Kay Parkinson profile details
About Kay
At the heart of my work is a simple truth, l believe shame softens in the presence of authentic honour. I’m not here to fix or rescue anyone, I’m here to witness, to validate, and to walk alongside people as they return to themselves.
For me, this work isn’t about becoming shameless, it’s about becoming whole, reclaiming identity through authentic honour, and returning to a compassionate sense of self-worth.
Specialist Adverse Childhood Experiences
I have specialised experience in working with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Anxiety, Attachment Issues, Bereavement, Birth Trauma, Miscarriage & Baby Loss, Sexual Trauma & Rape, Domestic Violence and Pre-Trial support.
I have worked with many clients who have been struggling with issues including: stress, relationship issues & life transitions (divorce, separation, redundancy, retirement, relocation etc), low self-esteem/shame, childhood neglect/abuse, chronic illness, PMS/PMDD/menopause, self-harm, panic attacks and issues relating to spirituality. As far as I am able, I aim to create inclusive and accessible environments for all. With specialised training in neurodiversity, including ADHD, ASD, and AuDHD, and enriched by my RNIB certification, I develop strategies that embrace your individual, unique strengths and difficulties.
Support to help build resilience
My focus is on providing support to help you build resilience and gain deeper insight into the factors impacting your mental well-being. By understanding and addressing these challenges, we will work collaboratively towards improving your emotional and mental health.
Integrating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT, Person Centred, and attachment theory and elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Systemic Theory enables me to create a personalised experience, specific to you.
Associate Counsellor at Poole Therapies
Alongside my work at place to talk therapies, I also work as an associate counsellor at Poole Therapies where, amongst other clients, I work with students completing their MA/PhD research while on international placements.
I have also been a counsellor at STARS, a specialised Sexual Trauma Agency in Dorset, providing counselling support to clients who have experienced recent sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or domestic violence.
Kay can help with issues such as
- Abuse
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Burnout
- Couples Counselling
- Depression
- Miscarriage
- Panic Attacks
- Postnatal Depression
- Self Harm
- Stress
- Trauma
If you are unsure if Kay deals with your issue, please email in confidence →
Ways we can work together
Qualifications, training and experience
BA Hons Integrative Counselling EMDR Practitioner
- DipHE in Counselling- Middlesex University
- DipHE Registered Midwife
- General Registered Nurse
- Safeguarding Children & Adults
- CRUSE Bereavement Volunteer Training
- CPCAB Trauma Informed Practise
- BA Counselling
- Understanding ARFID, PDA, and PICA Disorders
- Domestic Abuse, Coercive Controlling Behaviour & Stalking
- Professional Life Coach
- Pregnancy & Infant Loss: Grief, Trauma and Bereavement Support
- Working with Suicide, Intervention & Prevention
- Interventions to Thrive with ADHD from childhood to adulthood
- Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Working with Complex Trauma
- Narcissistic Injury, Neglect, Rational Trauma & Emotional Abuse
- Sight Loss Counsellor (Accredited)
- Birth Trauma Training
- ARFID Workshop
- Working with Shame in the Therapy Room
Testimonials
Very helpful counselling especially being abroad. I initially thought I would only do a few sessions of counseling but they were so helpful I continued with them
Kay was friendly, funny, and knew her stuff. Working with Kay has helped me make significant progress in improving my mental health.
I feel at peace now and am full of positivity for the future.
Frequently asked questions
What is counselling like?
Counselling is a collaborative and empowering process, and the goal is to help you build resilience, gain self-awareness, develop coping strategies, and improve your overall mental health and well-being.
Our first session together will include an initial assessment, which may involve exploring your history, relationships (past and present), and mental wellbeing.
We will also discuss your goals and expectations so that, together, we can determine the most appropriate course of action. We will agree to regularly review your goals and progress.
During your sessions, we will work together to explore and address your concerns and work towards achieving your goals. We may talk about emotions, relationships and experiences, practice different coping techniques and strategies, set goals, and create action plans.
Your counselling sessions will normally be booked for the same day and time every week and last 50-60 minutes. However, we seek to offer flexibility, if possible. Counselling can be short or long term. After our initial appointment you can book a regular time slot very week.
Counselling can cover any life-area, at times it can feel a bit like untangling a giant knotted ball of string, so determination and commitment are often required.
It can take a bit of time to ‘settle’ into the process and it’s important to know that as we work together through issues and emotions, it can, at times, feel as though things are getting worse. For most people this feeling is temporary and most people begin to experience progressive improvement to their well-being.
How do I pay?
Payment can be made by BACS transfer and is required in full 48 hours before your session. International payments can be made via Wise and likewaise are required to be made 48 hours before your session.
You can block book your sessions or we can agree a rolling weekly or fortnightly schedule.
Subject to availability you can book different days/times each week to accommodate shift work or other responsibilities.
If you are unable to attend a booked session, please notify your counsellor as soon as possible and I/they will seek to find an alternative date/time.
Late notifications, within 24 hours of your appointment, will be charged the full fee.
We can occasionally offer reduced fee sessions, for students or those on low income. Please feel free to ask if there is any current reduced-fee availability when you enquire.
Is there parking?
There is free and unlimited parking on the road opposite or surrounding roads. Please do not park on the driveway (unless pre-agreed) as access is required.
Is there a wating room?
No.
Session times are staggered so you should not meet anyone on arrival or leaving of your sessions; therefore please do not arrive earlier than your booking start time.
Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?
Generally it is inappropriate to have anyone else other than the counsellor and the client in the session unless it is specifically a couples or family session, which I do not currently offer.
If you have children you will need to make arrangements for them to be cared for whilst you are at your session appointment.
If a family member or friend is driving you to your appointment, they are welcome to wait in their car outside of the building or there are some cafes nearby where they could buy a drink.
Is there disabled / wheelchair access?
The counselling room is on the ground floor, there is a gravel driveway. There are 2 low steps at the front door. The front door is wide but not accessible for a wheelchair.
Do I need to be referred by my GP?
No. Most clients self-refer. However, we can accept referrals from GP’s, charities and other local counsellors.
If your question is not listed here, please email Kay.
Profile gallery
A few extra photos from Kay's practice. Click any image to enlarge.