K H Harriss Counselling
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY IN STEYNING & ONLINE
Helping you to find a way forwards
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Steyning – Face-to-Face and Online Across the UK
Hello, I am Kathryn, a BACP Accredited counsellor & therapist with 11 years’ experience. You might be looking for a therapist because something has happened or you’re just not feeling like your old self. I’m here to listen and help you to find a way forwards.
My Approach to Counselling & Psychotherapy
I became interested in counselling when I was volunteering for a national mental health crisis organisation. I soon realised the value in establishing a deep connection with others and the relationship between me and my client is still the foundation of my work as a therapist.
Sometimes, we can all lose our way, whether it is because of something that has happened or a build-up of difficulties over time. As a counsellor, I will help you to reflect on what's happened but also to make some choices to find a way forwards.
Ways We Can Work Together
Face-to-Face Counselling in Steyning
For sessions in person, I practise from my home in Steyning in a homely, comfortable setting.
If you have a pet allergy, please be aware that I do have dogs in the house and whilst you may not see them, no amount of vacuuming can get rid of every hair!
Online Counselling (Zoom)
Many of us became familiar with Zoom during the pandemic and it's great for being able to feel connected visually. There are some considerations to think of such as whether you can find the privacy to have your counselling but I will provide you with information you need to think about beforehand.
Telephone Counselling
Counselling by phone can be a good way to make a deep connection to your therapist and it's relatively easy to use in privacy.
It is simple to use and can feel less exposing than video sessions for some people.
Instant Messaging Therapy
Instant messaging is a powerful means to communicate because of its
relaxed feel and lack of a need to write 'properly'. It provides an element of anonymity because we can't see each other and this can help us to be more open.
Email Counselling
Some people choose to have their therapy by email as they like to take time to compose their words. My email service includes 2 replies to you a week based on me spending roughly 30 minutes each
time.
Flexible Therapy Options
For those with a busy schedule, other means of therapy can mean no loss
of time from travelling to your appointment. You can choose from Zoom, email, instant messaging and phone, all having their own
advantages. You can even switch between them, according to your needs. Not sure which option is right for you? Find out what to expect from your first session.
The First Session
I offer a free 20-minute phone call so that you can get an idea of how comfortable you feel talking to me.
We can also think about how I can best support you.
In the first proper session we’ll explore what you would most like to get out of our time together and agree some goals. As part of this, we’ll look at your current circumstances and relationships as well as other potential past or present issues you might be facing and want to tackle.
Many people are anxious about their first counselling session so I create an environment which I hope feels safe and peaceful. I do this by being non-judgemental, transparent, listening with empathy.
Clients often find that a gentle introduction to our work is for us to create a timeline of their lives so far, gradually identifying and exploring key moments along the way. Some of these key moments may have been experienced as traumatic so I am very mindful of keeping you feeling safe throughout our work together. It's important that we reach a place of stability before progressing onto the more difficult areas.
What I Specialise In
Many of my clients are neurodivergent, either waiting for or having been diagnosed with autism or ADHD. Some clients identify with the neurodivergent experience and have no need to seek diagnosis but benefit from exploring their lives through the lens of their potential condition(s). Not having an earlier diagnosis of a long-term condition can bring on feelings of resentment and anger as well as relief and a sense of validation. Please note that I am not qualified to make diagnoses.
Other issues perhaps facing my clients are:
Bereavement
Loss
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Feelings of isolation from the world
Bipolar disorder
Autism spectrum disorder
ADHD
Women’s issues including endometriosis, hysterectomy
Menopause
Areas of my continued professional development have been in trauma-focused therapy and diversity in contemporary relationships. If you have questions about how therapy works, you may find the answers below.
My location
I work from my home in Steyning, offering face-to-face counselling in a homely and comfortable setting. I see clients from Steyning and the surrounding West Sussex area.
In addition to face-to-face therapy, I also offer telephone counselling and online sessions for clients across the UK via Zoom. Online and remote therapy can be a flexible option for those who prefer not to travel or who live further afield. Please feel free to get in touch to find out more about how online counselling works.
Fees & availability
Counselling sessions for individuals last 50 minutes and cost £60 per session. Sessions usually take place weekly, particularly at first, although this can be reviewed later if changing to fortnightly sessions would be helpful.
Please note that I have dogs at home; while you may not see them, this may be important to consider if you have pet allergies.
We can work face-to-face, over Zoom or by telephone, whichever suits you best. I can offer appointments between the hours of 08:00 and 18:15 each weekday.
I understand that shift workers can find it difficult to commit to regular time slots and will try to accommodate this where possible.
Please note that if you need to cancel an appointment, I require 48 hours’ notice; otherwise, sessions missed will still be chargeable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does online or remote therapy work?
Therapy that is not in person is subject to what’s known as 'the disinhibition effect' which is that the anonymity of being physically distant brings on a deeper connection more quickly than in face-to-face therapy. This can be helpful but something I will be mindful of supporting you through to make sure that you are feeling safe with what you have expressed.
When are appointments available?
I can offer appointments between the hours of 08:00 and 18:15 each weekday. Sessions are usually weekly, particularly at first but this can be negotiated later down the line if it would be beneficial to change to fortnightly instead. I understand that shiftworkers struggle to commit to regular time slots so this is something I will try to accommodate.
Do I have to choose one type of therapy?
We can work face-to-face, over Zoom or by telephone, whichever suits you best. Whichever method you choose, I will provide a safe and non-judgement space for you to explore your feelings.
What if difficult or traumatic experiences come up during therapy?
Some of these key moments may have been experienced as traumatic so I am very mindful of keeping you feeling safe throughout our work together. It's important that we reach a place of stability before progressing onto the more difficult areas.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on +447866674699 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
My hours are flexible. If I am not available to answer your call I will get back to you as soon as I can. I appreciate that it can be daunting to think about beginning therapy, especially when you are not in a good place but please do leave a message or text me if you can.