Katie Payne

I believe that choosing counselling can be a vital and radical act of self care.  I'm glad that you're here.

I have always been fascinated by the human experience and how relationships shape our lives. I have been supporting the wellbeing of people from all walks of life for fifteen years.  I have worked extensively in student wellbeing and mental health in various settings, in secondary, further and higher education. 

Why Therapy?

There are many reasons why someone might come to therapy. Perhaps you have gone through a significant life change, you might be finding it difficult to manage the stresses and strains of life, or there's a sense of feeling stuck... Maybe you are noticing that you don't feel in control of your emotional or physical responses which is problematic for you or your relationships. You might be struggling with depression or anxiety which is getting in the way of your hopes for the future. Or perhaps you are in a positive place in your life and feel like it's a good time to explore something from the past or you just want to understand yourself and your relationships better.

Whatever your reason you have probably already done the hardest part. To decide that you would like to have counselling can feel daunting and even scary, but be assured, it is a courageous and positive choice.

How I Work.

I am trained in Integrative Counselling. This means that I am interested in you as a whole person – in your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual life. I have a background in the arts, holistic therapy, student mentoring and safeguarding all of which informs my work with you.  My training means I use different modalities depending on who I am working with and what they need. My practice reflects my values, and I believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to be fully seen, heard and understood. I am primarily 'person centred' - this means I regard the client as the expert in the room. Together, we seek to gain greater understanding of your difficulties and experiences. 

I work from a grounded, warm, heart-centred place so that you can feel safe to explore whatever you wish to bring to therapy. I am fascinated by Poly Vagal Theory and will often bring your nervous system in to the conversation. I might invite you to notice bodily responses in relation to what we talk about. I am interested in how your history shapes your present – gaining understanding of how the past shapes our lives and our physical responses can help us to be kinder to ourselves, and gives the opportunity to look at things differently. I work holistically and intuitively alongside theoretical understanding and, if you would like, I can offer strategies to manage your wellbeing on a practical and physical level.

I am also interested in the 'big questions' of life and how these can sometimes impact how we feel about ourselves and our lives. I believe the ability to find meaning is central to living a life of purpose and joy. 

It is natural to feel nervous to begin with and there is no pressure to share everything all at once. I work at a pace which works for you and will check in with you for feedback on a regular basis. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' way to be a client in therapy and we will find our way together. Sometimes words might be difficult to find and just don't cut it - there are some creative activities we can do to help with this if this is something you might like to try.

Every client I work with teaches me something new. As humans, we have so much in common and so much that makes us unique. I find the courage and beauty in the human spirit deeply humbling and inspiring. I have extensive experience in working with creatives and young adults and love to work with anyone who strives to understand more about themselves and their experience of life.

Each session is 50 minutes long and on a weekly basis, online (£50) or in person (£60).

In person sessions take place at The Practice Rooms in either Cotham Hill or Stokes Croft.

All sessions require payment via bank transfer 24 hours in advance of our session. Please contact me if this is a problem for any reason. I have a small number of discounted sessions available for those on low income - these are only available online. Feel free to enquire if there is currently space available. 
If you decide you would like to work with me, we can arrange to have an initial chat over the phone or online (Google Meet) for up to 20 minutes free of charge. 

Following that, if we decide we would like to continue work together we can arrange an introductory session where you can finalise your decision. This would be at the standard rate. I am also happy to recommend other therapists to you if necessary.

The relationship is integral to having a good experience of therapy.  I recommend you speak to a few counsellors to get a feel of who they are and how they work before making a decision.

I work with people long or short term depending on what you need and we can review at regular intervals.