Kathleen Rao, BACP

Kathleen Rao approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert on their own life, and her role is to support clients in accessing that expertise with confidence. She creates a calm, empathetic space where people can explore unresolved trauma, work through loss, or seek a clearer sense of direction. Kathleen places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, building trust and a reliable alliance so clients feel contained and comfortable in sessions. She aims to meet each person with warmth and understanding, recognising how daunting it can be to speak about deeply personal thoughts and feelings to a new practitioner.

Kathleen works with an integrative model of psychotherapy, selecting evidence-based techniques that suit the needs presented in each session. She offers focused support for grief and complex bereavement, perinatal and postnatal health concerns including complications, long-term health conditions, and burnout. Her practice also addresses stress, anxiety, family and parenting challenges, and mood-related difficulties. Kathleen is an insured member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and she draws on a flexible, person-centred approach to help clients make sense of their experiences and move toward clearer, more manageable ways of living.

Integrative approaches and online therapy options

Kathleen uses an integrative approach, combining techniques from different evidence-based therapies to tailor sessions to each client's needs. This means she draws on practical strategies and reflective work to help with symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and stress while also exploring underlying patterns that affect relationships and wellbeing. She offers grief-informed support that focuses on processing loss and adapting to life after bereavement, which can be helpful for those experiencing complex or prolonged grief. Kathleen also provides targeted support for perinatal and postnatal mental health, addressing the emotional and practical challenges that can arise around pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Kathleen works collaboratively with clients to identify what fits best with their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She listens to each person's priorities and adjusts methods as therapy progresses to ensure a good match.

Online therapy with Kathleen is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving clients flexibility to choose what works best for their schedule and comfort. These options make it easier to maintain regular appointments, access support from home, and integrate therapy into busy lives while working with a qualified therapist.