A warm welcome to Essentia Counselling
I’m Kit, a qualified integrative counsellor with a background in nursing.
I work integratively, tailoring each session to your individual needs and drawing on a range of evidence-based approaches. This may include talking therapy, creative methods, or a thoughtful combination of both—guided by what feels most supportive and helpful for you. Whether you want to explore long-standing patterns, focus on a current difficulty, or simply have a space to think and reflect, we will focus on what matters most to you. I see my role as journeying alongside you as you bring the issues that are troubling you. Rather than directing or prescribing, I work collaboratively to make sense of your experiences and to find answers that feel authentic and sustainable.
The therapeutic relationship itself is, in my view, the fundamental ingredient for meaningful change and growth. I strive to offer a relationship grounded in empathy, honesty, and acceptance. Alongside this, I may gently challenge you when it feels helpful—inviting you to consider new perspectives or notice patterns that may be keeping you stuck. Growth can sometimes require looking at things differently, and I will support you in doing so at a pace that feels manageable.
Sometimes it can be hard to understand why events unfold as they do or how they have shaped the way we feel about ourselves and the world. You may notice patterns in relationships that leave you confused or hurt. You might feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, self-doubt, or low mood. Clients often come to me during periods of distress, feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to move forward. I offer steadiness during these times, helping you to slow down and untangle what is going on beneath the surface. Developing greater awareness can open new possibilities. With increased clarity, you may find you can respond to challenges differently, make choices that align more closely with your values, and develop healthier ways of being.
Therapy does not have to focus solely on the past. If you prefer, we can concentrate on what is most pressing in the here and now—practical strategies for managing anxiety, navigating a life transition, or making a difficult decision. Our sessions will reflect your goals and unfold at a pace that feels supportive.
In addition to professional training, I bring lived experience as a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, which deepens my understanding of the emotional impact of chronic illness for both individuals and families. My work as a nurse was also in the area of oncology, supporting those who were impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Alongside my private counselling practice, I have recently worked at Suffolk Mind and in a higher education setting. Through this work, I have supported people across a broad age range, from 16 to 80 and beyond.
I hold a degree in integrative counselling and am an accredited member of the NCPS and a registered member of the BACP. I adhere to their respective ethical guidelines. I also hold an enhanced DBS.
I have additional training in trauma (including developmental and adverse childhood experiences), anxiety, stress, depression, self-harm, attachment and chronic illness. I am both trauma-informed and neurodiversity-aware, and I am committed to supporting you with curiosity, respect and understanding.
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How Does Counselling Work?
A place to process
Psychotherapy can offer a supportive space to begin processing difficult or overwhelming experiences. Trauma can arise from situations that leave you feeling unsafe, helpless, or vulnerable—whether you've lived through them directly or witnessed them. In therapy, you and your therapist can gently explore how these experiences may still be affecting your life today. The focus is on compassionate listening and understanding, rather than labels or diagnoses. Over time, this process can help you make sense of what has happened, so it feels less overwhelming and allows you to move forward in a way that feels more manageable and grounded.
New perspectives
In therapy, you can explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who is there to listen and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. Having this kind of support can bring more clarity to the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the situations in your life. Over time, you might begin to notice new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. Gently becoming more aware of patterns that may no longer serve you, can allow space for different choices and new possibilities. Therapy can also offer helpful ways to manage difficult emotions and fears, at a pace that feels right for you.
A space to reflect
The relationship you build with your therapist can offer valuable insight into different areas of your life. Within the safety of a supportive, non-judgmental space, the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that arise in therapy may reflect patterns present in your relationships outside of the therapy room. Exploring these experiences can help you understand how past events may influence your expectations of others. With this increased awareness, you may begin to see situations and relationships more clearly, opening up new ways of thinking and responding that support your mental and emotional wellbeing.
What happens in the First Session?
In the first session, we go through our contract and assessment, finding out what you want and need from counselling. We will begin to explore your life experiences and goals for the future. We will always go at a pace that suits you.
Appointments
If you cannot attend a session, please let us know as soon as possible. Our cancellation policy is that no charge is made if you cancel within 48 hours or more. If you cancel less than 48 hours in advance or do not attend the session, full payment will be expected. There might be times when the counsellor will be away, these dates will be given with as much notice as possible, with a reminder 2 weeks prior to the session.
Late payments or repeat cancellations will mean that we would need to discuss the reasons you are finding it difficult to attend sessions, which then might lead to further cancellations of all sessions.
Confidentiality
The protection of your privacy is of the utmost importance, and anything discussed in therapy will be treated in the strictest confidence. However, in my professional opinion, I feel that you or another person is at imminent risk, I am professionally bound to report any concerns to an appropriate authority. In the first instance, this will be discussed with my Clinical Supervisor, who will then make the decision as to whether the case merits further intervention from another agency. Should this situation arise, I will always endeavour to make you aware of their intention before doing so.
Contact Outside Of The Session
I am unable to guarantee availability outside of the scheduled session. If you find yourself in a significant crisis and immediate help is vital, you can contact your GP or the Samaritans on 116 123.
Record Keeping
Your information will be securely stored in accordance with the Information Commissioner’s Office and will be GDPR compliant. Psychotherapists who are members of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) are required to have a ‘Therapeutic Executor’,
Our Location
Our location is Unit 2, Fornham Business Court, Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1SL (within The Pilates Vault).