Hello, my name is Kate and I’m an integrative therapist.

What will therapy be like?
Deciding to begin therapy can leave you feeling excited, daunted or unsure. If you’ve never accessed therapy before you might be wondering what it will involve.

I aim to adapt sessions to fit what works with you so the answer will partly depend on your preferences. Do you like enough space to get everything off your mind? Do you find it helpful to be guided by more questions? I will check in on how you’re finding our sessions at regular points.

There’s no wrong way to do therapy. You might have lots to say; other times you may want to sit quietly and gather your thoughts. Sometimes people think that therapy is only for your darkest, most difficult issues. It certainly can be, but it’s also a place for you to share things that you’re proud of, your passions and hopes for the future. Anything you want to talk about, I’m here to listen.

My therapeutic approach
I believe that the ways we act in the present day have their origins in our past: that our behavior makes sense even if we can sometimes find those reactions frustrating or confusing. Therapy can help open up our ability to choose how to respond to challenging situations or people.

I also incorporate elements of different counselling theories based on what might be most helpful to you. Every person is unique and works best in different ways. This might include noticing what it’s like to be with me in the therapy room itself, and exploring the feelings that come up from observing this.

We can notice that parts of ourselves have different agendas which can show up in therapy: bits of you that want to share, and others that feel defensive or worried about being vulnerable. I accept all parts of you and we can work together to find what feels right for you from session to session.

My approach includes weaving different methods of expression together. It can be difficult to put painful experiences into words for the first time, or to share that with another person. As well as talking, I might invite you to use creative materials to express yourself.  

If you would like to seek psychotherapy in Bristol, our team can help. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced therapists who are ready to offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, welcoming individuals into safe and non-judgemental spaces within which to begin their journey to recovery. For more information or to book an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak to us directly, please contact 07751 271 709.