Penn Smith

Dr. Penn Smith serves as an Associate Professor in Counselling at York St John University, leading the BA Counselling and Mental Health programme and the BACP-accredited PG Dip in Humanistic Counselling. With expertise in relational trauma, social justice, and creative teaching methodologies, they hold Chartered Psychologist status (CPsychol) and are a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Their research focuses on mental health recovery services, refugee experiences, and arts-informed therapeutic practices.

Education qualifications include a PhD in Psychology (University of Leeds, 2019), a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy (York St John University, 2015), and a BA in Counselling Studies (York St John University, 2013). Professional roles include Deputy Chair of the School Ethics Committee and Director of Partnerships for the York St John Communities Centre.

Research highlights include a photo-elicitation study of NHS mental health rehabilitation services and collaborative projects exploring refugee mental health and creative training for veterans. Supervision focuses on participatory arts practices, grief experiences in Black Caribbean communities, and outdoor therapy impacts.

Publications span peer-reviewed journals (e.g., International Journal of Mental Health Nursing), book chapters (SAGE Handbook of Counselling and Psychotherapy), and commissioned reports. Conference presentations emphasize qualitative methodologies and innovative mental health service evaluation.