The Urban Therapist
Daniel Smyth is a BACP registered psychodynamic therapist based in inner London. Daniel’s focus is on behaviour and the catalysts behind it. He is the founder and creator of the Sport and Thought, Football as Therapy project which as an organisation works in both primary and secondary schools within the United Kingdom and Europe
Daniel works with both adolescents and children in a therapeutic context and offers consultancy on institutional dynamics alongside senior leadership teams in inner-city secondary schools and within the corporate world. As both an individual and an organisation, both Daniel’s and Sport and Thoughts aim is to help young people develop the emotional control and the resilience they need to participate actively in school, complete their education and lead fulfilling, emotionally rich lives.
Daniel’s work with adolescents expressing both behavioural and substance misuse difficulties has been recognised by the UK Home Office on two occasions. He has spoken at a number of conferences, most recently in Qatar, national and international television, live national radio and given seminars at institutions including the Freud museum London. He has two papers published on the rational Sport and Thought uses to work with young people.
Daniel set up the Sport and Thought organisation 10 years ago as a direct response to the lack of accessible spaces to support young people to have a place to understand themselves. Daniel alongside Sport and Thoughts objective is to make thinking and thinking about the self, more accessible to all and to remove what may be perceived to be the difficulty to this. One of the simplest ways they do this is by how they present, smart and professional but no formal attire. Daniel is mainly seen in his tracksuit, as are his team, or in casual clothing. Presentation, alongside communication are key catalysts in creating a space in which young people feel safe to access and begin their journey towards positive internal and external progression.
Prior to setting up Sport and Thought, Daniel spent 10 years working with adolescents at the Brent Adolescent Centre with a focus on working with children and adolescents presenting with substance misuse issues, educational, home based behavioural difficulties and gang association.
If you feel your child, a young person within your care, yourself as a parent, carer or your organisation could benefit from talking with Daniel, please do not hesitate to contact via the contact option on this page.
Consultations and work undertaken with individuals will take place online unless otherwise agreed.
You can get in touch using the link below or email me at [email protected]
