Kathryn Kimbley MSc MBACP
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Wolverhampton West Midlands WV3 |
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07971933221
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Profile
Need to talk? Something on your mind? Perhaps I can help. I offer a particularly special form of counselling - working with animals to help people (Animal Assisted Therapy) - as well as offering a more conventional humanistic approach. You’ll be given the space and support needed to help you find your own way back to where you want to be.
I trained in person-centred counselling but also apply solution focused methods to my work with clients. All clients require a different and individually tailored approach and this diversity and uniqueness is reflected in my flexible and open style. Ultimately, I believe that what matters is each individual’s unique experience and my support will help you to process and grow from that experience.
Some people think of counselling as just sitting in a room with another person who listens to you talk. Counselling isn’t about listening but about hearing: hearing your needs and supporting you to achieve well-being, balance and to realise your own potential.
During your first consultation, you will have the opportunity to express anything you may wish to address during your counselling sessions. I will then explain what you can expect from your sessions and should you wish, you will have the choice of having a qualified and temperament assessed therapy dog present with you during your counselling sessions. In order to decide if this is appropriate and suitable for your needs, you will be asked a series of short questions. This is a good time to clarify and ask any questions you might have. You are then ready to begin your counselling journey!
Training, Qualifications & Experience
I graduated with a Masters in Counselling Psychology from Keele University in Staffordshire. I have a longstanding interest in psychology, mental health wellbeing, nature and ecopsychology.
More recently, I have focused my interest specifically on working in partnership with animals and nature. I completed a Professional Certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy and then went on to complete a Foundation Certificate in Animals and Horticulture as Therapy. Whilst completing my Masters dissertation, I looked at 'Counsellor Attitudes and Experiences Towards Incorporating Animal Assisted Therapy into Practice'.
I have worked in a number of different settings including a Family Support Service, a Children's Centre working with parents and at present I also work with homeless people and those with issues surrounding alcohol and substance misuse. Along the way I have worked with people with a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, loss of faith, bereavement, domestic violence, addictions and relationship issues.
I am also able to offer counselling in conjunction with my therapy dog, Flossie, who is a trained and temperament assessed Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. More recently we also completed training entitled "Practical Therapy Dog Training".
In the past, my work outside of counselling has also contributed to my knowledge and experience, for example whilst working as a Mental Health Advocate.
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Binge Eating Disorder
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Child Related Issues
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
- Depression
- Disabilities
- Domestic Violence
- Drug Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Generalised Anxiety
- Infertility
- Low Self-Confidence
- Low Self-Esteem
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Physical Abuse
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Relationship Issues
- Self Harm
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexuality
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Trauma
- Work Related Issues
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Drug addiction
Alcohol addiction
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
Animal abuse
Therapies Offered
- Humanistic Therapies - Person-Centred Counselling
- Other Therapies - Integrative
Fees
Your first meeting is free!
Session Fees are £40 for a 50 minute session.
Concessions are available for low-income clients and students.
Further Information
If you are interested in undertaking counselling with Animal Assisted Therapy, the first sessions will involve making sure taking part in this approach is suitable for you and my therapy dog, Flossie. You will be gradually introduced to the idea of working with myself and Flossie. This will also give you an opportunity to have any questions you have about working with the Therapy Dog answered.
Some of the things that will be explained to you will include:
- the therapy animal’s purpose
- expected types of interaction
- potential benefits and how they will be achieved
- when you can engage with the therapy animal
There will also be basic information made available on how to interact with the Therapy Dog to make sure no-one, including the Therapy Dog feels stressed, anxious or fearful. Most importantly, if you definitely do not wish to interact with the Therapy Dog this will be respected at all times.
If you are happy to proceed, the Therapy Dog will be brought in and a session will be spent getting to know and becoming comfortable with the Therapy Dog.
The technique mainly involves the Therapy Dog being present in the room. This has already been reported in several papers as being sufficient to reduce anxiety, improving the relationship between therapist and client and contributing towards positive progress and personal development. When working together you will always be asked whether you are happy to continue working with the Therapy Dog and the AAT approach.
Member Organisation(s)
