About me.
A little about who I am & how I work
Hi, I'm Katie
Healing doesn’t mean your past disappears. It means it no longer defines your future.
At Awaken Counselling & Therapy, I offer a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore life’s challenges at your own pace, helping you heal, grow and awaken to new possibilities.
I am a counsellor who understands how overwhelming life can feel – especially when you've spent a long time carrying everything on your own.
I offer a warm, real, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself, without pressure or expectations. You don't need to have the right words or know where to start. You just need somewhere safe to land.
My approach.
My journey into counselling has been shaped by both my training but also by my own lived experiences.
I have navigated difficult relationships, emotional struggles, and the messy, human parts of life that many people carry quietly.
Because of this, I don't see you as a problem to fix – I see you as a person who needs to be heard, understood and supported.
I know how hard it can be hard to open up, especially if you've felt judged, dismissed or misunderstood in the past.
That's why I aim to offer a space where you can feel safe enough to be yourself, at your own pace.
My approach is warm, down-to-earth and person-centred – focused on you, your experience and your needs.
Why do I do this?
I know that reaching out for support can feel daunting because I've been there myself. My own experiences of trauma, loss, abuse and adversity, together with the life-changing impact counselling had on me, inspired me to train as a therapist.
Today, I combine professional knowledge with genuine compassion to provide a safe, accepting space where clients can explore their experiences without fear of judgement.
I believe that healing is possible, that people are more than the hardest chapters of their lives, and that with the right support they can reconnect with their strengths and move forward with hope.
How I work.
I work in a person-centred way, which means you lead our sessions – your thoughts, your feelings, your experiences – this guides our work together
I won't tell you what to do or judge your experiences. Instead, I'll work alongside you to help you make sense of things and find your own way forward.
You don't need to come with answers - just a willingness to begin.
A little more about me.
Outside of counselling, I have a strong connection with nature & animals. I find that being around them brings a sense of calm & grounding, and I believe they can play a powerful role in healing.
In the future, I hope to incorporate animal-assisted therapy into my work.
I am passionate about creating a space where people feel accepted, understood and not alone in what you are going through.
Qualified Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist with additional training in trauma, domestic abuse and Autism
Katie Smith holds a Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, supported by a Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Counselling Studies and a Level 2 Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling.
In addition, she has completed Level 2 qualifications in trauma, domestic abuse and autism and is committed to ongoing continuing professional development. Future training plans include children and young people's counselling, neurodiversity-affirming practice, chronic illness, and accredited animal-assisted therapy.
If you feel this might be right for you.
You're welcome to get in touch to arrange a free initial chat or ask any questions.