Kate Dorward

I specialise in helping people with their relationships, which can often be impacted by life stressors, and as such can evoke experiences of anxiety or depression.

When we hear the word relationship, we often think of our personal and intimate relationships with partners, children, parents, siblings, and friends. However, we also have a relationship with so many other things, such as food, alcohol, exercise, education, diagnosis, mental health, and ourselves. In fact, our relationship with ourselves is the foundation of all our other relationships. How we relate to ourselves affects how we relate to others.

We are hard-wired to connect and be in relationships with others; it's survival. However, sometimes, our relationships can be challenging, complicated, or harmful. This can lead us to seek comfort or escape in other “things” that may not be healthy or helpful for us. My role is to help you enhance your relationships, whether they are with people, with “things,” or with yourself.

“Improving your relationship with yourself will automatically improve your other relationships.”

There are many reasons why challenges can show up in our relationships. Together, we can get curious about patterns in your relationships and family. By family, I mean the family you grew up in, the family your parents grew up in, and the family you have now. I am particularly interested in patterns that are present during times of stress. These are known as trans-generational processes. These unspoken, un-noticed patterns can be connected to the challenges within our relationships.

I offer sessions in my private practice on Fridays. These can be in person or online.  Alongside my private practice, I work for the NHS as a Systemic Family Therapist.  Prior to qualifying as a Family Therapist, I was a Counsellor for 18 years.  During that time, I worked as a counsellor for charities in Northamptonshire, and I have also managed services and teams of therapists for charities, including Mind.  In addition to supporting clients, I became interested in supporting other therapists, so I trained as a clinical supervisor. 

Growing up, I was always curious about people's behaviours and trying to make sense of how people communicated with each other. This curiosity led me to train as a psychotherapist, and my learning hasn't stopped.  You will often find me with my head in a book or listening to podcasts, especially about relationships and communication.  

Email me now to arrange your free 30-minute introductory call, or use the "Book Introductory Call" function at the top of the page. 

Please be aware that I can only offer appointments on Fridays.

I offer a free telephone or video consultation (30 mins): This will give us the opportunity to meet where you can ask any questions you may have, get a sense of who I am and see if you would feel comfortable working with me.  It is also an opportunity for me to understand your current situation and needs ensuring I have the correct skill set to support you.

Fees

Reduced fee for student counsellors, children under 18 and over 65 (£50)

Individuals: £70

Couples/Families: £95

My office is located in Harben House which is a conference facility located on the edge of Newport Pagnell. The site is centrally located between Northampton, Bedford, Milton Keynes, and the surrounding areas. It is easy to reach either via the M1, 2 miles from Junction 14, or from A509.

The site has ample free on site parking, which is monitored by CCTV.

Harben House has accessible lifts to all floors so there are no issues with dealing with any restrictions to access requirements.

There is a 24 hour manned reception desk for your assistance.

Postcode for sat nav – MK16-9EY.