Meet Katie, BACP Accredited Counsellor and BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist based in Birmingham
If you’d met me 20 years ago, you wouldn't have found me in a leafy Birmingham park talking about emotional resilience. You’d have found me hunched over a laptop, probably on a Sunday afternoon, clutching a lukewarm coffee and stressing over a project management spreadsheet.
I was the queen of the 7-day work week. I thought I was invincible, right up until the moment I wasn't. Burnout didn't tap me on the shoulder; it hit me like a ton of bricks. My health took a nosedive, my anxiety was through the roof, and I realised that the ladder I’d been climbing was leaning against the completely wrong wall.
But that "wall" is where my story as a therapist begins. When things fell apart, I turned to therapy. I didn't need months of digging into my childhood (though that has its place); I needed a life raft. I had some brief, focused therapy that helped me catch my breath, but it was self-reflection and a couple of specific books that really shifted the gears for me.
I became a bit of a "therapy nerd." I devoured "The Anxiety and Phobias Workbook" by Edmund Bourne and "The Happiness Trap" by Russ Harris. Those books didn’t just give me tools; they gave me a new perspective.
I realised that the part of project management I actually loved wasn't the funding or the deadlines: it was the people. I loved nurturing individuals, seeing them grow, and helping them navigate their own "project" of life.
Kind words from previous clients
“After working with Katie I don't worry as much what other people think of me” – Social Anxiety Client
“Since my CBT, I don't feel that I need to earn rest or be so exhausted I have no choice, I care more for myself every day” – Self Esteem Client
“Katie was really supportive and kind during a tough time” – Bereavement Counselling Client
The Long Road to “Accredited”
I didn’t just quit my job and hang up a shingle. I did it the “Brummie way”: I worked my arse off. I started studying and volunteering on evenings and weekends while still working. I transitioned my PM career into mental health and wellbeing projects, moving closer and closer to what I knew was my true calling.
Once I finished my first psychotherapy training at the University of Derby, I was lucky enough to land a full-time role in the NHS. It was a baptism of fire, but it meant I achieved my BACP accreditation quickly. I’ve never looked back. Since then, I’ve worked across Birmingham in:
The NHS: gaining so much experience with so many clients.
Birmingham City University (BCU): Supporting students through some of the most transitional years of their lives.
Specialist Voluntary Services: Including places like RSVP, working with survivors of trauma.
Private Practice: Where I finally get to offer therapy exactly how I believe it should be: flexible, effective and grounded with excellent standards of service.
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen it all: and I’ve learned that no matter the setting, the most important thing is the connection between two humans in a room (or a park!).
What to expect from therapy with me
I’m not the kind of therapist who’s going to sit there, tilt my head, and just say, "And how does that make you feel?" for fifty minutes.
I’m Socratic. I’m challenging. But I’m always kind.
I’m pretty nerdy about therapy and psychology, but I try to talk like a normal person. I believe therapy should meet you where you’re at. That’s why I offer a hybrid approach:
Walk-and-Talk Therapy: Meeting in the beautiful green spaces of Birmingham, like Kings Heath Park. There’s something about moving your body that helps move your thoughts.
Coffee Shop Sessions: For exposure therapy or just a more "real-world" feel, we can meet in a local café, or venture out from my therapy room near the high street.
Online Therapy: From the comfort of your own sofa, because sometimes life is just too busy for a commute.
The Person Behind the Professional
I’m a bit of a walking contradiction. I’m a huge fan of brutal heavy metal, but I can also appreciate a good Disney movie. It’s that balance of grit and grace that I try to bring into my practice, too. Life is messy, loud, and sometimes a bit scary, but there’s usually a bit of magic hidden in there if you look for it.
Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey
Whether you’re on Wegovy, Mounjaro, or considering bariatric surgery, I provide specialist support for the psychological side of weight loss. This isn’t just about the numbers on the scale; it’s about your relationship with food, your body, and yourself.
You’re Not Alone
Managing chronic conditions or undergoing significant life changes can feel incredibly isolating. I’m here to offer a safe space to process these experiences and develop practical strategies for emotional resilience.
How Greenlight Therapy can support you
From Walk-and-Talk sessions in Birmingham’s parks to convenient online therapy, I offer flexible support tailored to your needs. My approach is grounded in over 15 years of experience across the NHS, universities, and private practice.
Ready to chat?
If you’re ready to take the first step, I offer a free initial consultation to see if we’re a good fit. Let’s work together to find your green light.