Kate Beckwith

Taking psychotherapy outside the clinic. Nature-based therapy work for children and adolescents, parent work, and family/parent-infant sessions, with Kate Beckwith, a fully qualified Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with an MA and Accredited Member of the British Association of Counsellors nad Psychotherapists -MBACP(Accred). Also working online.

I set up my private practice at my home and 2.5 acre garden in the beautiful and natural woodland environment of Friday Woods, Colchester.  My nature-based therapeutic practice for children and young people (up to 25 years), utilises the outdoors, nature, art, and play. I also work with parents, helping you understand your child’s (and your own) emotions and behaviours so you can more helpfully respond, repair ruptures, build a stronger relationship and positively impact your child’s wellbeing and long-term mental health. 

Sessions are either in person or online via Zoom.

Our unique private setting is extensive and allows the freedom to work both indoors and out. People can be led by their interests and their mood - key to encouraging free expression.

Play is a central part of psychodynamic work with children.  Thoughts and feelings around difficult topics which might not be able to be verbalized, or consciously thought can be gradually expressed and discussed through play and creativity.  With me, everything is led by the client.  They can choose whatever they feel like doing to express verbally or non-verbally what is going on for them.  You may choose to utilise the homely yet spacious therapy playroom, incredible 2-acre woodland, or engage with our many animals.

In this non-judgmental, understanding environment, I will start to label some of the emotions expressed. Sometimes, simply the act of open 'play' encourages emotional freedom in a way which is enough for symptoms to subside. Over time, I may connect symptoms to an emotional distress. It is important to do this gradually as defences are important in helping protect us.  I aim to help my clients gradually let go of any difficulty, so they can live as much as possible in the present and enjoy a more hopeful future.

Our calming outdoor space helps people feel centred and secure. The garden is a beautiful mix of open space, woodland areas with ancient oak trees, animal paddocks, and a meadow.  The smells, sounds, textures and areas to explore are endless. The trees, quiet spaces, treehouse, vegetable garden, climbing frame, slide, swing, sunken trampoline, mud kitchen, water play, loose parts play, bug hotel, stepping stones, tunnel, pond, sand pit, and den all add to the environment. We can paint outdoors on the easels and collect natural materials to create with. The treehouse veranda has an excellent vantage point from which to paint or simply sit and talk.

Nature’s playground is an ideal setting and enhances the psychodynamic work we do. The confidence I have in psychodynamic theory forms the basis of my work. I am also a confident practicing artist with 15 years Arts Education experience.  My counselling flows wherever and however you feel comfortable.  With the choice of indoors or out being with you, so much space and so many materials, there are no restrictions of the confines of a traditional setting.  Here, you can explore the wonderful world around them and find their place within it.

Studies have shown that being in nature and around animals can boost mood, reduce anxiety and help with emotional and social skills.  It can help calm neurological and sensory trauma and promote communication.  Animals could significantly improve the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), for example.  In fact, I find many people engage and relate better when with animals.  Often, people relate to animals in a way which helps understand what might be going on for themselves.  Our wonderful pigs, goats, miniature Shetland ponies, chickens and Guinea pigs can all be safely touched, fed, and handled (by 3 yr olds+).  Working with and looking after the animals can be very soothing, increase wellbeing, and bolster confidence and self-esteem. 

Indoors, the therapy room has a calm feel with a nature theme.  The huge range of materials are freely accessible, including art materials,  games and specially selected toys for younger children, open ended natural resources, sand tray, climbing frames & balance boards. 

A note on safety: Children will be supervised at all times and reminded of safety and hygiene at appropriate points.  

Who is this therapy suitable for?
Those troubled/struggling, with anxiety, with lack of confidence, fear of loss, feelings of rivalry, those going through bereavement etc., may benefit most.  Yet my nature-based one-to-one work is likely to have a positive effect on most people as they will be benefiting from all the positives of working with animals, art, and nature. Children are also getting a chance to play, explore, discover, exercise, learn and grow on top of the emotional support they will be given; helping them formulate a sense of self & fostering improvements in confidence and self-esteem.

I am also experienced in working on-line. Please specify if you wish to work remotely and we can discuss how this works in practical terms (such as the art pack I send out to each client before we begin work).
 

How do we begin?                                                                 

If you wish to discuss the possibility of your child working with me, and/or participating in parent work, please email me at Kate@ellesgarden.com

Please be mindful that I can take up to 48 hours to reply. If I believe I can help, I will recommend a free 15-minute phone consultation where I will ask you to tell me a little bit about you/your child, their background, any troubles etc., and I will tell you about my approach and answer any questions you may have.  If suitable, we can arrange the first two-four sessions which form the Assessment.  If suitable, regular (frequently once weekly), 50-minute session will commence.  This is most often open-ended work.

Please don't hesitate to email should you have any questions. This first step can be the biggest step towards lasting change. Many thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing from you.

Kate MA, MBACP(Accred)

Nature

Outdoor

Gardening

Wildlife

Art

• Assessments (normally x2) = £70 each
• Main Sessions = £60 each
• Concessionary rates available

Please contact me regarding working with groups.

My Background

My affinity with animals & love of nature, and experience of their positive effects on people, have informed my approach. I worked with horses before I graduated with a First-Class Hons in Fine Art from Nottingham Trent University in 2005, and worked with children, young people, and families in the Arts Educational Sector for 15 years after my degree.  I have worked with a wide variety of individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds. This has included families, pre-school, primary & secondary school ages, college & university students, PRU students, groups with Asperger’s Syndrome, drug & substance misuse groups, bereaved & trauma groups, and YOT attendees.