- Anxiety and stress
- Relationship strain
- CBT and person-centred
About Kate
Kate Oliver-Smith is a psychotherapeutic counsellor registered with NCPS and has 13 years of practical experience. She draws on a background in human resources and counselling to help adults set realistic goals and tackle life problems. She works with concerns often faced by young adults, such as anxiety, stress, relationships and career worries.
Her early work in HR involved mediation, coaching and supporting people with workplace and personal problems. That experience shaped her practical style and gave her many chances to practise one-to-one and group support. She later trained in psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural methods and person-centred approaches, which she now weaves into her work.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. She listens to what matters to each person and then helps them try different ways of handling things. That can mean looking at thought patterns, testing small behaviour changes, or talking through deeper life questions about meaning and choices.
Kate often helps people dealing with grief, low self-esteem, addiction-related concerns, sleep problems and difficulties with intimacy. She also supports those coping with chronic illness, caregiver stress, adoption and attachment issues, and the knock-on effects of domestic violence and separation.
Her style is direct and down to earth. She uses coaching skills alongside therapeutic tools to help people make short-term changes and longer-term sense of themselves. If someone wants to start, they complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Therapeutic approaches and online working
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on non-directive listening and helping people voice what matters to them. It is useful for building confidence, improving self-esteem and discussing relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and offers practical techniques for anxiety, depression and sleep problems.Finding the right approach is a shared task. The therapist will work collaboratively to agree on priorities and try different methods to see what helps. That might mean combining short-term, skills-based work with deeper discussion about life choices and emotional patterns.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online working can make sessions easier to fit into study or work days, reduce travel, and allow shorter check-ins when time is tight. It also allows choosing quieter surroundings or turning off video if someone prefers less visual focus. Registered and accredited professionals will discuss which approach and session arrangement suit personal needs during the first meeting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Kate work with?
She works with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, grief and self-esteem. Additional areas include addictions, ADHD, parenting strain and trauma-related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Sessions are conversational and practical, mixing person-centred listening with cognitive behavioural and psychodynamic ideas. She often uses coaching techniques to set and review realistic goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 13 years of experience working in HR and counselling before moving fully into psychotherapeutic practice. That background informs her practical approach.
What credentials and country is she based in?
She is registered with NCPS and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
International clients are accepted. Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she offer?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Check the online options when you start the process.
How does payment work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.