Polly Kettenacker

I work with LGBTQIA+ adults carrying shame from family or religious experiences. You may have built an identity that feels good in many ways, while still living with old feelings of shame or rejection. Perhaps you feel proud of who you are yet still worry about belonging, whether in your family, your cultural community or your faith. Many of my clients learnt, often without quite realising it, to hide parts of themselves in order to stay safe and connected, or to avoid rejection.

I am especially interested in working with queer adults navigating the impact of early relationships, difficult family dynamics, or religious experiences that left them feeling ashamed, abandoned, or unsure who they really are. This can leave people feeling like they are never quite enough.

I believe many of the ways we struggle in adulthood grew from the instinct to survive and protect ourselves in early relationships. Therapy offers a chance to understand those patterns with patience and compassion, rather than an expectation of needing to 'fix' ourselves.

Together, and at a pace that feels safe, we can explore patterns that are painful, while supporting the parts of you that already feel assured, capable and alive.

Therapy can also be a place to explore questions of faith, spirituality, meaning, and identity. I welcome people of faith, those wrestling with faith, and those who have had religious experiences that were painful, or rejecting, including attempted 'conversion therapy'.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I offer a free 30-minute phone or online consultation so we can talk about what's bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and see whether working together feels right.

I offer sessions in Crystal Palace, London Bridge and online.

In our first session together, I will ask you lots of questions about your life today, and about aspects of your life growing up. I will also ask whether you have medical conditions, take medication, or have a history of self-harm or suicidal thoughts or attempts. This helps me understand your experience, but you are never obliged to answer questions if you don't feel comfortable. We will also discuss your goals and hopes for counselling.  Often our goals change over time - but being clear about our goals early on can help you feel in control, and focused. After the first session, I work in a more open way, following your lead and allowing you space to bring what feels most important - though I will always keep your goals in mind.

Welcome. My name is Polly and I am a qualified integrative counsellor working with adults who feel stuck in recurring patterns in relationships, struggle to feel understood, or want to make meaningful changes in how they relate to themselves and others. I offer LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy. 

I work integratively, which means I tailor how I work to you and your needs, drawing on a wide range of therapeutic approaches and ideas, rather than expecting you to fit into a particular box. I practice with an awareness of systems of power and privilege, and am passionate about helping clients find a way of being a live that is true to who they are - not how others want to see them. 

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I offer all potential clients a free 20-minute phone or online consultation. This is a zero-commitment chance to ask questions, discuss what's going on for you, and help you work out whether this is a good time for you to start therapy, and whether I am the right therapist for you.