Kay McKenzie

My practice is open to clients between 10am and 8pm Monday to Friday. Some Saturday morning appointments may be available by arrangement.

I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor enabling me to utilise aspects of the three main counselling approaches - Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamic - to formulate a personalised therapeutic approach for each individual client's needs. This can be to help a client with a specific issue or, to assist in the client's personal development as required, in both cases, helping clients to fulfil their personal potential and better  manage difficulties they may be experiencing.

As an artist who has benefited from its therapeutic qualities I am able to offer creative approaches alongside talking therapy if so required, both for adults and young people as a means of self expression and as an aid to processing emotions which may otherwise be difficult to access.

Out of my experience of having been a full time Carer, I have a set of skills which have enabled me to develop beneficial therapeutic relationships with those who are experiencing long term illness or terminal illness and can offer home visits or visits to those in care homes. I also provide counselling to carers and do so at a reduced fee, negotiated individually, to provide the support needed when it is difficult to access. 
Alongside my own experience as a carer, I am Hospice trained and have worked with people in the last few weeks of their lives who have chosen to remain in the community.

My practice is run from a purpose built garden office which is a comfortable, private and welcoming space. Client's have described it as 'tranquil' 'calming'  and 'serene'.

I believe client's benefit most from the therapeutic relationship that Counsellor and Client develop during the earlier  sessions, in which trust, empathy and understanding are formed. These core conditions allow deeper exploration of the client's needs at their own pace utilising my support, psychologically and emotionally. 

A client once described me as 'gently challenging' and I believe this explains my approach, better than I could myself.

The initial session is an assessment session in which I gather information about what brings you to counselling, your personal administrative information and any other information you wish to share. It provides an opportunity for us to establish whether we are the right pairing and I encourage clients to contact me after the session if they wish to continue.

These sessions are charged at the standard rate.

I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation prior to the assessment session.