Mark Smith
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Psychotherapist
Available for new clients
Native English speaking, UK trained, Berlin based CBT Therapist, ACT practitioner and Cognitive Behavioural Coach. Accredited by the European Association Cognitive Behaviour Therapists (EACBT).
I specialize in:
At a glance
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedOver 4 years on It's Complicated
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Your story is important.Feel free to contact me here if you feel that we could be a good fit.
Usually responds after 24 hours
About me
My entire career (25+ years) has been in mental health however my first degree from 2000 is in Art and Aesthetics. Following Graduation at the age of 20 I spent a decade of finding myself, prioritising festivals, parties, travelling and hedonism whilst working in mental health support roles.
When the time came to get my act together, I knew I wanted to continue working in mental health. Art Therapy was my original intention, however I then learnt about Occupational Therapy (which has a misleading title, I believe Functional therapy to be a more appropriate title). Occupational therapy is holistically focused on enabling people to engage in essential and meaningful activity when physical and mental challenges create obstacles. It utilises meaningful activity (including creative activities) as treatment. The problem solving nature of this role greatly appealed to me. I completed my Msc in OT in 2012. After 6 years as an OT working in rehab within secure psychiatric settings (including the prison service), I was accepted into a Post Graduate training programme for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy within the NHS. I spent a year as a trainee CBT therapist, under supervision, working in a busy well-being clinic in North London. Following completion of this, I commenced a role as department manager in a large, 5 ward Psychiatric hospital, managing and supervising 9 people, being responsible for the development and implementation of the therapy programme and recovery college. In 2020 I relocated from the UK to work privately in Berlin-
I have held the role of workplace union representative within the NHS. The experience has given me an invaluable insight into workplace dynamics and conflict resolution.
I have particular interest in working with spirituality and mens health.
When the time came to get my act together, I knew I wanted to continue working in mental health. Art Therapy was my original intention, however I then learnt about Occupational Therapy (which has a misleading title, I believe Functional therapy to be a more appropriate title). Occupational therapy is holistically focused on enabling people to engage in essential and meaningful activity when physical and mental challenges create obstacles. It utilises meaningful activity (including creative activities) as treatment. The problem solving nature of this role greatly appealed to me. I completed my Msc in OT in 2012. After 6 years as an OT working in rehab within secure psychiatric settings (including the prison service), I was accepted into a Post Graduate training programme for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy within the NHS. I spent a year as a trainee CBT therapist, under supervision, working in a busy well-being clinic in North London. Following completion of this, I commenced a role as department manager in a large, 5 ward Psychiatric hospital, managing and supervising 9 people, being responsible for the development and implementation of the therapy programme and recovery college. In 2020 I relocated from the UK to work privately in Berlin-
I have held the role of workplace union representative within the NHS. The experience has given me an invaluable insight into workplace dynamics and conflict resolution.
I have particular interest in working with spirituality and mens health.
I speak:
English
Location:
Gabriel-Max-Straße 16, 10245 Berlin, Germany
Media Gallery
Approach
Treatment Approaches
ACT: Acceptance and Commitment TherapyRecommended for those who want to stop fighting negative thoughts and learn how to live with more acceptance and focus on what really matters in life.
CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapyRecommended for those looking for practical support and accountability to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors.
CoachingRecommended for those who want support and motivation to achieve personal or professional goals, often with a structured, goal-oriented approach.
My ultimate therapeutic aim is for you to not need therapy. For you to be able to take a step back from your psychological distress, unhelpful thinking patterns and dysfunctional problem solving so you can be your own therapist. For you to have an effective, compassionate and accepting relationship with yourself and for you to live a meaningful, authentic and satisfying life that is steered by your values. Self-reliance and inner wisdom are skills I can help you develop.
To achieve this I use established, evidence-based CBT methods along with emerging CBT approaches that have their roots in Eastern Philosophy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, visualisation, and Mindfulness-based CBT. I work with presentations including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (general, social, health, OCD), utilising evidence based treatment protocols.
My approach is not limited to the realms of psychology. I also draw from OT theory that states that one’s wellbeing is influenced by the quality of our interactions with our social and physical environments. Throughout my extensive clinical career I have worked in multi-disciplinary teams with nurses, dieticians, personal trainers, physiotherapists and social workers. I use the knowledge I have absorbed regarding physical health to provide guidance and insights around healthy living.
My therapeutic approach is motivated by more than facilitating distress reduction. I am acutely aware that life is short, and we want to make the most of our time. I draw on my work experience in rehab, as a team leader, supervisor and mentor along with my CBT knowledge to provide life coaching along with therapy. As well as being able to work effectively with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, I will be able to support you with building confidence, career progression, social inclusion, overcoming procrastination and indecision, sexual fulfilment, manifestation and spiritual development.
To achieve this I use established, evidence-based CBT methods along with emerging CBT approaches that have their roots in Eastern Philosophy such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, visualisation, and Mindfulness-based CBT. I work with presentations including depression, low self esteem, anxiety disorders (general, social, health, OCD), utilising evidence based treatment protocols.
My approach is not limited to the realms of psychology. I also draw from OT theory that states that one’s wellbeing is influenced by the quality of our interactions with our social and physical environments. Throughout my extensive clinical career I have worked in multi-disciplinary teams with nurses, dieticians, personal trainers, physiotherapists and social workers. I use the knowledge I have absorbed regarding physical health to provide guidance and insights around healthy living.
My therapeutic approach is motivated by more than facilitating distress reduction. I am acutely aware that life is short, and we want to make the most of our time. I draw on my work experience in rehab, as a team leader, supervisor and mentor along with my CBT knowledge to provide life coaching along with therapy. As well as being able to work effectively with depression, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, I will be able to support you with building confidence, career progression, social inclusion, overcoming procrastination and indecision, sexual fulfilment, manifestation and spiritual development.
Experience
12 years in practiceOver 4 years at It's Complicated
Work Experience
2020-Current: Independent Therapist, Berlin
2018-2020: Occupational Therapy Department Manager, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Head of Therapies and Recovery College Lead, Priory Health Care, West Sussex.
2017-2018: Cognitive Behaviour Therapist Trainee, North West London NHS trust
2016-2017: Occupational Therapist, Pentonville Prison, London.
2014-2016: Senior Occupational Therapist: Mens Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
2012-2014: Occupational therapist: Mens Psychiatric Rehabilitation
2000-2010: Various care and support worker roles with learning disabilities, neurological disorders and mental health.
Additional:
2012–2020: Clinical Practice Educator and Mentor for Occupational Therapy students.
2014-2018: UNISON Representative in the NHS.
2020-Current: Independent Therapist, Berlin
2018-2020: Occupational Therapy Department Manager, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Head of Therapies and Recovery College Lead, Priory Health Care, West Sussex.
2017-2018: Cognitive Behaviour Therapist Trainee, North West London NHS trust
2016-2017: Occupational Therapist, Pentonville Prison, London.
2014-2016: Senior Occupational Therapist: Mens Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust
2012-2014: Occupational therapist: Mens Psychiatric Rehabilitation
2000-2010: Various care and support worker roles with learning disabilities, neurological disorders and mental health.
Additional:
2012–2020: Clinical Practice Educator and Mentor for Occupational Therapy students.
2014-2018: UNISON Representative in the NHS.
Education
MSc Occupational Therapy
PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
BA Hons Art and Aesthetics
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy level 3
Assessment of Motor and Process Skills Certification
Accreditations and Membership
European Association of Behaviour and Cognitive Therapies (EACBT) (current)
Association of Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS) (current)
British Association of Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) (2018-2022)
Health Care Professions Council UK (HCPC) (2010 - 2022)
PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
BA Hons Art and Aesthetics
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy level 3
Assessment of Motor and Process Skills Certification
Accreditations and Membership
European Association of Behaviour and Cognitive Therapies (EACBT) (current)
Association of Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS) (current)
British Association of Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) (2018-2022)
Health Care Professions Council UK (HCPC) (2010 - 2022)
Cost
Free 30 minute introductory call
Individual Session
€95
Insurances
Private Pay
At a glance
Last active
Experienced on It's ComplicatedOver 4 years on It's Complicated
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Your story is important.Feel free to contact me here if you feel that we could be a good fit.
Usually responds after 24 hours
Usually responds after 24 hours