Helping you to find a way forwards
Hello, I am Kathryn, a BACP Accredited counsellor & therapist with 11 years’ experience. You might be looking for a therapist because something has happened or you’re just not feeling like your old self. I’m here to listen and help you to find a way forwards.
I am an experienced, BACP Accredited Counselor & Therapist. I won't judge you, tell you how you should feel or expect you to have all the answers. It is a collaborative process. Together, we can explore what is happening in your life, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck and identify ways of coping that feel realistic and appropriate for you.
Depending on your needs, sessions may include exploration of thoughts, feelings, behaviours, relationships, past experiences, emotional patterns, self-esteem and practical coping strategies. You are the expert on your own experience. My role is to help you understand it, make sense of it and find your way forwards.
Sometimes, we can all lose our way. Having been a client myself, I understand just how true this is.
You might come to counselling because...
"I don't know what's wrong, but I don't feel like myself."
"My anxiety is taking over."
"I'm exhausted from constantly overthinking everything."
"I know I'm capable, but I don't feel confident."
"My emotions feel bigger than I can manage."
"I keep having the same problems in my relationships."
"I feel overwhelmed by everyday life."
"I've spent years masking or trying to fit in."
"Something from my past still affects me."
"I've experienced a major loss or change and don't know how to move forward."
"I'm a therapist, but I need somewhere to put down the professional role and focus on myself."
Whatever brings you to counselling, you don't need to have everything figured out before you begin. I will help you to reflect on what’s happening and support you in making choices to find a way forwards.
For sessions in person, I practise from my home in Steyning in a homely, comfortable setting.
If you have a pet allergy, please be aware that I do have dogs in the house and whilst you may not see them, no amount of vacuuming can get rid of every hair!
Many of us became familiar with WhatsApp during the pandemic and it's great for being able to feel connected visually. There are some considerations to think of such as whether you can find the privacy to have your counselling but I will provide you with information you need to think about beforehand.
Counselling by phone can be a good way to make a deep connection to your therapist and it's relatively easy to use in privacy.
It is simple to use and can feel less exposing than video sessions for some people.
For those with a busy schedule, other means of therapy can mean no loss
of time from travelling to your appointment. You can choose from WhatsApp, email, and phone, all having their own
advantages. You can even switch between them, according to your needs. Not sure which option is right for you? Find out what to expect from your first session.
I offer a free 20-minute phone call so that you can get an idea of how comfortable you feel talking to me.
We can also think about how I can best support you.
In the first proper session we’ll explore what you would most like to get out of our time together and agree some goals. As part of this, we’ll look at your current circumstances and relationships as well as other potential past or present issues you might be facing and want to tackle.
Many people are anxious about their first counselling session so I create an environment which I hope feels safe and peaceful. I do this by being non-judgemental, transparent, listening with empathy.
Clients often find that a gentle introduction to our work is for us to create a timeline of their lives so far, gradually identifying and exploring key moments along the way. Some of these key moments may have been experienced as traumatic so I am very mindful of keeping you feeling safe throughout our work together. It's important that we reach a place of stability before progressing onto the more difficult areas.
I offer a neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approach to supporting clients.
I recognise that there is no single way of experiencing the world. ADHD and autism can influence emotional regulation, relationships, communication, self-esteem and everyday life, particularly when someone has spent years feeling misunderstood or trying to fit expectations that do not work for them.
My approach is neurodiversity-affirming rather than focused on making you conform. We can explore what works for you, including your strengths, needs, identity and individual way of processing experiences.
Trauma-informed counselling means working with sensitivity, choice and collaboration. We do not have to revisit difficult experiences before you are ready. Your pace, boundaries and sense of safety matter.
Anxiety, worry and overthinking
Depression and low mood
Stress, overwhelm and burnout
Low self-esteem and confidence
Bereavement, grief and loss
Life transitions and adjustment
ADHD and neurodivergence
Autism and autistic experience
Emotional regulation difficulties
Relationship and communication difficulties
Trauma and difficult past experiences
Loneliness, isolation and feeling disconnected
Areas of my continued professional development have been in trauma-focused therapy and diversity in contemporary relationships. If you have questions about how therapy works, you may find the answers below.
I also welcome fellow therapists, counsellors and other helping professionals as clients.
Working in a profession where you support others can bring its own pressures and challenges. You may find yourself carrying the emotional experiences of your work, navigating professional boundaries, questioning yourself, experiencing compassion fatigue or simply needing a space where you can be the person receiving support rather than providing it.
You don't need to be struggling with a particular issue to seek counselling. Therapy can also provide valuable space for reflection, self-understanding, personal development and maintaining your own emotional wellbeing.
I work from my home in Steyning, offering face-to-face counselling in a homely and comfortable setting. I see clients from Steyning and the surrounding West Sussex area.
In addition to face-to-face therapy, I also offer telephone counselling and online sessions for clients across the UK via WhatsApp. Online and remote therapy can be a flexible option for those who prefer not to travel or who live further afield. Please feel free to get in touch to find out more about how online counselling works.
Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes and cost £60 per session. Sessions usually take place weekly, particularly at first, although this can be reviewed later if changing to fortnightly sessions would be helpful.
Please note that I have dogs at home; while you may not see them, this may be important to consider if you have pet allergies.
We can work face-to-face, over WhatsApp or by telephone, whichever suits you best. I can offer appointments between the hours of 08:00 and 18:15 each weekday.
I understand that shift workers can find it difficult to commit to regular time slots and will try to accommodate this where possible.
Please note that if you need to cancel an appointment, I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise, sessions missed will still be chargeable.
Therapy that is not in person is subject to what’s known as 'the disinhibition effect' which is that the anonymity of being physically distant brings on a deeper connection more quickly than in face-to-face therapy. This can be helpful but something I will be mindful of supporting you through to make sure that you are feeling safe with what you have expressed.
I can offer appointments between the hours of 08:00 and 18:15 each weekday. Sessions are usually weekly, particularly at first but this can be negotiated later down the line if it would be beneficial to change to fortnightly instead. I understand that shiftworkers struggle to commit to regular time slots so this is something I will try to accommodate.
We can work face-to-face, over WhatsApp or by telephone, whichever suits you best. Whichever method you choose, I will provide a safe and non-judgement space for you to explore your feelings.
Some of these key moments may have been experienced as traumatic so I am very mindful of keeping you feeling safe throughout our work together. It's important that we reach a place of stability before progressing onto the more difficult areas.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +447866674699 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
My hours are flexible. If I am not available to answer your call I will get back to you as soon as I can. I appreciate that it can be daunting to think about beginning therapy, especially when you are not in a good place but please do leave a message or text me if you can.