture, and modern life can contribute to distress. I aim to hold space not only for your inner world, but also for the external pressures that may be shaping your experience — recognising that these can affect each of us differently, depending on our identities, background, and circumstances.
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During my practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of people — men and women, people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, individuals of various faiths, those navigating grief and loss, living with illness, recovering from addiction, or adjusting to major life changes — or simply feeling stuck or low.
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I’ve supported carers, people living with trauma and complex trauma, those facing questions around identity, and individuals approaching the later chapters of life.
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I’m here for anyone seeking support — whoever you are, whatever you’re carrying, you’re welcome here.
How I can Help
Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. I welcome people from all walks of life, whatever challenges they’re struggling with — whether it’s anxiety, depression, panic attacks, ADD, low self-esteem, social anxiety, perfectionism, difficulty setting boundaries, overwhelm, or relationship struggles such as affairs, separation, or maintaining meaningful connections. I also support those exploring questions around identity, purpose, or spirituality.
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My aim is to offer a space where you can explore what’s weighing on you, make sense of your experiences, and move toward a life that feels more fulfilling and easeful.
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Through our work together, I hope to support you in softening tension, finding more ease, understanding yourself more fully, and reconnecting with the different parts of you — so that life can feel more grounded, authentic, or simply more manageable.
My Approach
As a humanistic counsellor, I trust in each person's inner wisdom — whether that’s intuition, a felt sense, or instincts. My role is to support clients, in whatever way they need, to connect with this inner wisdom. I offer a compassionate, steady presence where you can safely explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
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Together, we’ll gently uncover the patterns and beliefs that may be clouding your inner guidance. I may reflect back what I hear, ask questions that invite deeper reflection, or introduce techniques like focusing (tuning into your bodily felt sense), mindfulness, and other experiential practices to help you connect more fully with your body and emotions.
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Rather than offering solutions, I work collaboratively with you to unlock new perspectives and help you find your own way forward, grounded in your unique experience and values.