The morning market is bustling, but later, the quiet of the lane feels profound. Life here has a different rhythm, one that drew you in, yet sometimes the stillness can feel more like isolation than peace.
I’m William Smith, an online counsellor for English speakers living in France. I offer a consistent, confidential space to talk through the unique pressures and pleasures of building a life in the Dordogne.
As an accredited member of the BACP, our work is guided by UK professional standards. As a a psychopraticien, I am not registered in France as a psychothérapeute or psychologue, but I provide remote therapy in line high ethical and professional standards.
How I approach our work
Moving to the Dordogne can be a significant shift, especially if you've come from a more urban environment. The dream of a quiet life often meets the reality of language barriers, administrative hurdles, and the challenge of finding your place in a close-knit community.
My approach is to listen without judgement. Our work together is about gently making sense of your experience, rather than searching for quick fixes. We can look at the feelings that come up—loneliness, frustration, or a sense of being disconnected from your old life—and find ways to navigate them.
What our sessions might involve
We meet weekly for 50-minute sessions using a secure video platform. This means you can have your session from home, whether you’re in Périgueux, a small hamlet near Sarlat-la-Canéda, or outside Bergerac, without the need to travel.
Our conversations are led by what feels important to you on the day. For many, this includes the pressure of hosting guests from back home, the slow pace of making new friends, or a surprising sense of an identity shift since moving. We simply make room for whatever is on your mind.
A composite example: Anna, a freelance designer, moved to a smallholding near Ribérac. While she loved the space, she felt her professional identity shrinking. The intermittent internet made work stressful, and she missed the creative energy of her old city. In our sessions, we talked about this sense of loss and explored practical ways she could build new, smaller-scale creative communities and routines that fit her new rural life.
English-language support in Dordogne
Finding your feet often involves both personal reflection and practical, local connections. Below are a few organisations that other English speakers in the region have found helpful.
- Cancer Support France Dordogne & Lot – English-language listening and practical guidance for those affected by cancer, including carers and families.
- Dordogne Ladies Club International – Social activities and peer support for English-speaking women living in Dordogne.
- SOS Help – Evening helpline in English offering confidential listening wherever you are in France.
Working together online across France
Therapy can provide a steady anchor point while everything else is in flux. It’s a space that is yours alone, where you don’t have to perform or pretend that everything is perfect.
If you’d like to talk it through, you are welcome to arrange an introductory call.
Suitability and alternatives
Online therapy can be very effective, but it may not be suitable for everyone. It requires a reliable internet connection and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely. My service is not equipped to provide urgent or crisis support.
If you are in immediate distress or feel you are at risk, please contact your médecin traitant (GP), visit your nearest A&E (urgences), or call the emergency services on 112.
Frequently asked questions
What if my internet connection is unreliable?
This is a common concern in rural areas. We can test your connection during the free 15-minute consultation. If your connection is sometimes unstable, we can agree a backup plan, such as switching to a phone call, to ensure the session can still go ahead.
How do weekly sessions work?
We meet for 50 minutes at the same time each week via a secure video link. This consistency provides a reliable structure where you can speak openly about your experiences of settling into life in France.
Explore counselling support in other French locations
Return to the English-speaking counselling guides for France to browse every location.