Katie Shaw, BACP

Katie Shaw is an integrative counsellor based in Alvechurch, South Birmingham, who brings 22 years of professional experience to her practice. She blends a range of evidence-based approaches - including person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and solution-focused techniques - to tailor support around each person's needs. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), she maintains professional standards and ongoing development in her work.

Katie also works as a school counsellor in a secondary school and sixth form, offering support to both students and staff. She specialises in areas such as stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, self-esteem, and depression, and also focuses on issues like ageing and geriatric concerns, attachment, body image, cancer, caregiver stress, communication and family problems, addiction, fertility, and isolation.

She is described by her approach as warm, empathic, non-judgmental and accepting, placing the client at the centre of each session. Katie helps people explore their circumstances, consider choices, and work toward increased confidence and more resourceful ways of living. Her counselling is adapted to individual needs and aims to support practical change as well as deeper understanding.

Integrative techniques for effective online support

Person-centred counselling emphasises empathetic listening and unconditional acceptance, helping clients explore their feelings and build self-understanding - it is often useful for issues like low self-esteem, grief, and relationship concerns. Cognitive behavioural techniques focus on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, which can be especially helpful for managing anxiety and depression. Solution-focused work is brief and goal-oriented, concentrating on practical steps and strengths to move clients toward achievable change.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Katie works collaboratively with each person to discover what fits best. Together they consider the client’s goals, preferences, and life circumstances to shape a personalised plan that can evolve as progress is made.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals. These formats offer flexibility in scheduling, reduce travel time, and allow therapy to fit around work, family, and caregiving responsibilities, while preserving the therapeutic relationship and ongoing continuity of care.