Katy Oswald

I specialise in working with academics, post-graduate and under-graduate students. As well as being a counsellor, I have worked as a social science university lecturer and researcher for the last 12 years. I understand very well the stresses of working and studying in academia, and sadly mental health issues are on the rise among both staff and students. 

I understand how social norms and expectations can affect your mental health, especially your identity and relationship with yourself. 

I draw on existential, Gestalt, Jungian and feminist ideas in my therapeutic work. From my experience of working with clients, I have found that problems are often rooted in a disconnection from yourself, from who you really are, and from what really matters to you. This can result in a feeling of dissatisfaction, that something isn’t right, and a lack of belief in yourself. It can also lead to destructive behaviours and unhealthy relationships, because you can’t have compassionate, healthy relationships with others, if you don’t have one with yourself.

Therefore, my aim is to provide a safe and caring therapeutic relationship in which you can make sense of your experiences, relationships, thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Through this you can start to connect with and feel differently about yourself. I strongly believe that greater self-awareness and acceptance can help you get clarity, and you can begin to make the changes you need to live a more fulfilling life.