Kathryn Woodward

I work with flexibility around work/shift patterns/school 

I can offer you a safe, calm, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and begin to make sense of things.

I am a fully accredited integrative counsellor working in both private practice and NHS talking therapies. My inclusive approach allows me to work with all ages, from children and teenagers to adults. I adapt my therapy to your unique situation and draw on a range of approaches to best support you. I will often provide resources and exercises to support your progress outside of our sessions.

I have previously worked as a Mental Health Lead in a SEN secondary school and have a wide range of experience in supporting young people through the challenges they face. I offer a safe space to explore issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, peer pressure, academic stress, low self-esteem, school refusal, OCD, and PDA. I am passionate about understanding and supporting neurodiversity in girls and the social isolation this can cause.  I have experience of working with looked-after children, adoption, and young people with challenging behaviours.

I also support frontline workers and individuals affected by trauma, with a focus on repairing unhelpful patterns of attachment, abuse, and neglect. I draw on a range of psychotherapeutic approaches including psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and EMDR, helping clients recognise unhealthy patterns in relationships.

Professional Standards and Accreditation

I am a fully accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS) and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) the EMDR Association UK and the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

How I Work

My approach is integrative, which means I draw on a variety of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches helping you recognise unhelpful patterns in relationships.

These approaches may include:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – exploring links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This short video may be helpful.

https://youtu.be/ZRijYOJp5e0

Psychodynamic and relational therapy – understanding how past experiences and attachment shape the present.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming. It can be used for both 'big T' traumas (difficult life events such as accidents, abuse or loss) and 'small T' traumas (ongoing stress, criticism or difficult life events). Using guided eye movements or other forms of gentle tapping, EMDR supports the mind in reprocessing difficult experiences so they can be remembered without the same level of distress.

https://youtu.be/bIJZQAr9nQo

Schema Therapy – helping identify unhelpful patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

Person-Centred Therapy - providing a safe, supportive environment to promote self-understanding and personal growth.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) - a short-term, goal-oriented approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems.

Areas I can help you with:-

• Trauma, abuse, and neglect
• Attachment and relationship difficulties
• Anxiety and depression
• Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
• Low self-esteem and confidence issues
• OCD, hoarding, intrusive thoughts
• Work stress and burnout
• Care responsibilities
• Adoption
• Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
• Children – I work with neurodiversity, PDA, challenging behaviours, peer pressure, social media pressures, school refusal, anxiety, depression, self-harm, OCD.

Assessments

Please feel free to call me on 07956633153 to arrange an initial 15 minute telephone call. This gives us the opportunity to discuss your concerns, understand your needs, and explore whether my approach is the right fit for you. Sessions can be paid by bank transfer, cash, or through private health insurance providers, including, Spire Health, AVIVA, AXA, ALIANZ, Vitality, WPA and Health Assured.

Assessments can be in person or online using Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp or Google Meet. I use a conversation led approach and your experiences and concerns guide our discussions. The sessions will never feel like an interrogation, I try to make you feel relaxed, in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. I consider myself to be a warm, down-to-earth therapist who values honesty, openness, and I have a ‘non-stuffy’ approach to therapy.