Kasia Podlesna Thornber

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her/she
MNCPS (Acc). Prof Diploma Psychotherapeutic Counselling

About me

Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted or stuck?
Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma or a difficult life experience. Maybe you've been coping for a long time, but recently things have started to feel harder, and you're not quite sure how to move forward.

You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out for counselling.

I am a warm, compassionate and approachable psychotherapeutic counsellor, offering adults a calm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard.

I understand that starting counselling can feel daunting. You may be unsure what to say, where to begin, or whether counselling is right for you. There is no pressure to share more than you feel ready to, and we can take things at your own pace.

My approach is gentle, thoughtful and collaborative. I will work with you to understand what you are experiencing, explore patterns that may be affecting your life, make sense of difficult emotions and develop ways of coping that feel realistic and supportive.

I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every person brings their own experiences, relationships, values and circumstances, so I tailor our work to you and what you need.

How I can support you

You may come to counselling because you are experiencing:

Anxiety, worry or panic
Stress, overwhelm or burnout
Low self-esteem or confidence
Depression or low mood
Relationship difficulties
Grief and bereavement
Trauma or difficult past experiences
Emotional or psychological abuse
Family difficulties
Separation or divorce
Loneliness or feeling disconnected
Perfectionism or feeling that you are never "good enough"
Difficult life changes or transitions
You may not even be able to put your experience into a category. Sometimes we simply know that something doesn't feel right anymore.

You don't need a diagnosis or a perfect explanation to seek counselling. We can start with where you are now and gently explore what is happening for you.

My role is not to judge you or tell you how you should live your life. I will listen, ask thoughtful questions and help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. Together, we can work towards greater self-awareness, confidence and meaningful change.

What you can expect from counselling with me.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of effective counselling. I aim to create a relationship based on trust, empathy, honesty and respect.

You will not be expected to have all the answers. We can take time to understand what you are going through and explore what you would like to be different.

Sometimes counselling is about making sense of the past. Sometimes it is about coping with what is happening right now. And sometimes it is about discovering what you want for the future.

Taking the first step

I know that contacting a counsellor for the first time can feel like a big step. You may have been thinking about it for weeks, months or even years.

I offer a free initial consultation of up to 50 minutes, with no obligation to continue.

This gives us an opportunity to talk about what is bringing you to counselling, what you are hoping for, answer any questions you may have and see whether you feel comfortable working with me.

You don't need to know exactly what you want to say. You can simply tell me a little about what has been happening, and we can take it from there.

If something in this profile has resonated with you, I would be very happy to hear from you.

Whatever brings you here, I will meet you where you are.


 

Training, qualifications & experience

I have experience supporting people affected by anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief and bereavement, relationship difficulties and emotional distress.

I have worked with charities supporting clients experiencing loss and bereavement, and I currently work within a secondary school setting supporting children and young people. My private counselling practice focuses on young adults and adults.

I hold a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice and a Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory, alongside a Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Introduction to Counselling Skills.

I regularly undertake further professional development to strengthen my practice. My additional training includes trauma, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, self-harm awareness, suicide prevention, safeguarding, Transactional Analysis, controlling and intimidating behaviour, and supporting people affected by difficult and traumatic experiences.

I am a member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work within professional and ethical guidelines.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

Counselling in English and Polish
I offer counselling in both English and Polish.

For many people, being able to speak about deeply personal experiences in their first language can be incredibly important. When we are talking about emotions, relationships, family experiences or painful memories, finding the right words can sometimes be easier in the language that feels most natural to us.

I also recognise that cultural background, family expectations, relationships, migration and life experiences can shape how we understand ourselves and our mental health.

My aim is to provide a culturally sensitive and respectful space where you can be yourself and talk openly without feeling judged or needing to explain who you are.

Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX2

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

I offer a free initial consultation of up to 50 minutes, with no obligation to continue. Sessions are £50 and are available in person in Halifax, West Yorkshire, as online and by telephone. I offer flexible appointment times, including every Saturday.

Additional languages

Polish

Online platforms

Google Meet
FaceTime
Whatsapp
Kasia Podlesna Thornber
Kasia Podlesna Thornber