- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship communication
- Social anxiety support
About Steve
Steve Smalec is a BACP counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with 20 years of professional experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. Steve also focuses on communication problems, guilt and shame, self-love, and social anxiety and phobia.
Steve keeps sessions straightforward and practical. He helps people talk through what feels most urgent and sets small, manageable goals. Conversations are paced to suit the person in the room and to build confidence for everyday situations.
When someone struggles with social anxiety or fears about speaking up, he uses clear steps to reduce avoidance and build skills for real interactions. For relationship issues he looks at patterns of communication and suggests ways to try different responses. With trauma or low mood he helps people name what happened and notice how it affects day-to-day thinking and behaviour.
Steve draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and explains them in plain terms. He checks progress regularly and adjusts the approach if something is not helping. Practical exercises between sessions are offered when useful, so learning can continue outside appointments.
Steve accepts clients from the UK and internationally and runs sessions in English. To begin, he asks people to complete a short questionnaire and then schedule a first appointment so they can discuss goals and what to expect.
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Evidence-based therapeutic techniques often used for anxiety and low mood include cognitive approaches and behavioural work. Cognitive approaches help a person notice unhelpful thinking patterns and try different perspectives; this can reduce worry and rumination. Behavioural work focuses on gradual exposure to feared situations and building new habits through small, repeatable steps, which can help with social anxiety and phobias.Finding the right approach is part of the early sessions. The therapist will discuss the options and work with the client to decide which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made if something is not helping.
Practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions around other commitments and reducing travel time. Some online formats use less bandwidth and can be simpler check-ins when someone prefers not to be on camera. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm which formats are offered before booking so sessions fit with daily life and technology needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression, plus related concerns such as communication problems, guilt and shame and social anxiety and phobia.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses plain, practical conversations and evidence-based techniques. Sessions focus on small steps and skill building that can be used between appointments.
How long has he been practising?
He has 20 years of professional experience in the UK helping people with anxiety, mood and relationship issues.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is registered with the BACP and works from the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
He accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.
Which session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to discuss goals and next steps.