Kate Elgood

I’m Kate and I offer warm, compassionate, down to earth counselling (short term and open-ended).  Remotely and in person in Glastonbury.  I also offer outdoor ‘walk and talk’ therapy.  

I am passionate about empowering others to live happier more meaningful lives. Rediscovering who they really are beyond their current struggles.  

I am aware it is often a big step for people to begin or return to counselling.  And I believe finding a counsellor who is a good fit is so important when considering beginning a new counselling relationship.

Therefore, I offer a free introductory phone call (20-30 mins), so we can meet and talk through what has brought you to seek counselling.  It also gives you a chance to see if you think I might be the right person for you to work with and to ask any questions.

What can I help with?

You may be seeking therapy because you are currently feeling stuck or dissatisfied with life, looking to resolve a particular issue, in the midst of a crisis, or in need of a space to unburden your thoughts and feelings in a safe, warm and non-judgmental setting. 

I have worked with people who are experiencing many different issues, including but not limited to:

anxiety, depression, anger/rage
bereavement, loss and grief
stress, overwhelm and burnout
neurodiversity (see more below)
traumatic experiences (including sexual abuse or assault) & trauma responses e.g. flashbacks, dissociation and hypervigiliance
self-esteem, lack of self-worth, shame 
repetitive automatic negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours
relationship & relational issues
parenting issues
difficulties with major life changes and transitions
identity & belonging
environmental anxiety/distress
working with parts of self, inner child
connecting to and expressing feelings
mind body connection / embodiment
developing greater self-compassion
spirituality and purpose
personal development

My approach and particular areas of interest

I am a humanistic integrative counsellor.  I work in a person-centred way.  Working with what you bring, to your agenda, at a pace that feels right for you. Believing each of us are our own best experts.  

I trained within a holistic framework which addresses a person as a complex whole, where all aspects are valued; physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social, spiritual etc.  

As an integrative counsellor I draw on my knowledge and experience of many approaches.  This allows me to tailor the sessions to be personal to you and your needs at the time.

Approaches I may integrate include:

Mindfulness and Embodiment, Somatic work,  Compassion, Transpersonal psychology, Psychosynthesis and Internal Family Systems (working with parts of self), Attachment theory, Neurobiology, Gestalt, Creative and Eco-therapy.

(If you want to find out more about these disciplines, please do ask me). 

I am neurodivergent and have a keen interest in neurodiversity.  I offer a neurodivergent-affirming approach.  I work with many clients who self-identify or are diagnosed as neurodivergent (including Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexia, Tourettes). I  support the exploration of neurodiversity and late diagnosis.  I also support clients recovering from neurodivergent burnout.  

I am postgraduate trained trauma therapist.  I am equipped to recognise, assess and work with trauma, including single, complex and developmental trauma and the effect of attachment injury.  I hold an awareness of the widespread impact of trauma, recognising trauma responses in clients and working sensitively to avoid re-traumatisation (based on Judith Herman’s 3-phase trauma model).  I have an integrative approach to trauma work, including somatic work, neurobiology, attachment theory and dissociation.

I take a non-pathologising, strengths based approach and work within the social model of disability.  Focusing on an individual’s strengths, abilities, and resources rather than solely focusing on deficits, weaknesses, or problems.  I follow a client’s lead in how they talk about their own experiences/mental health/neurodiversity/gender/sexuality.

I take an intersectional & anti-discriminatory, LGBTQ+ affirmative & neurodiversity affirmative stance.  I aim to offer an inclusive therapy space paying attention to clients access needs and offering accommodations for individual differences.   

What can you expect from therapy sessions with me?

A safe, contained space for you to share your experience and to be heard in a non-judgmental way. Bringing gentle curiosity to situations that are troubling you.

I work with integrity and compassion, and my intention is to ‘walk alongside’ you in an embodied way using my presence, skills and experience to support you on this part of your life’s journey.

A commitment to being as authentic as I can and building a therapeutic relationship that offers warmth and acceptance as well as appropriate levels of challenge.  

The therapy I offer is creative, experiential and experimental; providing opportunity to develop new perspectives and choices with the potential for change.

Sessions are usually weekly (fortnightly availability too), usually at the same time each week (with flexibility when needed).  Sessions last 1 hour.