Kay Pickard

We all need support from time to time, to deal with difficult feelings, personal crisis, loss, traumatic experiences and self esteem issues but find it hard to admit that we aren’t coping as well as we want to.

Talking to someone who isn’t part of your life allows you the freedom to explore those issues or difficult feelings you’re experiencing. The aim is to enable you to feel heard and support you to create the life you want for yourself.

Sometimes we feel lost and confused and recognising that you may need help through counselling can be both courageous and daunting. Talking through these issues can bring insight, which in turn, brings change.

I can offer a safe and confidential space in which to explore what’s been troubling you without fear of judgment or criticism.

It can be helpful sometimes to explore parts of the past and how these influence the present. You cannot change what has happened before but you are the expert of your life, no one else. 

I work with adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties including low self esteem, depression, anxiety, loss, trauma and relationship problems. My approach is Integrative, which aims to achieve a more tailored approach, as there is no “one size fits all” solution because each client has individual needs. I offer remote counselling by Google meet currently.

I adopt an Integrative approach, which means that I can draw on different theories but mostly Person Centred and Psychodynamic modalities. This means that the therapy is focused on you, working collaboratively together. Using the Core Conditions of empathy, acceptance and congruence in order to find your true self; the authentic part which you may have lost along the way. Using the inner resources you already have which can give you the potential for growth. You are the expert on yourself, with guidance you will come to realise that.

Together we will go back into your past to see how it influences you in the here and now. This can be scary sometimes because there may be painful memories that you don’t want to face but in this safe environment, you will be able to process how your past experiences have made you the person you are today.

I will explore patterns of behaviour that may have served you well when you were younger but now as an adult may need to be reviewed. I will look at how you connect to others and yourself and what defence mechanisms you use and what coping strategies you have in place. If an attachment style becomes obvious, then we will explore that as relevant.

My approach is not directive so I will not tell you what to do;  I may make suggestions but you have complete autonomy.

I have also volunteered for a charity that specialises in the trauma caused by sexual abuse and rape. This work can be transformational to victims who have had to live with the aftermath of the experience for most of their lives.  Learning to understand the effect on them and being able to rebuild their lives and make healthy relationships is a goal that they can achieve through working with their counsellor.

Rape and Sexual Abuse, including Childhood sexual abuse. I have practiced as a counsellor for RASASC (Rape and sexual abuse support centre) based in Guildford (but online since the pandemic)  I work with the trauma associated with these issues and the effects and symptoms they have on victims. I use psychoeducation and grounding techniques to help with flashbacks and nightmares in order for the client to be able to deal with these symptoms as they arise and eventually ease.

I offer short and long term counselling/therapy via Google Meet and in person.  Google Meet offers more flexibility and works effectively in these uncertain times but recently, more clients are wanting to return to face to face. With this in mind, I now also practice from The Maybury centre in Woking.  The length of therapy will depend on the clients needs and will be discussed on assessment but will also be flexible.