Kate Steel is a counsellor in Haywards Heath and online

What attracted you to become a therapist?

I was working for a housing association mainly within women's refuges and the opportunity to complete Level 2 in counselling skills came up. This helped immensely and I decided I wanted to continue the courses available to qualify as a therapist.

Where did you train?

Mid Kent College, and I qualified in 2010.

Can you tell me about the type of therapy you practise?

I am an integrative humanistic counsellor. This sounds very grand but it means I work in a person-centred way and that I'm able to offer other ways of working, such as creative therapy, to enhance the work being done.

Person-centred means the sessions revolve around the client. I do not judge or advise but bring warmth and empathy to sessions, to help clients make sense of what has been going on and find a way forward together.

How does person-centred therapy help clients who have survived domestic abuse?

Being a person-centred therapist means I don't really have to be an expert, nor could I be an expert, in anything that relates to your subjective experience, because it is unique to you.

However, working within domestic abuse also facilitating the freedom programme and working with young offenders, I am drawn to work with clients who come with struggles with relationship conflicts, abuse, trauma and crime experiences. I am able to work with those affected and those who offend. I understand the cause and effect of these subjects and the varying effects on those involved.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I am able to work with individuals over the age of 18 years old.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider change in attitude?

Increasing work is being done to raise the profile in society around domestic abuse including the recent campaign on Clare's Law and pending change in government bills about ensuring safety for those affected by domestic abuse. This is great, but there is always more work to be done to ensure understanding.

There is definitely increased awareness and acceptance around mental health in society, particularly neurodivergence. Being diagnosed with a condition can help clients feel validated and make sense of their symptoms and responses. In fact, a couple of my recent clients have been recently diagnosed with ADHD so am continuing to learn!

What do you like about being a therapist?

Being able to offer clients a safe, confidential space and having the time to talk, reflect and get in touch with feelings. Seeing the benefits that clients get from counselling is so rewarding.

What is less pleasant?

Having to be patient waiting for new clients to make contact!

How long have you been with Welldoing and what do you think of us?

I was drawn to Welldoing because they are a smaller advertising company compared to other platforms I am on. I feel very welcome and looked after since I joined in August 2024. I have already joined peer support sessions and am waiting to complete some CPD sessions which will enhance my knowledge in various areas.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?

Living with The Dominator by Pat Craven which I refer to a lot in my domestic abuse work

Attached by Dr Amir Levine and Rachel S.F Heller helped me understand the attachment styles that people have and types that are compatible with others to identify equal relationships.

The Therapist's Toolbox by Susan E. Carrell helps me when I need to think outside the box to help clients enhance our work.

What do you do for your own mental health?

Stopping whatever is making me feel overwhelmed, grounding myself and going for a walk or doing some housework.

You are a therapist in Haywards Heath and surrounding areas in West Sussex. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

I work from a community centre in Haywards Heath so accessibility to see me is straightforward. There are also disabled facilities and a hearing loop there, so it is inclusive for all clients.

I am also qualified to work with clients online so it doesn't matter where they live!

What's your consultation room like?

I try to use the same room for all my sessions. It is airy and spacious with a comfy choice of seating.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That anyone could try it out even without obvious presenting reasons to come! Therapy is not linear; it is a process where sometimes there may be feelings of stuckness or to-ing and fro-ing at times. But working through and being patient can generate positive and unexpected outcomes.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

So much, but in particular that I am more resilient than I realised!

Contact Kate here

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