Joanne Kay

I work online only via video conferencing. 

For couples this can mean being on separate devices, or setting up a device which captures you both.

My availability tends to be during the daytime on weekdays. I take leave during most academic holidays.

I am an attachment-based psychotherapist which means my approach is underpinned by attachment theory. Our early attachments inform our strategy for regulating ourselves, and the ways we can connect with others and ourselves. 

I aim to create a safe and affirming therapeutic space for all identities and backgrounds, and for all types of relationship.

Trainee Couples Therapist

I am an experienced attachment-based psychotherapist and trainer (3+ years) and from September 2025 I'll be working towards a formal qualification in couples therapy, for which I require a couple to work with alongside the training.

***For this reason I am offering  a block of 8 online sessions at a reduced fee of £25 per 1 hour session.***

Please reach out to find out more and book a free consultation session.

In our initial consultation session I will ask both of you what your goals might be for the course of therapy.

I'll explain my approach in more detail, and the way I work.

I'll welcome any questions you might have for me about therapy or myself. 

There will be no pressure to commit to therapy - this first consultation is for us to meet so that you can decide whether I'm the right therapist for both of you.

Online only therapist. I am additionally trained in working online (This is normally via a Google Meet link which requires no sign-up and nothing to download). I have availability for sessions through the day on most weekday mornings/afternoons. I am flexible with times so do get in touch with your availability and I will endeavour to match up a time slot, however at the moment I don't offer sessions in the evenings.

*I offer reduced rates of £40 for counselling students and £25 for those in receipt of state benefits, however these are limited slots.*

I am a psychodynamic therapist, which means I will encourage you to explore the root causes of issues you might be facing today. I recognise and respect that looking for those 'roots' can require courage. My way of working does sometimes involve gentle challenge, but ultimately, my approach is laid-back and supportive - you are the expert on your own life and experience, and I intend to support you in finding insight. I am an attachment-based therapist which means my approach recognises the importance of relationships and connections in present life, in childhood, and between us in the therapy room.

Clients that begin to work with me often do so because they find that their feelings, thoughts or other psychological symptoms have begun to affect areas of functioning in life; they find that coping mechanisms that have been helpful in the past (whether 'healthy' or 'unhealthy') are beginning to work less effectively.

The first full session is usually my opportunity to learn about what brought you to seek counselling. We may discuss what any ongoing work might look like, and I may carry out an informal assessment to take a 'snapshot' of how you are feeling right now.