Person-Centred Counselling with Kate O’Leary
Choosing a counsellor is such a personal decision. Whether you’re new to therapy or giving it another go, finding a counsellor you feel comfortable with can make all the difference. I offer person-centred counselling, which means I’ll meet you with warmth, in a supportive space where you’re free to explore whatever’s on your mind, in your own time and your own way.
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Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just wanting to understand yourself better - there’s no pressure to explain everything or have it all figured out. Together, we can start to make sense of what’s going on for you. With space and support, that process might bring some relief, more clarity, or help you feel more grounded and in tune with yourself and your needs.
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You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Hi, I’m Kate
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Person-Centred Counsellor & Mental Health First Aid Instructor
I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can talk things through, feel genuinely heard, and explore whatever’s on your mind — at your own pace, in your own way.
A Special Interest in ADHD
As someone who's been diagnosed with ADHD, I have a particular interest in providing an understanding space for neurodivergent clients and those navigating the challenges of ADHD.
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I aim to offer a space that feels understanding, accepting, and shame-free.
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Person Centred Counselling​
I work in a Person-Centred way, which means:
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You’re in the driving seat, I won’t give advice or tell you what to do.
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I trust in your capacity to grow and heal, on your own terms.
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I’m here to support your process, not to judge or analyse you.
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We can go gently, at the pace that feels right for you.
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I also pay attention to the wider systems that shape our lives, oppression, class, culture, and identity all matter in this space, and I welcome anything you want to bring into the room.
No clipboards. No “fixing”. Just a warm, boundaried space to talk, reflect, where we can make sense of things together. ​
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A Practice Grounded in Inclusion
My work is shaped by a commitment to anti-racism and accessibility. I’ve spent the last three years working within a Black-owned counselling service and continue to reflect on the impact of systemic injustice, power, and privilege within the therapy space. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and I know that lived experiences of racism, marginalisation, and discrimination can show up in the therapy room as much as they show up in life. I’m always learning and unlearning, and I’m open to being challenged.
Experience
Before retraining as a counsellor, I spent two decades in corporate marketing, an experience that deepened my understanding of how people cope, communicate, and often mask what they’re feeling under pressure.
Alongside my counselling work, I deliver mental health education in secondary schools and train adults to become Mental Health First Aiders®. Across these roles, my focus is on creating safer, more informed spaces where people can be themselves, feel heard, and access the support they need.
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Practical Stuff
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Sessions with me are held in English
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I work online, only with adults in the UK
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I am committed to working in line with the BACP ethical standards
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I’m dedicated to ongoing learning, reflection, and anti-oppressive practice
A Person-Centred Approach
Person Centred Counselling is a gentle kind of counselling that sees you as the expert on your own life. I offer a calm, steady space where you can explore whatever’s going on — at your own pace, in your own way.
No advice, no fixing.
I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to try to understand how you see things.
Safe space to be you.
You can talk fast or slow, change the subject, stop mid sentence, go quiet – that’s all ok.
Trust in your wisdom.
You have your own inner knowing and ability to grow. I’ll meet you where you are.
Unconditional positive regard.
Come just as you are, there’s no judgement here.
Empathetic.
I’ll try my best to really understand how you’re feeling.
Genuine and authentic.
I’ll be professional, but still real and authentically myself, not cold or overly formal.
Prices
One-to-One Online Counselling
I offer person-centred counselling to adults online.
I’m based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, but I serve the whole of the UK.
Sessions are open-ended; you can keep coming for as long as it helps.
Standard Fee (pay-as-you-go)
£60 per session (50 mins)
Reduced-Cost Spaces
I hold four lower-cost places for those on reduced incomes to ensure my services are accessible.
Reduced-cost slots are currently full — you can join the waiting list and l'll let you know when one opens up.
ADHD-Aware
Online Counselling
Life’s unpredictable, especially when you’re juggling work, family, or ADHD. That’s why I offer flexible, judgement-free support with practical accommodations built in.
Included as Standard
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Flexible daytime slots to suit work, schools runs, broken sleep and hormone brain.
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I can fill out the (dreaded) intake forms for you – just say the word.
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Session reminders that work for busy brains – calendar invites, and SMS text reminders (optional)
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You won’t get a guilt trip for being late.
Amnesty Tokens
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When you start counselling with me, you’ll get two Amnesty Tokens. These are for those moments when life gets messy and you need extra flexibility.
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Each token gives you one of the following, no questions asked:
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​​Cancel a session at short notice, guilt-free, and no cancellation fee.
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Reschedule for no reason because life is life.
Free Introductory Call
I offer a free 20-minute consultation on Zoom.
No pressure, just a chance to say hello and see if working together might feel like a good fit.
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What to Expect
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You can share what’s brought you here (only if you want to).
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Ask any questions about how I work.
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There's no obligation to book in afterwards.
It’s an opportunity to meet and get a sense of whether it feels right for you.
To get started, get in touch to book a time or contact me directly.
Call or text 07537102203 if you’d prefer to leave a message or talk things through before booking.​