Katie Balcombe
Dip.counselling. MBACP
Hi there,
I am a fully qualified Counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy).
I offer counselling sessions for individuals and couples on-line via zoom, or in person at my Tunbridge Wells Practice.
I work as an Integrative Counsellor, meaning that I have been trained in a number of different therapeutic modalities and will combine these in a way that best suits my clients’ needs.
This approach acknowledges that each person is completely unique and requires their own individualised style of therapy.
Alongside my therapeutic approach I promise to bring a listening ear, empathy, honesty and respect, whilst you provide expertise in the one thing that really matters in all this, you!
Please see the headers above to find out more and answer any questions you may have.
Then please feel free to contact me via email to arrange an initial consultation where we can decide together on how best to meet your needs.
what my clients say
WHY USE A COUNSELLOR?
Do I need help now?
We all experience times in our lives when things begin to feel unmanageable and we feel as if we are struggling to cope. Perhaps feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger or fear are overwhelming you? Or perhaps your thoughts and feelings are making it difficult for you to function in your job or in your relationships? Or maybe it’s less clear and you are finding it difficult to make the changes you want to make in your life? If these or similar thoughts and feelings feel familiar then it will help to talk to a professional.
Why can’t I just talk to my friends or family?
Often we try talking about how we feel to friends or family but this is not always appropriate, or helpful. You can begin to feel as if you do not understand how you feel, or why you feel the way you do. Talking to a trained, experienced professional who is impartial and skilled in counselling will help you to work through your difficulties and find your own solutions.
How is talking going to help me?
Counselling and therapy are often referred to as the “talking cure.” Sometimes people find it hard to imagine how talking with someone can alleviate suffering, yet time and again they find it does. It is important to feel free to speak your mind without fear of being judged, where you feel you can trust that what you have to say will be received with respect, thought about carefully and responded to with empathy. This in itself is a profoundly healing experience.
So how will it benefit me?
Counselling is a therapeutic partnership in which I will help you to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental way. This process is not about giving you advice but about providing you with the space and support you need to find your own answers. Realising this will enable you to feel that you have the inner resources you need to have greater control over your life and to live in a more satisfying and positive way.
Some of my Expertise
Couples
Anger management
Abandonment
Addictions & Gambling
Young Adult Issues
Midlife crisis
Life purpose
Attachment issues
Low Mood
Stress
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Career/other life changes
Family problems
Past abuse and trauma
Relationship problems
Couples
Anger management
Abandonment
Addictions & Gambling
Young Adult Issues
Midlife crisis
Life purpose
Attachment issues
Low Mood
Stress
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Career/other life changes
Family problems
Past abuse and trauma
Relationship problems
WHAT TO EXPECT
How long is a session?
Sessions are usually weekly and last for 50 minutes for individuals and 60 minutes for couples.
How many sessions will I need?
How much do you charge?
Your confidentiality
In line with the BACP ethical code of practice I treat all contact with you and information disclosed to me as confidential.
It is important to understand that confidentiality is limited by legal obligations and issues relating to the serious and immediate risk of harm to yourself or others. In such instances , I would encourage you to make the disclosure first through the appropriate channels, or seek help from appropriate outside agencies, and I would support you through this process.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
Counsellors have different approaches and the most important thing is to find someone that you feel you can connect with and talk to, irrespective of their theoretical orientation. The initial consultation is a mutual process and as such it is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you feel comfortable with me. There is no obligation to continue at this stage.
Working with Couples
Sometimes in our relationships we can lose our way and find it difficult to communicate what is going on for us, Partners may find it difficult to talk to one another, or they may feel distant. Or perhaps something has happened to change how they feel about one another.
Many couples come to therapy because there has been a crisis in the relationship, shared life goals have changed or because there are communication difficulties.
I will teach you new ways to communicate as a couple. Focussing on positivity, without blame or shame. Simply being heard and listened to by your partner can be profoundly positive for both your relationship and you as individuals. You may not always agree, but there is great value in your differences to be found. I will try to help you identify any barriers that are stopping you from reaching your relationship goals.
Sharing your thoughts and feelings with your partner can allow you both to take accountability for what you are bringing (or not bringing) to your relationship. In your sessions we will calmly explore your current problems in a constructive way and consider how you would like to change your relationship for the better. Working as a couple towards realistic, manageable goals. For those who choose to part ways I will aim to help you both work amicably for a satisfactory closure.
I work with couples whatever their sexual orientation.
Contact
Offering counselling both in person and online.