Compassionate Counselling & CBT Therapy for Adults, Children and Young People
Accredited BACP Counsellor and CBT Therapist
Children and Young Person Counsellor
Clinical Supervisor
Accredited BACP Counsellor and CBT Therapist
Children and Young Person Counsellor
Clinical Supervisor
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face life's challenges alone.
I'm Kate Somerville, an Accredited BACP Counsellor, CBT Therapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 10 years of clinical experience. I provide a warm, supportive and confidential space where you can talk openly, feel heard and begin to make positive, lasting changes.
I work with adults, children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional difficulties, tailoring therapy to each individual's needs, strengths and goals. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma, bereavement, relationship difficulties or feeling overwhelmed, I will work alongside you to help you understand your experiences and develop practical ways to move forward.
I have a particular interest and extensive experience in helping people overcome Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders. Using evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), I support clients to break free from intrusive thoughts, compulsions and patterns of avoidance that can have such a significant impact on everyday life.
I also work with people experiencing general anxiety, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and excessive worry, helping them regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
My previous career as a teacher, together with my experience as a school counsellor, has given me a strong understanding of the emotional challenges children and young people can face.
I provide a safe and welcoming environment where young people can express and understand themselves. Children can find it difficult to express themselves verbally. It can be more effective to use play or art-based activities to allow children to explore their issues. Play is a natural way for a child to express their emotions, to understand challenges, to be in control and to help resolve distress at their pace.
Where appropriate, I draw on CBT and also work alongside parents and carers, helping them understand their child's needs and support progress beyond the therapy room.
Every person is unique, so I adapt my therapeutic approach to suit your individual circumstances. Alongside CBT, I draw upon Compassion Focused Therapy and other evidence-based approaches to provide therapy that is collaborative, practical and compassionate.
I have experience supporting clients with Autism and ADHD and always aim to create a therapeutic environment that feels safe, understanding and respectful of individual differences.
Alongside my therapy practice, I provide Clinical Supervision for counsellors and other helping professionals. I offer a reflective, supportive and collaborative space that encourages professional growth, confidence and safe, ethical practice.
My practice is recognised by Aviva, Vitality and WPA, allowing many clients to access therapy through their private health insurance. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss using your policy.
Finding the right therapist is an important decision. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation or have any questions about how I work, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Together, we can discuss your needs and explore how therapy can help you move towards the life you want to lead.
I am currently offering face to face and online appointments.
“Thank you for your help this year. I feel so much happier within myself and couldn’t have done it without you”
“Thanks for your patience, time and listening. I’ve learned a lot from my sessions which I will use from now on”
“Where I was and where I am now is amazing, a massive change for the better”