Meet Kate…
From faking it to making it,
and how a painful gift of truth led me
to my passion for helping others
This picture was taken on a trip to the Grand Canyon in 2008.
To everyone else, I had it made, a great career, perfect personal life.
The truth was that I was dying inside.
This is what anxiety, depression, and mental ill-health looks like.
Who am I?
That’s a big question for anyone, but here’s a few things that might help you get to know me a little better:
- I love my family, both 4 legged and 2 legged (Here’s me with my fiancé Wayne, and our boys Ben and Jerry)
- I’m lucky enough to live in the High Peak area in Derbyshire. I adore the peace and tranquillity of this gorgeous place. Although I do enjoy the excitement of soaking up the hustle and bustle of the city from time to time, my heart lies in the country.
- I’m a therapist, coach (and therapeutic-coach!) but before this, I was a solicitor for 20 years. I’ve seen and experienced the legal-corporate world from all angles, (from opening the post to managing departments, offices, and regions). I understand what it’s like to forge a career in a highly demanding and regulated profession, and battling anxiety and depression at the same time.
I get it…
I’m a life-long anxiety sufferer
and I know just how awful it is to live with.
The constant gnawing fear, the uncertainty, lack of confidence, sleepless nights, and racing hamster-wheel of never-ending thoughts.
The desperate wondering if it will ever get better, and the exhausting effort of putting on a brave face so no-one else would know.
During my worst
period of depression, I realised I needed help.
Gritting my teeth and getting on with it wasn’t the answer.
I found an amazing therapist, and with her help, I recovered from my depression and got my anxiety under control.
I realised that my mind had been clouded with negativity, self-recrimination, fear and harsh self-criticism for most of my life.
When I saw that truth
I understood that part of my problem was that I was living someone else’s dream, and trying to be someone I wasn’t.
It was an epiphany that changed my life. Finally, I was able to open my heart, and follow it. And I felt brave for the very first time.
I began my therapist training with absolute joy, and the certainty that I was doing the right thing, and I’ve never looked back since!
No Regrets…
Despite the misery of those anxiety-ridden years, I’m grateful for this gift of life experience, because it means I “get it”; I really do understand just what it’s like to live this way, and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others with their journey towards recovery.
And it means that I can assure you with confidence and experience; when you take the right steps to deal with it and overcome anxiety, your life becomes limitless.
I want you to know how amazing it is to feel confident and in control
- of your emotions
- of your thoughts
- of your life
I want for you to experience the moment where you truly believe, perhaps for the first time, that
Change Is Possible
and then make that change your new reality.
Compassionate Practicality – my Guiding Principle
It is what it sounds like, but especially, it’s this…
- Flexible, individual approach
- Practical solutions
- Acceptance and understanding
- Handling emotions gently and sensitively
- Positive change
Are We a Good Fit?
We might not be if
- you’re not willing to do some work for yourself outside of our sessions
- you’re not ready to reconnect deeply with yourself and your feelings
- you want a “quick fix”
- you’re not committed to long term change
If this is you, it will probably mean I’m not the right person to help you on your healing journey.
We definitely are if
- you’re ready to do the work with me, and practice what you learn outside of our sessions
- you are willing to look inside of yourself and discover what’s really going on
- you’re ready to embrace long term and positive change
If this is you, then it’s likely we’ll work really well together. I can’t wait to connect with you!