Katie McGill

Hi, I'm Katie. I'm a BACP-accredited psychotherapist based in Bramhall (Stockport) and online. I support ambitious professionals and dedicated parents struggling with anxiety, self-doubt and the pressure to always cope, who are ready to feel calmer, lighter and more like themselves.

How are you?
Maybe you're here because you're usually the person who holds it all together. You work hard, keep going and often say, "I'm fine," even when you're not. Other people rely on you, but underneath you struggle to ask for help, share how you feel, or ease the pressure you put on yourself.

This might show up as an anxious mind that doesn't have an off-switch, overthinking, struggling to relax, pushing yourself to exhaustion, or snapping in a way that doesn't feel like you. You may find it difficult to feel present in your relationships, at work or with your family, and wish life felt lighter, calmer and more enjoyable.

It's common to get stuck, especially if you're used to being the one who always finds solutions to life's problems. I get it because I've been there too.

I'm here to help you ease the pressure, understand yourself more deeply, and enjoy your life and the people around you. Therapy isn't about never struggling again or becoming a different person. It's about responding differently when life feels challenging, with more self-awareness, compassion and choice.

Over time, that might start to look like:
• Resting without that constant worry or nagging guilt
• Slowing down enough to connect with your feelings, instead of letting them build up until you snap or spiral into overwhelm.
• Trusting your own decisions and responding to the “what ifs” with more self-compassion and less criticism
• Feeling able to ask for help, without feeling like you've failed
• Building relationships that feel more honest and open
• Easing up on control, saying yes with a bit more spontaneity, and relaxing enough to enjoy life
• Setting boundaries to protect your energy and care for yourself too

There is a way to still be reliable, hardworking and supportive without giving all your energy away. Those moments where you drop the ball don't have to mean criticising yourself for days, and overwhelm doesn't have to leave you feeling anxious or reacting in ways that don't feel like you.

For parents
You might be reading this thinking, "That sounds exactly like me." And now you're a parent, the pressure feels even more intense because you love your children and want the very best for them.

Whether you're a brand-new parent or navigating new challenges as your children grow, the responsibility can feel relentless. As a mum of two, I know how easy it is to feel like the pressure never switches off. That's why I offer tailored support for parents who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to get everything "right".

Maybe you're exhausted by all the "what ifs", questioning every decision, comparing yourself to others, doom-scrolling advice at midnight, or pushing through each day stressed, touched out and one spilled drink away from snapping. Perhaps you've spent so long looking after everyone else that you've stopped noticing what you need.

My approach is about reconnecting with who you are... not just as a parent, but as a person too, so you can build more ease, connection and joy into family life, while enjoying your life outside of parenthood too.

Working with me
There's usually a really good reason you've become the person you are. Together, we'll make sense of the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, so they stop costing you quite so much.

My approach tends to suit people who are curious about understanding themselves more deeply, rather than looking only for quick fixes or coping techniques.

I've been a client in therapy myself, so I know how daunting it can feel to share your story with someone new. There's no rush, and it's okay if you're not sure where to start.

My approach
Warm: Some people arrive ready to dive straight in, while others need a lighter chat before getting into the deeper stuff. We'll work at your pace.

Sometimes we'll sit with difficult emotions, sometimes we'll laugh, and sometimes we'll celebrate those little "fist-pump" moments when things begin to shift. Everything is welcome.

Honest: I'm not the kind of therapist who sits back and nods. I ask questions, offer reflections and gently challenge when it's helpful, while making space for the things that feel difficult to say out loud.

I don't have all the answers. Therapy is about building a relationship together and making sense of what you need.

Relatable: I want you to feel comfortable bringing yourself to therapy, so that means me being myself too. I'm curious about understanding what makes you you, having open conversations, and supporting you as you create a life that feels more like your own.

My therapeutic approach
I work using Transactional Analysis (TA), a talking therapy that explores how our personality has been shaped by our early experiences, decisions and beliefs.

In practice, that means I'm interested in your childhood and upbringing, not to dwell on the past or blame anyone, but to understand the patterns that continue to show up in your life today, even when they're no longer helping you.

That awareness creates more choice. Over time, we can begin to feel more at ease being ourselves, reconnect with what brings us joy, and build relationships that feel more honest and connected.

How to get started
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, so I offer a free 20-minute consultation by phone or Microsoft Teams.

This gives us a chance to meet, talk about what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions, and see whether we're the right fit. I'll also explain how I work and what you can expect from therapy with me.

In-person sessions
Sessions take place in a private garden room at my home in Bramhall, Stockport. The therapy room is separate from the house and accessed via a side gate, offering a comfortable and confidential space.

I'm around half a mile from Bramhall village centre, within easy reach of Hazel Grove, Woodford, Cheadle Hulme and Handforth. Free street parking is available nearby.

Please note there isn't access to a toilet during appointments, except in an emergency.

Online sessions
I also offer online sessions via Microsoft Teams.

Whether we meet online or in person, creating a safe and confidential space is really important. I'll always make sure I'm somewhere private, and I'll ask you to do the same by finding a quiet space where you won't be interrupted.

Getting in touch
If you like the sound of my approach, you can contact me to arrange your free consultation. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to write... just getting in touch with a hello is great and we’ll take things from there.

I may not always be able to answer the phone straight away, but if you leave a message, I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I’m best contacted by text, WhatsApp, or email... whatever feels easiest for you.

Mobile: 07709 786200
Email: contact@katiemcgillcounselling.com
Instagram: @katie_mcgill_psychotherapy (for parents & carers)

Pregnancy & parenting

Career change

I offer an initial 20-minute session, which is free of charge.

​All following sessions cost £95 and last for 50 minutes.

Sessions organised through EAP or employers cost £100 per session.

As a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, my practice is informed by its Ethical Framework and Professional Guidelines.

I am fully qualified and hold public, professional and liability insurance.