About Me
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in business for many years and reached a senior management position when I was relatively young. Unfortunately, I pushed myself so hard I suffered burnout which first led me to counselling. Whilst that was a difficult time, it lit a fire inside me. Having experienced the power of counselling and the positive changes it enabled me to make I left the corporate world and retrained as a therapist.
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The things I loved most about my previous career were connecting with people, really getting to know and understand them; nurturing and empowering them to fulfil their potential. As a therapist and counselling lecturer I have the privilege of getting to do those things I love every day.
Training and qualifications
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 for the Counselling Professions.
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I receive specialist mentoring by attending regular supervision in line with BACP guidelines. This enhances the quality of the service I offer, ensures my work meets professional standards, advances my learning, stimulates creativity, and supports me to maintain resilience and fitness to practice.
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I am passionate about continually improving my counselling skills and knowledge, so I read widely, regularly attend training events and invest heavily in continuing professional development. I also teach counselling and psychotherapy in both Further Education and Higher Education settings.
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I hold professional liability insurance.
When I'm not working...
My personal experiences have led to my involvement in campaigning for social justice and parity of esteem for mental health.
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I worked closely with BACP to raise awareness of the benefits of counselling and psychotherapy during the COVID19 Pandemic and sat on the Lived Experience Advisory Forum to the National Bereavement Commission. In January 2022 I 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.
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​I have two school aged children which keeps me busy. I also love getting creative and almost always have a decorating, restoration or gardening project on the go. I am an avid reader and enjoy going to the theatre.
My Approach
I work with a relational approach, based on my firm belief that people gain genuine power and wellbeing from connection with others in healthy, respectful relationships. My practice philosophy is to provide an experience of relationship where it is safe for you to explore your feelings and heal from distress.
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After an initial meeting to get a feel for whether we can work together, I will work with you to understand your reasons for coming to counselling and establish what you hope to achieve. I offer unlimited counselling and suggest clients attend a minimum of six sessions with a review to consider whether longer term work is appropriate.
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Whilst my philosophy remains constant, the counselling experience with each client is as unique as they are. As an integrative therapist I draw from a variety of therapeutic models as appropriate to meet each client’s individual needs.
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Above all, I aim to listen without judgement, to enable you to feel heard and understood. I don’t claim to hold all the answers but am fully committed to helping you find your own. I offer unconditional acceptance and patient support while you explore your feelings, determine a way forward or make positive change, if that's what you desire.
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Confidentiality is critically important to counselling. I am registered with the ICO and am GDPR compliant.
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What others say about me..
'Kathryn has a knack for taking chaotic thoughts and laying them out in simple terms. Her experience and knowledge in the field are apparent; offering theories and real life practices to apply in difficult situations.'
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'During my counselling sessions I felt incredibly supported and that Kathryn was wholeheartedly committed to the improvement of my mental health and wellbeing.'
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'Kathryn gave me the right balance of support and space to see my mental health challenges in a profoundly different light.'
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'Kathryn took my requests and needs into account right from the start. She created a calm, patient environment and gave me the space to really explore what was troubling me.'
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'From the very outset I was impressed with Kathryn, she seemed to me a couple of cuts above what I expected'
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