Online Counselling for English Speakers in Brittany

You enjoy the Saturday market, order your galettes in French, and feel a real connection to Brittany’s deep Celtic culture. But underneath, there can be a sense of being not-quite-settled, of navigating a life between two worlds.

I’m William Smith, an online counsellor offering a quiet, consistent space to talk through the unique experience of living in France as an English speaker.

I practise as a psychopraticien in France. It's important to note that this title is distinct from regulated professions like psychothérapeute or psychologue. As an accredited member of the UK's BACP, our work together is guided by UK professional ethics.

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My Approach to Counselling for Expats

Life in Brittany brings its own rhythm. The contrast between the busy summer season and the quiet of winter, the challenge of dealing with French bureaucracy, or the ache of being distant from family in the UK are all common experiences.

They can also feel very isolating. My role is not to give advice, but to listen carefully and help you make sense of your own thoughts and feelings. I bring a background in psychology and a postgraduate specialism in relationship diversity, which informs how we might look at identity, belonging, and connection.

Together, we can explore what’s happening now, understand how your past experiences shape your present, and find a way forward that feels right for you.

Does Any of This Sound Familiar?

Sometimes it’s hard to put a finger on what’s wrong. See if any of these resonate with you:

• You feel you should be more fluent in French than you are.
• You miss the ease of your friendships and family connections back home.
• You feel you’ve lost a part of your professional or personal identity since moving.
• You find the quiet, dark winters here more difficult than you expected.
• You worry about ageing parents or other family members in the UK.

If these points touch on something you're feeling, therapy can provide a dedicated space to talk things through.

What to Expect from Our Sessions

We meet weekly online for a confidential 50-minute session. This regular appointment can become a valuable anchor in your week, a time that is just for you.

You can bring whatever is on your mind—a specific problem, a recurring feeling, or just a sense of being stuck. There is no right or wrong thing to talk about. The aim is to create a space where you can be open and honest without fear of judgment.

Book a free consultation

Helpful Local Resources in Brittany

Therapy is just one part of building a resilient life. These English-speaking organisations may also offer valuable support:

• Cancer Support France – Provides emotional and practical support. You can find your local branch, which covers Brittany, on their website.
• Angloinfo Brittany Clubs & Associations – A directory of social, cultural, and support groups for English speakers in the region.
• Gwennili Intercultural Association – Creates language exchanges and projects to help newcomers integrate into local life.
• SOS Help – A confidential, English-language listening line available in the evenings across France.

Suitability and Alternatives

Online therapy can be very effective, but it is not suitable for every situation.

It is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate distress or feel at risk of harming yourself, please contact your médecin traitant (GP), go to your local A&E (les urgences), or call the emergency services on 112. The SOS Help line mentioned above is also available for immediate listening support.