Why Therapy?
Hi, I'm Katie.
Welcome! I get that it’s hard to ask for help. It’s difficult to find time to stop and breathe.. it may feel like your struggles are too big to talk about – or too insignificant to bother about. There’s so much going on in your head – could anyone understand? Do you even understand yourself? Have you ever wondered, why am I like this?
You are welcome here.
Warmth and empathy are key values of my practice - I want you to look forward to the therapy space as a place where you feel welcomed, seen and safe. A friendly place where you are really listened to with kindness and no judgement, where we work together to make sense of your story in a setting that feels calm and supportive. Somewhere little seeds of change can be nurtured enough that they can germinate and grow.
I will work with you to establish what your goals might be from the outset. It may be that you want to process:
- something traumatic that has happened to you or a loved one.
- a struggle that you are confused by or wish you could change.
- grief that feels lonely, overwhelming and endless, like there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
- relationships that are painful, problematic and messy.
- emotions that dictate the course of your life in a detrimental way and keep you in endless cycles of panic and/or despair.
- anxiety that limits you in so many different ways and feels all-consuming and crippling.
- navigating a hard season.
- feeling stuck and apathetic, with a persistent low mood and no sense of joy or hope.
- putting some boundaries in place without feeling like a bad person for saying no.
- finding better ways to cope with the stress of life, and integrating some self-care into it.
- or just want some time and space for you!
All of these are normal! It's also normal to need a bit of help at times. Please don't let shame or embarrassment keep you from seeking support.
Why choose me?
As an Integrative Therapist, I work with people of any age, from children 6+, teenagers and adults. Integrative means my work is informed by a variety of techniques; including Person Centred, Psychodynamic and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I tailor the sessions to what best suits your needs.
I also love to use nature and movement as therapeutic tools through Walk and Talk Therapy. If you find it difficult to focus for an extended period of time, find eye contact awkward or just love being outside, you might find this form of therapy suits you! We would establish a suitable and convenient place together. Dogs are welcome!
What issues can therapy help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through therapy:
Depression/low mood
Confidence or self-esteem
Loss of direction/feeling “stuck”
Problems with family or school life
Anxiety
Women’s issues
Neurodiversity
Panic attacks
Relationships
Grief, loss or bereavement
Trauma.
I am a member of the Association of Christian Counsellors and enjoy working with clients from a faith perspective and have had specific training in this. However, I always aim for a non-judgemental and empathetic stance no matter your personal faith perspective.
I also offer a series of four-week psychoeducational sessions specially formulated with teens for teens who might feel they would benefit from support in these specific areas. These are:
General anxiety
Social anxiety
Managing study and exam stress
Grief and loss
Relationships, including friendships
Self esteem
Handling transitions e.g. from school to university
Low mood
Managing emotions
Boundaries
Neurodiversity
(Please get in touch if you have any questions about these – I am constantly updating my list!)
My location
I am a counsellor based in Belfast, offering sessions from my practice at 49C Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2AA.
I also offer Online Therapy for those who would prefer that.
Sessions and Fees
Sessions last 50 minutes and I find weekly sessions (at least initially) to be of most benefit to clients as it allows us to build a really good therapeutic relationship quickly. Once you make contact with me, I aim to respond within 48 hours. We will establish a good time for an initial chat over the phone that allows us to assess whether I will be the right counsellor for you (usually around 15 minutes). If we are both happy to proceed with counselling, we will agree to meet in person or online so I can hear more of your story.
If you are a parent/carer seeking counselling for your child/teenager, I will have a chat with you first to get a sense of their presenting issues and your perspective on those. I then spend time with your child/teen to work out their goals for therapy before we get started. My top priority will be the safeguarding and well being of your child. Sessions are usually £60, however this is negotiable according to income. I adhere to BACP ethical guidelines and have regular supervision sessions to oversee the integrity of my work.
The length of time therapy lasts really depends on you and your needs, but you retain the absolute right to stop at any time! You will know when you are ready for that.
The four week blocks of psychoeducational sessions are priced at £200.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how therapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to therapy, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07895960462 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.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.