Hi, I'm Kathryn (She/her)
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in business and reached a senior management role when I was still relatively young. I pushed myself hard enough that I suffered burnout, and that's what first brought me to counselling. It was a difficult time, but it lit something inside me. Once I'd experienced what therapy could do, I left the corporate world and retrained as a therapist.
What I loved most about my old career was connecting with people, really getting to know and understand them, and helping them reach their full potential. As a therapist and counselling tutor, I get to do those things I love every day.
I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Leeds Beckett University and a BPS Approved Certificate in Clinical Supervision Skills. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work to their Professional Standards and Ethical Framework. I attend regular supervision, invest heavily in continuing professional development and hold professional liability insurance.
I don't come to this work as someone who hasn't experience pain, loss and problems of my own. I'm an ordinary human being, and I believe that matters. Whatever brings you here, if it's a problem for you, it's a problem I take seriously. I won't diminish it and I won't bring my own agenda into the room. This work is led by you and what you need, not what I think you should work on.
Healing from what's holding you back is possible. I've watched it happen, again and again for people who weren't sure it could.
Beyond the practice
My own experiences have shaped a passion for social justice and parity of esteem for mental health beyond the therapy room. I worked closely with BACP to raise awareness of the value of counselling and psychotherapy during the COVID19 Pandemic and I sat on the Lived Experience Advisory Forum to the National Bereavement Commission. In January 2022 this work was recognised by The Lancet for my contribution to raising the profile of women in the field of science and public health during that time.
Outside of work I'm kept busy by two school aged children, a decorating, restoration or gardening project and a steady supply of books. I love the theatre too.
How I Work
I work relationally. I believe that people find real power and wellbeing through connection with others in relationships that are healthy and respectful and that includes the relationship we build together in the therapy room. My aim is to offer you an experience of relationship where it feels safe to explore what you're feeling and to heal from distress.
We'll begin with an initial meeting to get a feel for whether we're a good match, then work together to understand what's brought you to counselling and what you're hoping for. I offer unlimited counselling, though I usually suggest we start with a minimum of six sessions with a review to consider whether longer term work makes sense.
As an integrative therapist I draw from a variety of therapeutic models depending on what you need - your process will be as unique as you are. Above all, I aim to listen without judgement, help you feel heard and support you patiently to find your way forward. I don’t claim to hold all the answers. I'm committed to helping you find your own.
Support for the whole picture - your thoughts and feelings, your relationships and your everyday life, not just the presenting problem.
A space led entirely by you and your needs, with no judgement, no diminishing and no fixed agenda.
Flexibility to meet in-person at my central Leeds practice or online via Zoom, wherever works for you.
Confidentiality you can rely on - I'm registered with the ICO fully GDPR compliant and hold professional liability insurance.
What This Offers You
Counselling & Psychotherapy
I work with adults navigating a wide range of experiences, including:
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Complex family and relationship dynamics
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Parental separation and divorce
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Childhood abandonment and neglect
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Difficult or volatile family environments
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Emotional, physical or sexual abuse
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Relationship communication problems and infidelity
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Bereavement, loss and grief (including pet loss)
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Supporting a loved one through an eating disorder
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Living with undiagnosed autism or ADHD
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Stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger and feeling stuck
I do not work with couples or with Covid19 bereavement. I offer unlimited counselling and psychotherapy so the work can move at the pace you need.
Clinical Supervision for Trainee Counsellors
If you're training as a counsellor or psychotherapist on a BACP approved or accredited course, supervision is where you reflect on your client work, notice where you're getting stuck, and build the confidence and self-awareness to practice well and ethically.
I've been supporting trainee counsellors and psychotherapists since 2019, across undergraduate, graduate and post graduate training in Leeds, York and London. I currently teach trainee counsellors alongside my clinical work. I hold a BPS approved certificate in Clinical Supervision Skills and attend my own regular clinical supervision in line with BACP guidelines so the guidance I provide is grounded in current practice and contemporary research
In supervision, you'll have the space to reflect honestly on your client work, talk through what's going well and what isn't and draw on the experiences of someone who's been where you are. It's support for you as a practitioner and as a person - because your fitness to practice depends on both.
The Trainee Counsellor Voice
"I have learnt so much from you. More than anything you taught me how to be a person and then a practitioner and given me the trust and encouragement I needed to believe in that person."
"I can't imagine anyone showing up more wholeheartedly. I have been changed for good by being with you."
"You have been so generous with me and have shown me the power of being human. You embody your relational approach so beautifully and consistently. I will carry your kindness, assertiveness and commitment to hope with me."
What Happens Next
Step 1 - Get in Touch. Email or call to introduce yourself. I aim to respond within 48 hours.
Step 2 - Initial Consultation. A session to explore whether working together feels right for both of us, with no obligation to continue. Session fee £45.
Step 3 - Begin. If it feels like a good fit, we'll schedule your sessions and start the work at your pace. Session fee £65.
Tel: 07305 485955
Email: Kathryn@counsellingwestyorkshire.co.uk
My air conditioned practice is in central Leeds at the Unity Business Centre, within easy reach of Leeds City Centre.
26 Roundhay Road
Leeds, LS7 1AB
My office is on the first floor and can be accessed using a lift. I also offer online session using Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never had therapy before. Is that a problem?
Not at all. You don't need to arrive knowing what's wrong or how to explain it. That's part of what we work out together.
What if I get emotional, or cry?
That's welcome here. Many people worry about this beforehand and find, once they're in the room, that's exactly what they needed.
Is my problem "serious enough" for therapy?
If it's affecting you, it's serious enough. I won't measure your pain against anyone else's.
Do you work with couples?
No, I work is with individual adults. I'm also not currently taking Covid-19 bereavement cases.
How much does it cost?
I charge £45 for an initial consultation and £65 per session.
How do I book an initial consultation?
Email or call using the details below, and I'll respond within 48 hours to arrange a time.
Tel: 07305 485955