Katie Shaw, BACP

Katie Shaw is an integrative counsellor based in Alvechurch, South Birmingham, who combines several established models to meet each person's needs. She draws on person-centred work, cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused methods to tailor counselling to practical concerns and deeper personal issues.

Katie trained as a counsellor and has practised since qualifying in 2003, bringing more than two decades of experience across a variety of settings. She also works in a secondary school and sixth form, providing support to both students and staff, which has given her particular experience with younger people and educational contexts.

As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Katie follows recognised professional standards - the BACP is the UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists. Her approach is warm, empathic and non-judgemental, and she aims to create a supportive space where people can explore what is happening in their lives and consider different options.

Katie places the client at the centre of each session, working collaboratively to build confidence, improve self-esteem and help people move toward a more resourceful, satisfying way of living. She adapts her methods to suit individual needs and circumstances, shaping the counselling journey around the concerns that matter most.

Evidence-based approaches for online counselling

Katie uses person-centred counselling, which focuses on listening with empathy and helping people find their own answers. This approach supports issues such as low self-esteem, grief and life transitions by emphasising acceptance and personal growth.

She also applies cognitive behavioural techniques, which look at the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. These practical strategies can help with stress, anxiety and mood difficulties by teaching skills to reframe thinking and manage unhelpful patterns.

Additionally, Katie draws on solution-focused work to set clear, achievable goals and build on existing strengths. This method is useful when clients want short-term, targeted change and practical steps forward.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Katie will work with each person to identify goals, preferences and the most appropriate techniques, adapting methods over time to fit progress and changing needs.

Online counselling offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging make it easier to fit therapy into daily life and connect from different locations. For many people, these options increase accessibility and convenience while allowing consistent work with a registered professional.