Hi there, I'm Katie.
I'm a BACP registered and fully insured person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist working with individuals aged 18+. I offer flexible in-person and remote sessions tailored to your individual needs, goals and personal circumstances, providing short and long-term therapy with the pace, depth and time spent in therapy being centred on your unique needs.
Grounding my work in the person-centred approach means I embrace the belief that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to deeply understand your thoughts, feelings, behaviour and experiences from your frame of reference - hearing your words and being curious about the emotions and meanings behind them. From the moment we meet, I will approach the work we do together with sensitivity, respect and genuine care and my intention is to help you feel heard, valued and entirely accepted for who you are. Working with me gives you the time to pause, reflect and process what is needed without the pressures and expectations we are often faced with in everyday life.
This may be your first time reaching out for support or even your first time confronting the very thing that has brought you here. Whatever your circumstances, I truly understand how daunting it can feel. I am here to reassure you that there are no rights or wrongs when it comes to seeking help and support. There is the myth out there that you need to be in crisis in order to access therapy, but this is simply not true. Therapy is for anyone, from any background and of any age and can be had for a wide range of reasons.
You may know exactly what you want to focus on in sessions or be a little uncertain where to begin. No matter what you choose to bring to the space, I view you as a whole person with a unique story to tell and will welcome any topic with openness, empathy and attentiveness. I will work with you to build a trusting working relationship in which you feel confident to express yourself freely without fear of judgment or criticism.
Experiencing a safe and understanding environment can offer a great sense of relief and comfort, and it can help you to offload any heaviness, tension and inner-conflict you are carrying. You may be feeling stuck, alone and unsure of what to do or who to turn to, and I am here to be that person to help.
Issues and challenges I work with include:
• Anxiety • Abuse (all forms) • Bereavement, grief and loss • Childhood and adulthood trauma • Depression • Family issues • Hopelessness • Low self-esteem and self-confidence • Low mood • Loneliness • Loss of direction, purpose and self-identity • Life changes and transitions • Relationship difficulties, breakdown and separation/divorce • Sadness • Stress • Self-harm and suicidal ideation • Self-sabotage
Alongside my private practice, I currently work with a specialist charity who provide tailored support for children, young people and adults affected by or at risk of sexual abuse, violence and rape. My role focuses on working remotely with individuals aged 16+ who have specifically experienced childhood sexual abuse. Trauma can create deep, long-lasting wounds, meaning this type of work takes incredible sensitivity, patience and true empathy. I will bring my knowledge and skill set of this type of trauma-informed work into my sessions when it is needed.
I have also previously worked with the registered charity The Cellar Trust, supporting individuals in need of mental health support in the Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale and Craven area.
To ensure I continue to work safely and ethically, I attend monthly supervision meetings with a qualified clinical supervisor to monitor my practice and progress with clients. I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and abide by their code of ethics and guidelines.
My training qualifications include:
• CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling • CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies • CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills • ACTO Approved Certificate in Telephone and Online Training • AIM Level 3 Certificate in Working With Survivors of Sexual Abuse
When we look at the reality of men's mental health today, we know that up to 40% of men in the UK have never shared their struggles with close friends, family or a mental healthcare professional. This just shows the staggering number of men living side by side one another who have never had the opportunity to feel truly seen, heard and fully supported.
Many can carry thoughts and beliefs such as: "I have just learnt to deal with it"; "I don't wish to be a burden to anyone"; "I don't want to appear weak" and "It's embarrassing to admit I need help", which can discourage a person seeking the support they so desperately need and deserve. Any of them sound familiar?
I have worked closely with men of all backgrounds and ages who have experienced a wide range of mental health issues and everyday challenges, including: loss of purpose; relationship issues; numbness; trauma and PTSD; loss of connection to self and feelings; work-related stress; bereavement; low self-esteem; depression and anxiety.
Do you find yourself quietly searching online for "counselling for men's depression" or "mental health support for men", but to no avail? If you feel ready to talk, I am ready to listen.