Leona Therapy & Counselling
Healing with the heart of a lioness
Trauma-aware, disability-affirming therapy and counselling, specialising in supporting women in Harrogate, surrounding areas and online UK-wide
With a focus on women who feel invalidated, unseen or silenced by trauma, chronic illness or toxic relationships - a compassionate space to reclaim you, your voice and your story
Reclaim your roar
As a Leo, I have always been drawn to the beauty and majesty of the lion—the way a lion commands the space with an undeniable presence. To me, the lioness represents not just strength and courage, but also a deep sense of self-assurance. She owns her space unapologetically, fully aware of who she is, understanding that each scar tells a story of resilience and survival. In therapy and counselling, this powerful symbolism speaks to the heart of our journey together —learning to embrace your true self, embracing your potential, acknowledging both your strengths and your vulnerabilities, empowered to move forward with clarity and confidence towards self-acceptance, self-compassion and emotional healing. Just as the lioness stands tall, confident in her place in the world, you too are invited to step into your own power, knowing that your unique path and past are what make you beautifully whole.
Welcome
Hi, I'm Kate. I offer person-centred, trauma-aware counselling with a survivor focus in a safe and supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. Based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, I work in-person and also offer online counselling for those who prefer the flexibility of meeting from home.
My approach is compassion focused and disability-affirming, supporting adults and young people (aged 16+) experiencing emotional difficulties, chronic pain, stress, abuse, and trauma. Together, we explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you, helping you process what’s happened, reconnect with yourself, and regain balance. Using approaches such as narrative therapy, we work together to explore your story, make sense of challenging moments, and build greater calm, confidence, and clarity in your everyday life.
Whether you’re working through trauma, adjusting to life transitions, or simply need a safe, non-judgemental space to reflect, I’m here to offer acceptance, honesty, insight and understanding, and steady support as you move forward.
Reclaim your voice. I’m listening.
Therapy with me
At the heart of my work is creating a safe compassionate space where together we can explore emotional difficulties and discover a sense of authenticity and control in your life. My approach is rooted in the belief that healing from what’s happened to you begins when you feel truly seen, heard and understood. I gently support you in sharing untold, perhaps silenced, chapters of your life story in a way that helps you to make sense of how they continue to shape your present. I draw on the courage and strength of a lion as symbolic in guiding your discovery of the lion energy within you to heal. I am disability aware, neurodiverse aware and my special interests are healing from trauma and abuse, chronic pain, invisible illness, disability, family estrangement, domestic abuse and family court.
Speak in Confidence
Counselling takes place in a safe space, where you can meet with someone who will listen with sensitivity and empathy - and without judgement. In the therapy space thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and in confidence.
A problem shared...
Trouble with a relationship; anxiety or panic attacks; mood swings or depression - many people face difficulties in their everyday lives that can be hard to get on top of. Counselling gives us a set of tools we can use to help gain a better understanding of what’s causing these problems - and how you can move towards managing or resolving them.
Make better, healthier new choices
Working together I can help you gain greater insight into the difficulties you are facing, help you understand why you act or react to them the way you do, and see how you can start to make better, heathier choices moving forward.
Testimonials
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me initially with issues such as low mood, self-esteem, confidence, loneliness, friendships & relationships, stress, panic, sleep issues, anger, but often behind these is past or more recent abuse, trauma, bullying and loss. Both lived and professional experience has given me a deeper insight and understanding into the following specialisms:
Mental load for women
Loss of self
Women’s reproductive health
Single parenting
Domestic abuse & coercive control
Post separation abuse
Family Court
Mother wound
Emotional neglect
Family estrangement
Disability
Chronic pain
Chronic illness
Invisible illness - fibromyalgia, EDS, hEDS, lupus, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
Medical gaslighting
Feeling dismissed by health professionals
ADHD
Autism
BACP Registered Counsellor in Harrogate, North Yorkshire
A little about me – Kate
Books, theatre and film bring me a lot of joy. I love stories, whether a great book, a trip to the theatre or a cosy film night. These things bring me a lot of joy. My to-be-read bookshelf is proof that I can’t resist a good bookshop browse. Everywhere in life are stories. I like to think of it full of curiosity at the possibilities of stories yet to be experienced just like in counselling where personal stories unfold at their own pace. I believe in the power of words to transform, the power of telling our stories, having our voices heard. I believe that our stories matter.
I treasure balancing the noise of busy modern life with quiet and calm. I bring that same sense of warmth, calm, down to earth and kindness and gentle acceptance, realness into my counselling work – creating a space where people can slow down, feel heard, reflect and explore what’s happening or happened in their lives and simply be themselves.
Whether you’re navigating overwhelm, anxiety, stress, burnout, or looking to reconnect with yourself, I aim to make therapy a place where you can breathe, reflect, and find your own way forward. I believe therapy can help you reconnect with who you are and find your own way forward. I offer gentle, supportive therapy to help you find balance, understanding, and a sense of ease.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You're welcome to get in touch in whatever way you prefer — call, text, WhatsApp, or email.
I'll respond to your enquiry within one working day and whatever you choose to share is treated with care and confidentiality.
Frequently asked questions
What happens in counselling?
Counselling gives you a safe, steady space to talk about what you’re going through — at your pace, in your own words. We explore your experiences, feelings, and the impact they’ve had on you, especially if you’ve
felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or unheard. There’s no pressure to be “sorted” or to know where to begin. We work together gently, making sense of what’s happened and supporting you to reconnect with yourself.
How long will I need to have counselling?
It’s completely your choice. I offer open‑ended therapy so there’s no pressure. Some experiences need time to unfold. We go at a pace that feels safe for you, especially when trauma or abuse is part of your story. Feeling steady and supported comes first.
How do I know if I need counselling?
You might benefit from counselling if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, unheard, or unsure of who you are anymore. Many women come to me after years of coping alone with chronic illness, emotional pain, trauma, or relationships that have taken a toll on their wellbeing. If you’re worn down from holding so much, or longing for a space where your voice is heard and truly understood, counselling can help.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Can counselling help with chronic illness or chronic pain?
Yes. Counselling can be incredibly supportive when you’re living with chronic illness or pain. Together we may look at the emotional impact — the exhaustion, frustration, grief, identity shifts, and the experience of not being believed (by friends, family and professionals, society), as well as the strain on friendships and relationships.
From my own lived experience, I know how valuable online communities and support groups can be to feel less alone. Therapy can give you something alongside that – a quiet, calm space that’s just for you.
A lot of our work is about the messages you may have absorbed over time: the harsh things you may tell yourself or messages from others.
Narrative Therapy helps us gently separate you from the painful stories illness, pain, or past relationships have written for you. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps to gently shift energy to the things that matter to you and bring you a sense of meaning or enjoyment. Together, we soften your inner voices, build up more self-compassion, and create new ways of relating to yourself that aren’t defined by symptoms or struggle.
Can counselling help for domestic abuse and family court support?
Counselling can help you understand and process your experiences of domestic abuse and post separation abuse and control, including challenges related to family court. We prioritise your safety, boundaries, and well-being, moving gently and at your pace. Therapy can support you in rebuilding safety, regaining control, and reconnecting with parts of yourself that may have been silenced or lost. You don’t need to share everything at once — we can start with one chapter of your story. Our approach is trauma-aware and empowering, focusing on your needs and supporting positive change.
Can counselling help with trauma?
Yes. Trauma can leave you feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure of who you are. Trauma-informed therapy provides a calm, safe space to make sense of your experiences. You don’t need to relive what happened — we work gently and safely, at a pace that feels manageable for you, helping you regain control, reconnect with yourself, and rebuild a sense of safety
My location
In-person sessions take place in a ground floor room with step-free access in Harrogate, 0.5 miles from Hornbeam Park Station, 0.1 miles from the No 36 bus stop. There is free on-street parking. There are ground floor toilet facilities. The dedicated therapy room is light and airy with adjustable blinds, and in winter or evenings the lighting can be easily softened. There are plenty of different textured cushions and throws for something grounding or comforting. I do have a couple of little lionesses - they're not official therapy cats (though they do love cuddles) and they don't go into the therapy room - if you have an allergy please let me know.
Fees & availability
Sessions are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the daytime, with some early evening spaces. Introductory calls typically are on other weekdays. I have a small number of Saturday‑morning appointments available.
Accessibility, choice and flexibility are at the heart of my practice. Sessions can be weekly, twice a week or fortnightly. You can choose in-person, online or phone, or a blended mix — whatever helps without added pressure with your health and unexpected life stuff. I offer a standard session of 50 minutes at £55 as well as an extended session of 65 minutes at £70. I keep a limited number of reduced‑fee spaces for those on a low income.
Sessions require payment for a cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice except in exceptional circumstances. Payments are made via a banking payment link before a session. Prepayment of session blocks is available.