Psychotherapy and Breathwork in Essex and online Specialising in ADHD, PMDD and emotional overwhelm

Are you exhausted from trying to hold everything together?

Does your mind feel like it never switches off?

Are you trying your best, but still feeling like you’re not coping as you “should”?

You don’t need to change who you are in order to feel better.

You need support from someone who understands how your mind and nervous system actually work.

Psychotherapy and Breathwork in Essex and online Specialising in ADHD, PMDD and emotional overwhelm

Are you exhausted from trying to hold everything together?

Does your mind feel like it never switches off?

Are you trying your best, but still feeling like you’re not coping as you “should”?

You don’t need to change who you are in order to feel better.

You need support from someone who understands how your mind and nervous system actually work.

I can support you

You might have spent years wondering why things feel more intense or more effortful for you than they seem to for other people.

You may appear to have everything under control on the outside but internally feel like you could blow your fuse at any minute.

Perhaps you feel ashamed of how hard you find certain aspects of your life.

Whatever has brought you here, you deserve a space where you don’t have to explain or justify how hard it feels.

I’m Hayley Barker-Smith. I’m a psychotherapist and breathwork practitioner with over 25 years of experience working with the mind and body together. I used to suffer with PMDD and was diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, so I understand both personally and professionally how confusing and painful it can be to live for years without answers.

We’ll work together on a 1:1 basis, creating a steady and safe space where you can begin to understand what’s contributing to how you feel.

In psychotherapy sessions, we can explore in depth what overwhelms you and bring attention to patterns that feel difficult or stuck.

In breathwork sessions, we focus on emotional regulation and release when feelings are too big or hard to put into words.

Before we begin, we can talk about what approach feels right for you.

Over time, clients often describe feeling steadier, less reactive and more able to trust themselves.

Here’s what some of them have said about our work together:

You might have spent years wondering why things feel more intense or more effortful for you than they seem to for other people.

You may appear to have everything under control on the outside but internally feel like you could blow your fuse at any minute.

Perhaps you feel ashamed of how hard you find certain aspects of your life.

Whatever has brought you here, you deserve a space where you don’t have to explain or justify how hard it feels.

Hayley-Barker-Smith-profile-1

I’m Hayley Barker-Smith. I’m a psychotherapist and breathwork practitioner with over 25 years of experience working with the mind and body together. I used to suffer with PMDD and was diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life, so I understand both personally and professionally how confusing and painful it can be to live for years without answers.

We’ll work together on a 1:1 basis, creating a steady and safe space where you can begin to understand what’s contributing to how you feel.

In psychotherapy sessions, we can explore in depth what overwhelms you and bring attention to patterns that feel difficult or stuck.

In breathwork sessions, we focus on emotional regulation and release when feelings are too big or hard to put into words.

Before we begin, we can talk about what approach feels right for you.

Over time, clients often describe feeling steadier, less reactive and more able to trust themselves.

Here’s what some of them have said about our work together:

Client testimonials

I thoroughly loved the breath work with you last Sunday. I didn't know what to expect as there are lots of different techniques but that one was so simple and so powerful that it took me to a place of tears. Not happy tears but a place I bricked up and I didn't even know I had. I have used it ever since when I go to sleep and I manage to have a full night's sleep. It slows my brain, my thoughts and puts me into a peace.

I am so very grateful for your time, energy and all the help you offer from your heart.

GN, London

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you for the session you provided. The feedback was outstanding, and people said they felt so relaxed, connected to their bodies and were so impressed on your knowledge and professionalism. Apparently, it was all they could talk about! So thank you so much ❤

Emily, Breast Cancer Now

I loved working with Hayley. I felt very understood by and safe with her, including feeling able to share spiritually as part of my breathwork sessions. She stayed with my process all the way through, with deep care and sensitivity.

The breathwork benefited me by understanding much more of what had been hindering me, the nuances of my experience, and seeing into new ways of being, right into soul level as well as human experience.

Thank you.

DKB, Kent

This is by no means the full story, but I think it gives a reasonable account of my feelings about breathwork:

Following a period of one-to-one counselling with Hayley, she thought that breathwork might be beneficial to me, and she was correct.

Through the course of these sessions, I have made significant progress in the improvement of my overall well-being. Twenty years of counselling and therapy had brought me much insight into my own motivations and an understanding of how I had got to my state of mind, and yet nothing I had attempted seemed to escape the general mood of self-sabotage which accompanied my condition.

The beauty of breathwork is that it comes into play before thought, putting me a step ahead of the negative feelings that have haunted my life. Hayley has gently nudged me into an exploration of feelings that I had been oblivious to, always giving me the sense that I was in control and able to steer myself where I feel I need to go. I am beginning to feel that I am no longer a victim of my emotions and am in fact motivated to make positive changes in my life.

A concrete example: I have addressed my bad eating habits and curtailed my abuse of alcohol; since beginning the sessions I have lost over a stone in weight.

I leave the sessions full of energy, with the feeling that I am floating on a cloud.

RT, Leigh-on-Sea

I just wanted to say thank you for Sunday.

I came along not really knowing what to expect, or what I hoped from the session, but I was pretty open to explore.

I wasn’t expecting the emotional vomit! But that’s exactly what it was. Love the expression you used!

I said wow! afterwards and that’s the best way to describe how I felt, I walked away feeling so much lighter and I hadn’t even realised that I’d been heavy.

I felt amazing and free. Definitely want to come again. Haven’t stopped thinking and taking about it.

Thank you so much.

AF, Leigh-on-Sea

It has been very helpful to have someone to talk through some very difficult and complex issues I’ve been going through, but also to be reminded and encouraged at the same time. To be kind and gentle towards myself during this process of healing. Especially when difficult emotions come up. I appreciate the support and compassionate understanding from Hayley that allowed me time to figure out how to move forwards in my life at this point, and I’m very grateful to have had found her service.

AW, London

I wish when I was a teenager dealing with "my stuff" I had a "Hayley" and knew about breathwork and how it would help with my undiagnosed ADHD/PTSD. It has been a game changer for me now so thank you Hayley!

NJ, Southend

Hayley has had such a positive impact on my life, through her therapy work with me she has given me the space and support to process some difficult emotions, she has encouraged me to be open and embodied. Hayley has helped me to move on from coping mechanisms that no longer serve me. I can’t recommend her enough.

CO, Leigh-on-Sea

I can highly recommend Hayley - she has been working with my daughter for over a year. My daughter is autistic and highly anxious. She was in a very bad place and needed professional help. She took to Hayley on the first session, and I am thrilled to say she is in a much better place!! Thank you, Hayley. - LR, Chelmsford

I have been seeing Hayley to help with my mental health. She is nice and kind and is a great listener. She makes me laugh and helps me to understand how I’m feeling, then gives me advice. - AR, Chelmsford

I attended Hayley’s breathwork sessions with no prior experience before, but with a very open mind. It is an amazing experience and also so surprising to realise how much trauma can be trapped inside the body.

It is fascinating and enriching to see how different people attending the group sessions have such very personal emotions and reactions from breathwork.
I highly recommend Hayley with her extremely high level of expertise, knowledge and professionalism all in a very calming environment.

JD, Leigh-on-Sea

From the very first session with Hayley, I have had so many ‘lightbulb moments’ where I have learnt so much about myself. She gives me the space to explore my feelings and I always feel very safe. I’ve spent years trying to understand my thoughts and feelings and it feels that Hayley is what was missing on my journey!

SB, Chelmsford

What a beautiful 3 videos... you described my life basically... Looking forward to meeting you this Saturday at the London ADHD summit... I am really looking forward to it.

I would really love to have some sessions with you in the near future.

BD, London

Hayley’s Breathwork gave space for my grief to show up in a physical manifestation as well as emotional. It was an intensely beautiful experience

HL, Southend

Finding, and working with Hayley has been truly life changing. I appreciate this sounds cliché but it’s the best way I can describe my experience. We have worked through my diagnosis for severe PMDD, past traumas, relationship difficulties, cycle awareness and self discovery. Hayley has helped me to become more attuned with myself, to find and harness my truth and become a better, healthier version of me.

I have learnt so much, I’m still learning, and I know Hayley is there to support me when needed. I’m truly grateful to Hayley for her time, wisdom and guidance, which has got me through some of my toughest times.

LC, Chelmsford

Free 3-Part Video Series:

How to Embrace Your ADHD Body, Mind and Spirit

Stop the Cycle of Self-Doubt: Learn the Hidden Reason Why ADHD Makes You Feel Everything More Intensely (And What to Do About It)

Psychotherapy

Do you recognise patterns you keep repeating but can’t seem to break?

Do the same relationship dynamics, reactions or self-doubts keep resurfacing?

Psychotherapy is a space to understand what’s driving those cycles and start responding differently.

Breathwork

Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions that seem to completely take over your body?

Do you struggle to calm down once you’ve been triggered?

Breathwork helps you regulate intense feelings and safely release what’s been building beneath the surface.

ADHD

Does life feel chaotic? Is your mind in a constant spin bouncing from one thing to another and back again?

Are you flooded by the constant confusion of losing and forgetting things?

Do you find it hard to manage relationships, finances, work – life itself?

I specialise in working with women navigating ADHD and the emotional intensity that often comes with it.