Hello. I'm Kathy, a qualified and experienced Counsellor, psychotherapist, coach and clinical supervisor with a background in private practice, NHS and Schools.

I have extensive experience working with young people and adults, supporting them with challenges such as anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Autism, dyslexia and Tourette's syndrome; family issues, relationship problems, trauma, gender identity, bullying, friendship issues, and depression.

Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, like your head is a messy ball of wool that's hard to untangle. You might find yourself zoning out, struggling to process emotions, or feeling the weight of masking just to "fit in." It can take a toll on your relationships and leave you searching for some stability in a world that often feels chaotic. You don't have to navigate this alone. In our sessions, we'll work together to help you figure it all out, build strategies that support your needs, and create space for you to feel more grounded and truly yourself. 

I offer short-term, long-term and open-ended counselling, face-to-face and online in Twickenham. Taking the first step in counselling can be daunting and can bring up different feelings. If you are thinking about counselling, then it may be because you are finding things in your life overwhelming. It might be something specific or recent, or it could be the past that continues to affect you in the present. 

As a counsellor, I draw on a range of approaches to help you explore current challenges, increase self-awareness, and better understand patterns or barriers that may be holding you back. Together, we work towards meaningful insight and the possibility of change, finding the approach that best supports you.

I create a safe, supportive space built on trust and honesty, where you feel comfortable to explore difficult thoughts and emotions. Whether you're facing anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I offer a confidential space where you can feel heard and supported. A free 20 minute initial consultation is available if you have questions or would like to discuss any aspects of counselling. 

Mindfulness

Have you ever felt like you are running your day, your week, your life on autopilot? Not really paying attention, just trying to get through? Being in the now. Living moment by moment, seeing everything afresh without judgment and worrying less, allows us to experience life rather than simply getting through it. Mindfulness means paying attention, in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment.

There are various forms of mindfulness, including mindfulness eating, mindfulness walking, body scan, and being with loss, that allows you to let go of brain patterns and slow down. 

My experience of using mindfulness personally and with others is that it has many benefits. Mindfulness can help to manage a multitude of things including low mood, anxiety, stress, chronic pain and trauma. 

People who regularly implement mindfulness strategies, may find physical and psychological benefits, such as:

• Increased experience of calm and relaxation
• Higher levels of energy and enthusiasm for living
• Increased self-confidence and self-acceptance
• Less danger of experiencing stress, depression, anxiety and pain
• More self-compassion and compassion for others and our planet.

Try this exercise for up to 5 minutes

Choose an object - it can be anything. Lets use a leaf as an example.

Hold the leaf in your hand. While holding the leaf, focus on your breathing.

How heavy does the leaf feel? What does it feel like on your skin? Is it all green or does it have different colours? How does the colour change? Notice the veins of the leaf. Can you feel them with your fingers? Are they small or large? 

Look at the shape of the leaf. Turn it over and run your finger around the edge of the leaf. Use your fingers to explore the texture of the leaf. 

While doing this, continue to breathe in and breathe out slowly.

If you notice your mind wandering to other things, gently bring it back to the leaf in your hand.

Check in with yourself. How are you feeling now?

This exercise can be done for as little as five minutes or as long as your prefer. Any amount of time will bring benefit.