About me

My background

I’m Kate (she/her). I currently live with family near Bristol. I have a varied life and work experience. I trained as a counsellor earlier in my career but due to a significant bereavement I ended up doing something completely different for a while and studied and worked as a marine biologist. I have re-trained recently in both person-centred counselling and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Having had counselling myself at different times during my life, I know it can help. A regular space to talk to someone who will really listen to you and not judge you can be the start of this process. It can be challenging, and it may take longer for some people to notice progress than for others, depending on your past or current experiences. But change is possible. I also have a strong belief in the benefits of spending time in nature, and in the mind-body connection (the way the mind and body can influence each other).

You can find out more about how I work on my services page.

My experience and qualifications

Experience

I have worked as a trainee counsellor for the NHS. More recently, I have worked in an adult counselling service, with Cruse Bereavement Support, and with a young persons’ service in Bristol. I have experience of working with issues around anxiety, depression, bereavement, and existential concerns. I have had gender diverse and neurodivergent clients. I am also trauma informed. I have a particular interest in the mind-body connection, including counselling for chronic pain.

Qualifications

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1 - this is the core training for IFS, approved by the IFS Institute.
SIRPA (Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners' Association) Trained, Levels 1 and 2. Find out more about this approach on the SIRPA website.
Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - Fareham College
Advanced Diploma in Counselling (psychodynamic) - University of Cambridge.

Professional membership and ethical standards

I am a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Read about the NCPS code of ethics on their website.

As is the practice for all counsellors, I have regular supervision with experienced counsellors.