What does it mean to feel at home in a city like Paris? It often means holding two things at once: the energy and opportunity of a global capital, and the quiet, persistent stress of navigating its demands in a language and culture that may not be your own.
I’m William Smith, an online counsellor for English speakers living abroad. I offer a steady, confidential space where you can pause, speak freely in your own language, and make sense of your life here.
My practice is based in France and I am an accredited member of the BACP. Though I am not registerd under the French titles of psychothérapeute or psychologue, meaning I do not diagnose and will never provide a service that is a substitute for medical consultation,our work together is governed by the BACP’s ethical framework for therapy.
How I approach our work
Paris moves fast. The pressure to succeed in demanding corporate or creative fields, combined with the complexities of French bureaucracy and the intensity of city living, can be exhausting. It's easy to lose touch with yourself.
My approach is to help you create a space to slow down. We can look at the patterns of burnout, perfectionism, or anxiety that might be showing up. Our work is not about changing who you are, but about understanding your experience more clearly.
What our sessions might involve
We meet weekly for 50-minute sessions using a secure video platform. This format means you can join from your apartment, a private office at La Défense, or your home in the suburbs, without adding another journey to your day.
Many clients use this time to talk about the stress of relocation, challenges in intercultural relationships, or a feeling of isolation despite being surrounded by millions of people. The focus is always on what you feel you need to bring.
A reflective exercise
Take a moment to consider these two questions. You don't need to have answers, just notice what comes up.
- What was the version of Paris you imagined before you moved here?
- What is the reality of your daily life in the city right now?
Gently noticing the gap between the two can be a starting point for a useful conversation.
English-language resources in Paris
Building a life here often involves finding your community. Alongside therapy, these local organisations can offer connection and practical support.
- Cancer Support France Paris Île-de-France: English-speaking volunteers providing emotional support and information.
- Message Paris: A peer support community for English-speaking parents and families.
- American Library in Paris: A hub for the international community with events, workshops, and resources.
- SOS Help: A confidential, English-language listening line available every evening.
Working together online
Having a consistent, weekly appointment that is just for you can be a grounding experience in a life that feels hectic. It is a time to put your own needs first.
If you’d like to talk it through, please use the link below to arrange a chat. The 15-minute call is a simple, no-pressure way for us to meet and for you to ask any questions.
Suitability and alternatives
Online therapy can be very effective, but it may not be right for everyone. It requires a private space where you will not be overheard and a stable internet connection.
My service is not equipped for crisis or emergency support. If you are in immediate distress or feel at risk of harm, please contact your médecin traitant (GP), go to the nearest hospital with an A&E (urgences), or call the emergency services on 112.
Frequently asked questions
Can therapy continue if I relocate within France or back to the UK?
Yes. One of the main benefits of online therapy is its continuity. As long as you move to a location where I am able to practise, we can continue our work together without interruption, providing stability during another period of transition.
Do you offer appointments outside standard French office hours?
I understand that Parisian work culture can be demanding. I reserve a number of early morning, lunchtime, and evening slots to accommodate different schedules, including for those who work with international time zones.
Explore counselling support in other French locations
Return to the English-speaking counselling guides for France to browse every location.