For inquiries about counselling and psychotherapy in Bristol, feel free to reach out at hello@katiepaynecounselling.co.uk. My approach is heart centred and incorporates mindfulness techniques to support nervous system regulation and enhance psychological wellbeing.
I am trained in Integrative Counselling. This means that I am interested in you as a whole person – in your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual life. It also means that I might use different modalities depending on who I am working with and what they need. My practice reflects my values, and I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to be fully seen, heard and understood. I am primarily 'person centred' which means I regard the client as the expert in the room. Together, we seek to gain greater understanding of your difficulties and experiences.
I work from a grounded, warm, heart centred place so that you feel safe to explore whatever you wish to bring to therapy. I specialise in using Poly Vagal Theory - a way of understanding our nervous systems - to help you manage the rollercoaster of life and offer hope to create positive change. I will often bring your nervous system in to the conversation by inviting you to notice bodily responses in relation to what we talk about. Your history shapes your present – gaining understanding of how the past shapes our lives can help us to be kinder to ourselves. I work holistically and intuitively alongside theoretical understanding and, if you would like, I can offer strategies to manage your wellbeing on a practical and physical level.
I am also interested in the 'big questions' of life and how these can sometimes impact how we feel about ourselves and our lives. I believe the ability to find meaning is central to living a life of purpose and joy.
It is natural to feel nervous to begin with and there is no pressure to share everything all at once. I work at a pace which works for you and will check in with you for feedback on a regular basis. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to be a client in therapy and we will find our way together. Sometimes words might be difficult to find and just don't cut it - there are some creative activities we can do to help with this if this something you might like to try.
Every client I work with teaches me something new. As humans, we have so much in common and so much that makes us unique. I find the courage and beauty in the human spirit deeply humbling and inspiring. I have extensive experience in working with creatives and young adults and love to work with anyone who strives to understand more about themselves and their experience of life.
Central to all therapy is the relationship. With this in mind, I recommend you speak with several different practitioners to get a feel for who they are and how they work before you decide upon one person.
BRENE BROWN