- Warm and down to earth
- Goal focused
- Practical tools
About Kate
Kate Oliver-Smith is a psychotherapeutic counsellor with 13 years of experience. She draws on earlier work in Human Resources to help people untangle practical problems at work and at home. Kate holds NCPS and uses that background to shape a straightforward, goal-focused way of working.
She describes herself as warm, down to earth and approachable. Sessions are conversational and focused on finding changes that fit the client’s life. Kate aims to help people set realistic goals and move towards them step by step.
Kate’s early career involved mediation, coaching and one-to-one support for employees. That work gave her experience with everyday pressures and relationship strain. She brings those skills into therapy, combining listening with structured techniques when they are useful.
Her practice blends Client-Centred ideas with Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic approaches. She also draws on Motivational Interviewing and Existential therapy techniques when they suit the client’s aims. This mix lets her respond to issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and addictions in different ways.
Kate works with a wide range of concerns including stress, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, sleep problems, parenting strain, ADHD and codependency. She also supports people dealing with bereavement, trauma, chronic illness and caring responsibilities. The focus is on practical change, clearer thinking and rebuilding confidence.
People who prefer a straightforward, empathetic counsellor often find her helpful. She encourages collaboration and tailors sessions to what each person needs and wants.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person’s own experience and priorities, offering empathic listening and support so people can find their own solutions. It is useful for building self-esteem and working through relationship stress.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and offers practical techniques to change them. It often helps with anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and coping with life changes.
Existential Therapy asks about life meaning, choices and responsibility. It can help when people face major transitions, grief or questions about purpose.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as needed in ongoing sessions.
Confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week and to join from different locations. It also allows shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera, which some people find more manageable. Registered or accredited professionals can use these options to help people maintain steady progress while juggling everyday demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Kate help with?
Kate works with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addictions, grief, self-esteem and codependency.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is warm, down to earth and conversational, combining listening with practical techniques to help clients reach realistic goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has 13 years of professional experience, including prior work in Human Resources alongside her psychotherapeutic practice.
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
She practises in the United Kingdom and lists NCPS as her credential.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are accepted; please confirm time zones and scheduling before booking.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to start?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.