Issues I Help With
Kate McKenna MBACP - Couples and Relationship Counsellor
Finding The Right Support for you
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, there are so many counsellors out there its hard to know who or how to choose.
Below I've included details of areas I specialise in, if what you'd like support with isn't listed here, I may still be able to help.
Couples and Relationship Therapy
Many couples find themselves feeling stuck, disconnected, or caught in repeating patterns at some point in their relationship. You might struggle to communicate without conflict, or trust may have been damaged. When neurodivergence or trauma are in the mix, it can create unique struggles like shutdown, anger and struggles to connect.
I work with couples like you to feel safe to build connection, resolve conflict without hurtful words or shutdown, express your needs and have them met, share responsibilities fairly, and rebuild trust. Together, we create a safe space where you can move closer, reconnect, and bring intimacy back into your relationship.
Parenting Neurodivergent Children
Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges. Navigating battles that other families don’t face can leave you feeling different, exhausted, and misunderstood.
With the best intentions, people offer advice that doesn’t even begin to reflect your reality. Autistic and ADHD children come with big feelings, different parenting needs and this can bring up feelings of inadequacy, self-blame, resentment, fear for the future and burnout.
I can support you to process all you’ve been through, find realistic ways to care for yourself in the chaos, accept your child’s diagnosis and have a safe space to be heard by someone who really gets it.
Healing Attachment Wounds and ACE's
Attachment is at the core of everything. Our early relationships with caregivers shape how we understand ourselves, what parts of us feel loveable, and which parts we’ve learned to hide to stay connected.
This is where we learn what love feels like and whether it’s safe, reliable, and lasting.
If your parent was emotionally unavailable, care was inconsistent, or you were punished for seeking it, you might now struggle with conflict, fear of intimacy, difficulty staying connected in relationships, or burnout from trying to keep everyone happy.
I can help you understand and make peace with your past, so you can step into your power with self-compassion, healthy boundaries, and a toolkit to soothe the critical inner voice that tries to knock you down.
Counselling for Relational Trauma and Gaslighting Recovery
When we experience unresolved relational trauma or Gaslighting, it can rewire our nervous system. Trauma can leave us isolated, uncertain what or who to trust and we get stuck on high alert, jumpy and anxious. Everything can feel like a threat when your body has forgotten what safety feels like.
Together we can find ways to invite safety back into your body and life so you can begin to reconnect with others and feel safe to be an active participant in your life.