Helping you live life with a smile

Life with a Smile Counselling Service is available to help you manage those difficult and stressful situations that life throws at us. We all need help at times Barbara has designed a way of mixing Positive Psychology with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that works.

S stands for stress

Stress is a normal part of life. Learning how to cope with high stress levels is vital to our health. Our emotional, mental and spiritual stability relies on effective stress management. Barbara will help you examine the causes of stress in your life, analyse the triggers and help you explore techniques for effective stress control.

M stands for motivation

Motivation is what helps us to progress, reach our goals and gives us satisfaction in life. When this is lacking, positive thinking can motivate us in all aspects of daily life. When we learn to think in a positive way, our life changes for the better. Our health improves, negative thoughts lift and our confidence and self-esteem improves.

I stands for interest

Interest is part of the self and your health. This can be an interest in your close relationships, your family, your friends and associates - an interest in living life! All these parts of our life can be adversely affected when pressures build up. Counselling helps us when we feel exhausted, in pain and when we need support and guidance.

L stands for life

Life is a precious gift. It is for living and for grasping opportunities. If you disagree with these statements, it is time to i nvestigate your thought patterns and feelings. What is happening in your life to rob you of that smile? Barbara can teach you practical techniques to help you achieve a happy, healthy and satisfying life.

E stands for enjoyment

Enjoyment in living, peace of mind, improved health, the appreciation and nurturing of the self, increased energy, improved relationships with a new sense of well-being and much more. These are all benefits that clients of Life with a Smile Counselling Service are experiencing.

Barbara will analyse your situation and help you embrace the SMILE method described above so that you can enjoy your life.

S.M.I.L.E. Therapy:

Excellent results for:

Panic and Anxiety attacks
Stress management
Family Therapy
Relationship counselling
Bereavement counselling
Repetitive habits
Phobias

Grief Counselling

Barbara offers the support and freedom for you to explore your feelings in an empathetic and confidential setting.

Family Therapy and Counselling Support for Children

Barbara E Vasey-Martindale MBPsS, MBACP (Accred)

Individual and group therapies

Barbara is an experienced Family Therapist and specialises in Child Development. She worked for the North Yorkshire Education Department for ten year prior to moving from York to Wales and going into Private Practice. Please contact her on 01654 711126 to discuss your concerns and worries.

Coaching and mentoring

Sometimes all you need is someone you can share your thoughts or feelings with. Barbara offers patience and support in the form of mentoring to help her clients reach their goals. This type of mentoring session covers everything from healthy eating to spiritual counselling.

Barbara's counselling sessions cover:

Self-esteem and anger management
Panic attack management
Domestic abuse related issues
Stress management
Child counselling
Trauma counselling
Bereavement counselling

Art Therapy for behavioural health

Mental health improvement through creativity
Studies show that mental health and behavioural issues can be improved by art therapy. Barbara is an artist and finds art therapy is excellent way to relax and release emotions. Barbara has been using art therapy with children over the last five years with good results. Many adults who are creative also enjoy this form or therapy and it is very useful for those who find it difficult to express their emotions.