Kathryn Handley, BACP

Kathryn Handley is a UK-licensed therapist with six years of professional experience supporting young people aged 16 and over as well as adults. She has worked in both NHS settings and private practice, helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, depression, and significant life changes. Her work also addresses concerns such as abandonment, attachment and commitment issues, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, infidelity, midlife transitions, money worries, mood disorders, narcissistic dynamics, seasonal affective disorder, self-harm, and building self-love.

Her approach is warm, interactive, and rooted in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Kathryn combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with person-centred counselling and attachment-informed theory to create a tailored plan for each person she works with. Cognitive-behavioural methods focus on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, while person-centred counselling prioritises the client’s experience and strengths, and attachment-informed ideas explore relational patterns formed across the lifespan.

She aims to build an open, non-judgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely, and she collaborates with clients to shape conversations and treatment plans that fit their individual needs and goals. Kathryn is accredited with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects recognised professional standards in counselling practice. She encourages anyone ready to take steps toward change to reach out for support.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Effective Online Therapy

Kathryn integrates cognitive-behavioural techniques and person-centred counselling into her online practice. Cognitive-behavioural techniques focus on identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviours and developing practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage low mood, and cope with stress. Person-centred counselling places the client’s experience at the centre of the work, emphasising empathy, acceptance, and the client’s own resources to promote personal growth and emotional understanding.

She also draws on attachment-informed ideas to explore how early relational patterns influence current relationships and coping styles, which can be helpful for issues like abandonment, attachment difficulties, and repeated relationship challenges. Choosing the right blend of approaches is part of the therapeutic process - Kathryn works collaboratively with each person to determine what methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the plan as therapy progresses.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different lifestyles and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access support from home, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are not possible. Registered professionals and therapists can still deliver structured, evidence-informed work in these formats while tailoring pace and tools to each client’s situation.