Do I need to be into photography?

No. A phone is enough. The point is “seeing”, not technical skill.

Is this counselling or coaching?

It’s counselling (talking therapy) with photography as a reflective tool. We go at your pace and focus on what’s meaningful.

Do you work with men?

Yes. Many men struggle to speak freely due to stigma or pressure to “just cope”. Therapy offers a private, non-judgemental space to unpack what’s really going on.

What if I don’t know what to say?

That’s normal. We can start with what’s happening day-to-day. Images can help when words are tight or missing.

What happens when I first contact you?

When you contact me via the form, I’ll read what you’ve shared and reply by email as soon as I can. If I have availability that looks like a good fit, we’ll arrange a free 20-minute call to talk things through.

What is the free 20-minute call for?

It’s a chance for us both to get a sense of each other. You can share a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, ask practical questions, and see how it feels to talk with me. There’s no obligation to continue afterwards.

Do I need to know exactly what I want to work on?

No. Many people start with 'I’m not sure where to begin'. Part of the work is gently finding language together for what you’re carrying.

What is person-centred therapy?

Person-centred therapy is based on empathy, genuineness and non-judgement. We move at your pace, focusing on your experience rather than following a fixed programme.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are usually 50 minutes. We’ll agree a regular weekly time so therapy has a steady rhythm.

How much does therapy cost?

Current fees for therapy in Cornwall and online are listed on the Fees & Practical Info page. You’re welcome to ask about affordability during our initial call.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. We meet via a secure video platform at an agreed time. You’ll need a private, quiet space and a stable internet connection. Research suggests online therapy can be as effective as in-person work.

What is therapeutic photography?

Therapeutic photography is a gentle, reflective way of using images to support emotional wellbeing. We use your camera or phone as a way of noticing, grounding and exploring your inner world.

Is what I say confidential?

What you share in therapy is treated with care and confidentiality, within the usual legal and ethical limits such as serious risk of harm. We’ll go through this clearly before we begin.

Can you provide crisis or emergency support?

I’m not able to offer 24-hour or emergency support. If you’re in immediate danger or unable to keep yourself safe, please contact your GP, NHS 111, emergency services, or local crisis services.

Therapeutic Photography: Tesco exterior at night. Night. Black and White.

Therapeutic Photography: Harbour Head Porthleven Black and White.

Therapeutic Photography: Black and white. Blackberry bush with fruit.

Therapeutic Photography: A black and white picture of a woman sitting on a bench in Falmouth, holding a dog, with people and cars in the background.

Therapeutic Photography: A calmer way to understand you.

I offer therapy shaped by photography and Therapeutic Photography: practical, grounding, and human. We work at your pace—using conversation and images to help you make sense of patterns, emotion, and stuck points.

Work with me Get the free workbook About Billy

Based in the UK · Online sessions available · Person-centred, practical, and straightforward

Therapeutic photography – Billy Smith Therapy

For people who overthink

Less analysis. More clarity.

We slow things down and get specific—so you leave sessions with something you can actually use.

For men who feel stuck

A space without judgement.

Many men learn to “get on with it” and stay silent. Therapy gives you a place to put things down safely.

For anyone in transition

Change without forcing it.

Life shifts—relationships, identity, confidence, purpose. We make sense of what’s changing and what you need next.

Why is photography is therapeutic?

It’s not about taking “good” photos. It’s about using images—yours or mine—as prompts for reflection. A photo can hold emotion, memory, and meaning without you needing the perfect words first.

What we might do

Use one image to explore what you’re avoiding, protecting, or craving
Notice patterns in what you’re drawn to (and what you cut out)
Build emotional language without forcing vulnerability
Create small weekly “seeing” exercises between sessions

What you don’t need

A fancy camera (a phone is fine)
Photography experience
To perform or “do therapy properly”
To relive everything on day one

How working together tends to unfold

Simple structure. No gimmicks. We focus on what matters, and we keep it practical.

Start where you are

We talk through what’s happening right now—what’s loud, what’s heavy, what keeps repeating.

Bring in images (gently)

We use photos as a way in—especially when words don’t come easily.

Make it usable

You leave with clarity, language, and small next steps—so change isn’t just insight, it’s lived.

See fees Ask a question

Seeing Yourself More Clearly

A short workbook to help you slow down, notice patterns, and begin—with photography prompts designed for real life.

Simple weekly exercises
Prompts for emotion, identity, and change
No “perfect” answers required

Get the workbook What’s inside

If you’re wondering “is this even for me?”

You don’t need a dramatic backstory. If you’re feeling numb, tense, angry, flat, lost, or shut down—therapy can help.

Many people (especially men) were taught to hide pain and push through. That works until it doesn’t.

Important: If you’re in immediate danger or crisis, call 999 (UK), contact the Samaritans on 116 123, or go to A&E.

What people often say after a few sessions

Replace these with real testimonials when you’re ready. Keep them short and specific.

“I stopped circling the same thoughts. I could finally name what was going on.”

— Client feedback (anonymised)

“The photo prompts made it easier to talk. It felt less intense, but more honest.”