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 and 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 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, real 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 they are going through.
Qualifications, experience and professional membership.
I’m a qualified Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy—Katie Smith MBACP, registration number 420760.
My qualifications include a Level 5 Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, a Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Counselling Studies and a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
I currently work in private practice alongside volunteering with charities that specialise in domestic abuse and help the local community access counselling support.
I’m also studying towards a BA (Hons) in Counselling Studies, continuing to build on my professional knowledge and experience. My additional training and continuing professional development include trauma-informed practice, domestic abuse, autism, mental health and safeguarding.
I also hold a Level 3 qualification in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation and a Trauma-Informed Certificate for Coaches; my future plans involve animal therapy. I’m committed to continuing my development so that the support I offer remains ethical, informed and grounded in the needs of the people I work with.
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.