Living at a crossroads can sometimes feel like you are not fully settled anywhere. Your life may span countries, cultures, and languages, but finding a space where you can feel truly grounded and understood can be a challenge.
I am William Smith, an online counsellor for English speakers in France. I offer a quiet, consistent space to talk through the unique pressures of life in an international hub like Strasbourg.
I am an accredited member of the BACP, and our work together is guided by its professional and ethical standards.
How I approach our work
Life in Strasbourg is shaped by demanding careers in European institutions, academic pressures, and the constant flow of cross-border life. It can be an exciting and beautiful environment, but also one that asks a lot of you.
My approach is to listen carefully to your experience. We can look at the stress that comes from high-stakes work, the complexity of a multilingual family life, or the feeling of being in a transient community. Therapy offers a place to process these things without judgement.
What our sessions might involve
We meet each week for a 50-minute session using a secure video platform. This format provides stability, whether you are based in the European Quarter, commuting from Kehl, or working from home in a village in Alsace.
Our conversations are led by what feels important to you. Many people find it helpful to talk about the intensity of parliamentary sessions, navigating different cultural expectations, or the search for a personal identity that feels whole and authentic.
| The external demands you may face | Our potential focus in therapy |
|---|---|
| Pressure to be politically aware and always engaged. | A space to acknowledge fatigue and find your own boundaries. |
| Juggling multiple languages and cultural norms daily. | Exploring what it feels like to be 'you' beneath it all. |
| A transient social circle and frequent goodbyes. | Making sense of connection, loss, and building a sustainable life. |
| Intense, short-term work cycles. | Developing ways to manage stress and recover during downtime. |
English-language support in Strasbourg
Building a sense of belonging often involves finding connections outside of therapy, too. These local organisations may be a source of community and practical help.
- Cancer Support France Alsace: Provides emotional and practical support in English for anyone affected by cancer.
- AVF Strasbourg: A welcome association that helps newcomers settle in with activities and local information.
- Université de Strasbourg – International Welcome Center: Offers guidance and support for international students and researchers.
Working together online
A weekly therapy session can be a grounding point in a busy life. It is a reliable hour, just for you, to speak openly and honestly in your first language.
If this resonates, you’re welcome to book a free consultation so we can talk about what you need.
This is a brief, 15-minute call for you to ask questions and see if we might be a good fit.
Suitability and alternatives
Online therapy can be very effective, provided you have a private space and a stable internet connection. However, it is not suitable for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you are in immediate distress or feel you are at risk, please contact your médecin traitant (GP), go to your nearest A&E (urgences), or call the pan-European emergency number, 112.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to our sessions during the parliamentary move to Brussels?
The consistency of our sessions is important. Because our work is online, your weekly 50-minute appointment can continue uninterrupted from your base in Brussels, providing a stable point of contact during a demanding period.
My life feels split between France and Germany. Can we talk about that?
Absolutely. Many people living in the Grand Est region navigate this dual reality. Therapy can be a valuable space to explore the feelings this brings up – whether it's about identity, belonging, relationships, or the simple day-to-day logistics of a cross-border life.
Explore counselling support in other French locations
Return to the English-speaking counselling guides for France to browse every location.