Kate Cowdell

I currently have availability for new clients, with daytime appointments available Monday to Friday.

I understand that taking the first step into counselling can sometimes feel daunting, so you're very welcome to get in touch to ask any questions or discuss whether working together might feel right for you.

Life can be messy, complicated and sometimes just really hard. You might be dealing with something specific, or you might not be able to put your finger on what's wrong. You just know you're overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck or not quite yourself.

You don't need to have it all worked out before coming to counselling.

I'm a person-centred counsellor and my approach is warm, relaxed and open. I'm not here to tell you what you should think, feel or do. I'm interested in understanding you, what's going on in your life and what you need from counselling.

I've supported people experiencing anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, chronic and significant illness, as well as the challenges that can come with SEND, adoption and family life. Although my core training is person-centred, I can bring in elements of other approaches where they might be helpful to you.

But you don't need to fit neatly into a category.

Sometimes you've simply been coping for too long. Perhaps you've spent so much time looking after everybody else that you've lost yourself somewhere along the way. Maybe you're questioning who you are or what you want. Or perhaps you just need somewhere to put down everything you've been carrying for a while.

Whatever has brought you here, we can start there.

I want counselling to feel comfortable, relaxed and human. Somewhere you can be yourself and know that you're genuinely being listened to.

We live in a world that can feel incredibly reactive. People often have an opinion, an answer or want to fix things. Sometimes what we actually need is the space to talk, be heard and work things out without worrying about somebody else's reaction.

That's the kind of space I try to offer.

Our sessions are conversational. You can laugh, cry, swear, get frustrated, sit in silence or tell me you haven't got a clue where to start. There aren't any right words and you don't need to be "good" at counselling.

I won't simply sit and agree with everything you say either. I might gently challenge something, notice a pattern or wonder about something with you. Not because I know what's right for you, but because sometimes looking at something from a different angle can help.

Counselling can involve difficult and emotional conversations, but there can be warmth and humour too. Above all, I want you to feel heard and comfortable enough to be yourself.

Sessions are up to 50 minutes and are available in person, online or by telephone.

Your first session will be up to 50 minutes and charged at my usual session fee.

There's no expectation that you'll arrive knowing exactly what you want from counselling, and you certainly don't need to tell me your whole life story in our first meeting.

We'll talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you'd like some help with and anything you think might be useful for me to know. I'll also explain how I work and we'll cover things like confidentiality and the practical side of counselling.

But I don't want it to feel like an interview.

It's just as important that you get a feel for me and whether I'm someone you think you could talk to. You're welcome to ask questions, tell me you're nervous, tell me you haven't got a clue where to begin – or just begin.

If it feels right to continue, we'll arrange another session and take things from there.