Hello there and welcome, I appreciate that reaching out for help is often one of the most difficult of times. I understand this and want to reassure you that I will support you through this time with care and respect.
Meet Kate-Marie:
With a rich background spanning over 22 years, my professional journey has been dedicated to guiding children, families, couples, and individuals through diverse life experiences. I bring a compassionate and knowledgeable approach, using curiosity to explore various cultural, sexual, spiritual, and religious perspectives. My commitment is to provide creative and respectful support, helping you understand your challenges, overcome obstacles, and navigate life's complexities. My ultimate aim is to empower you and your loved ones together, in a collaborative and warm environment, to construct a personalised path towards renewed health and happiness.
I have worked in a variety of services, developing my knowledge and skills in many areas:
Local Authorities: With children and families services,
NHS services: In a couples and family therapy clinic and as a highly specialist psychotherapist in an eating disorder unit.
Private sector: In private practice, looked after children’s services, and offering supervision and bespoke training to organisations.
I’m a UKCP and AFT approved specialist Systemic Psychotherapist, meaning I work collaboratively and sensitively with couples, families and individuals in relationship to each other, their histories and current contexts.
I draw on a wide range of dynamic, evidence-based approaches within systemic theory, to support many different interpersonal and relational issues, mental and emotional health challenges.
I work alongside you, to find what approach suits you best, and meet your bespoke needs. I will support you in making the changes you feel you need in order to regain happy and healthy relationships.
Services :
What I can offer you:
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In our sessions, we will navigate the challenges together, fostering an environment of understanding and healing. Rebuilding trust will be a key focus, as we work on improving communication and develop and expand your relational and sexual intimacy. Or exploring feelings and issues that you want to make sense of together.
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I work with all types of families and kinships. I will offer a containing environment to work through conflicts, attachment, relationship, parenting, and life cycle issues. I can see the you altogether and in separate sessions, to effect change in all the parts of the family and increase harmony.
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I offer a safe space to discuss issues of grief, loss and bereavement. Helping you to make sense of your feelings and find a way forwards.
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Working with the individual who is suffering from anorexia, bulimia or other eating disorder, alongside family, partner or friends. Building trust around managing the impact of the disorder. Collaborating on new communication responses to the eating disorder behaviours.
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Through a combination of systemic therapy and trauma-informed techniques, I address not only the individual experiences of trauma but also its effects on the entire relational system. I guide families and couples in understanding how past events shape their current interactions and help them develop effective coping strategies and communication skills. We will work to transform negative patterns into opportunities for growth and resilience.
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I have extensive experience in working with people suffering from mental health issues, and with their families and loved ones, to support helpful responses to symptoms and reconnecting relationships. Mental health issues including: Depression, anxiety, bipolar, EUDP, personality disorders, schizophrenia.
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Working on attachment issues, promoting positive parenting, managing behaviours, and responding to your child’s trauma. I can work with you, your birth family and the child (this would need to be with the looked after child’s social workers written authorisation).
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I use systemic theory for organisational change. I can work alongside you to develop a more effective culture, with shared values and vision within your agency. I can also offer reflective practice and consultations, to look after your employee’s wellbeing and develop their critical thinking.
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For any social or health care agencies who want to be more relationally focused in their approach. I can deliver bespoke systemic theory training for all levels of your organisation.
About Kate-Marie
I studied to become a children and families social worker in 2006, working in the north of England and in London, where I fell in love with this diverse and distinctive city. I became a therapeutic social worker and systemic practitioner, co-founded a therapeutic fostering agency and qualified as a family and couples systemic psychotherapist.
I have worked with couples, individuals and families in the NHS, in both generic mental health services and acute eating disorder units.
I have not lost that initial feeling that pulled me into this work. I care deeply about the wellbeing of all the people I see, and strive to use this connection as a basis of our therapeutic relationship.
My families say that I create space for them to be heard, feel valued and safe to explore how to be different in their relationships with each other.
I grew up in Yorkshire, in a family where loved ones had mental health issues and neurodivergences. This taught me from a young age that life can be complex and lived in many ways, outside of what is considered ‘usual’. These early experiences gave me compassion and empathy and a curiosity for other’s perspectives and lived experiences.
My reflex is to help people, even as a teenager. I started working with young people when I was 18 years old, when I ran a youth club and provided a school holiday activity scheme. Since then, I knew it was my calling to help people. I then worked with homeless young people and adults with addictions, supporting both groups to grow in self-esteem and develop new coping and living skills.
Therapy Rooms.
I work in dedicated therapy rooms in the heart of Hackney Central, conveniently located near the overground station. These carefully curated spaces offer both comfort and confidentiality within a serene setting, providing a tranquil sanctuary for self-reflection and healing. Each room is soundproofed to ensure a private and confidential environment, allowing you to engage in therapeutic conversations without disturbance.
Within these therapy rooms, you'll find a safe haven to freely explore your thoughts and emotions, supported by thoughtful design and a welcoming atmosphere. The setup is intentionally crafted to foster a sense of safety and promote healing.
Whether you prefer in-person sessions here or the flexibility of online meetings via Zoom, the choice is yours. I am here to create a space that suits your needs best.
Qualifications and Registrations
BA (Hons) Degree in children and families Social Work. (University of Manchester)
MSc with Distinction. Family & Systemic Psychotherapy (University of Bedfordshire)
UKCP (UK Council of Psychotherapy) registered.
AFT (Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice) registered.
Social Work England registered.
I am bound by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling and social work professionals. I am bound to continue in my learning and development, to remain up-to-date.
