Josephine Smith.

About me.

My journey to The field of stars.

My name is Josephine, and thank you for visiting my page. 

I began my training to become a therapist in 2016 and like most people who become therapists I didn't start out to be one. 

Originally I worked in the NHS as a radiographer,  and it was there that I learnt how important it is to listen to people's stories and to understand how they have come to be in this moment, here and now.

Our stories and feelings  give us vital information about who we are, and about the things we need to understand. I believe that feeling stressed, unable to cope, and facing unwelcome emotions, are often signs that we need to pause, and make sense of that something, whatever it is. 

And so my aim is to really hear you as you tell your story, and to offer a sense of peace in the confusion that life will bring. 

What happens in therapy?

In our first session I will tell you a little bit about therapy - such as you can be confident that whatever you tell me will be private. And then I might ask you what has happened that you have come to talk with me? Often  just being able to say it, to put all of whatever is going on, or whatever has happened to you, into words - or a picture, or even to act it out - is enough to begin a change in how you feel.  

Another part of therapy is to find ways for you to feel safe enough to seek answers to questions that you might feel unable as yet, to ask. Other times you may wish to look at repeating patterns in your life, or at specific situations that cause you problems. 

No matter what is happening I believe that within the pain and sorrow of life, there are specks of gold; tiny fragments and moments that reflect back something precious about you; moments of courage and strength enough to help you to be who you need to be.

Why a field of stars?

I call my practice Field of Stars because I feel like I have walked a very long way from The Central Birmingham School of Radiography, to my work at St John's Counselling. 

On the way I've met many good people and leant many things. And pilgrimage feels like the right word! For over 1,000 years, people have made the  pilgrimage to the shrine of St. James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - and compo stela translates roughly as field of stars - I love to think of stars as representing hope, signifying the changing of seasons, and stars aiding navigation especially the guiding light of the North star. To arrive at the field of stars is to gain a wider view, to slowly become aware of the beauty and depth of the starry universe, and of our lives.

Mediation.

I offer a mediation service too, with the aim of reducing any frustration and anger, fear and threat between people - so that communication can begin -  and through communication, some sense of trust and empowerment can be found. I am a qualified 'interpersonal mediator' this means that I do not make judgements about what is right or wrong for you, I have no connection with law or mental health services. 

Mediation gives both parties a safe way to let each other know what is happening; why the problem exists, and a chance for each party to ask for changes to be made. 

As with therapy, there are no guarantees .

For more details, please click my my mediation page.