Mark Smith

I work predominantly with men—gay, bisexual, and straight. That includes those struggling with shame, stuckness, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, or the weight of never being allowed to feel lost. While my work centres on men’s mental health and well being, I also work with women who value clear thinking, evidence-based practice, and a straight-talking, bullshit-free approach. I’ve worked in mental health for over 25 years, from secure psychiatric units and prisons to NHS clinics and private practice. Before that, I spent a decade living fast—festivals, travelling, hedonism, and philosophical soul-searching—while working in frontline mental health roles. I’ve seen how therapy goes wrong when it becomes ideological, sentimental, or afraid to challenge. I trained in Occupational Therapy, and later specialised in CBT through a Postgraduate Diploma programme. I’ve managed a department in a five-ward psychiatric hospital, leading a multidisciplinary therapy team and building a recovery college. I’ve also served as a union rep, supervisor and clinical educator. I’m not averse to conflict or difficult conversations—developing the confidence to be disliked has been a hard-earned strength, shaped by high-pressure environments and ethically murky systems. Before all that, I studied Art and Philosophy at undergraduate level—an experience that set the tone for my lifelong relationship with philosophy. The philosophical method—questioning everything, challenging assumptions, suspicion of authority, never mistaking consensus for truth—has shaped not just how I think, but how I practise. I am averse to dogma, whether religious, political, or therapeutic. I believe in asking better questions and holding space for complexity. I specialise in helping men unlearn shame, confront fear, and stop mistaking silence for strength. If you’ve been burned by affirmation culture, or you’re tired of hiding behind competence—this is your space. My clients tend to be thoughtful, high-functioning, and often sceptical of therapy. They’re not falling apart, but they’re not thriving either. They want clarity, not coddling. They don’t need someone to co-sign their identity—they need someone who can help them think straight, feel honestly, and live with meaning. I value personal responsibility, open dialogue, and therapy that respects your intelligence and your agency. I won’t pathologise discomfort or dress ideology up as care. If you’re curious but cautious, book a free 30-minute call. No pressure—just a proper conversation with a therapist who’ll actually listen, challenge when needed, and hold space where honest thought is welcome.