Katherine Sydenham-Young

I am Kat, a person-centred therapist, offering a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for clients to discuss their day to day problems or issues from their past, including childhood trauma.

I listen and explore your issues with you - I don't give advice, diagnose or teach techniques. I believe that you are the best expert on yourself, but whatever difficult things have brought you to this point have confused, distorted or hidden the answers at the moment.

There is no set timescale or limit to sessions. Some clients may find that only a very small number is enough, some may feel they need longer. My approach is to work at the pace you feel comfortable with. There is no expectation on if or when you want to cover certain issues, this is your choice and I respect the reasons for you holding back if you feel you need to.

I have nearly 20 years-experience working in children’s homes with some of the most damaged young people in our society and also have experience of working with adults and children with learning difficulties. 

I trained towards a general therapeutic counselling qualification (rather than specialising in children) so that I could work with both adults and young people.  While training, I completed placement hours were carried out with young people so I could offer my service to both adults and young people, generally over the age of 12, so they are able to give informed consent around confidentiality. 

I work in private practice from a beautiful summer house in my back garden.  This is a very welcoming and relaxing little space, but is also very discreet as from the street it just looks like you are a friend popping round for a visit.  It is close to main bus routes and there is on-street parking available (for which I provide a permit).  I also offer online sessions for anyone that doesn't want to come on site.

For the first session I offer a discounted rate of just £25 so you have the chance to see if I will be the right therapist for you and also if this is the right approach.  We also have a bit of paperwork to complete including a contract around confidentiality and also some essential information I need.  This can feel quite formal, but we also have the chance to just talk once all these things are completed.