Kirsty Richardson
Trauma-Informed Counsellor
I’m a qualified Trauma-Informed Counsellor dedicated to supporting recovery from complex trauma in a holistic way, drawing on many years of experience with people facing significant psychological and social challenges. I have a particular focus on recovery from adverse childhood experiences and trauma arising in all types of relationships, including romantic, family, and other interpersonal connections. I offer both general counselling sessions and deeper trauma-focused work, depending on each person’s needs and readiness.
A Bit About Me
Background & Training
I have over 15 years of ongoing professional experience supporting adults with complex mental health and social care needs, including case management roles in adult social services- (prevention and reablement), housing scheme management, and mental health crisis support. This work has exposed me to a wide range of trauma presentations, substance misuse, carer distress, neurodivergence, homelessness and re-entry from the justice system, safeguarding concerns, and relational harm; experience that guides my counselling practice. In addition to this and counselling training, I have undertaken further study in psychology and mental health, as well as extensive CPD in trauma, abuse, personality disorders, neurodivergence, and related areas. This combination of training, qualifications, and hands-on experience has shaped a holistic and intersectional understanding of trauma.
Alongside my professional background, I have first-hand experience of complex trauma and chronic illness. This insight allows me to meet clients with deep empathy and to understand the healing journey from the inside.
I’m currently studying a (CPCAB Post Qual) Diploma in Somatic-Informed Trauma Therapy, which integrates psychodynamic theory with trauma and somatic psychology, for direct support of shock trauma (single-event), developmental and transgenerational trauma, and complex PTSD. This approach, informed by leading trauma practitioners such as Bessel van der Kolk and Peter Levine, recognises the mind–body system as central to healing.
Focus & Approach
I offer trauma-informed counselling as well as somatic-informed trauma work. My approach is integrative and blends a person-centred foundation with psychodynamic and trauma-informed principles, supporting you to reconnect with yourself, rebuild safety in your body, and restore self-trust and confidence. Sessions may explore how early experiences influence the present, work creatively, or trace limiting patterns. Where helpful, I provide psychoeducation to help you understand trauma responses, attachment patterns, and nervous system regulation, empowering you with insight as part of your healing journey.
I also support clients in recognising subtle patterns of psychological harm, such as manipulation, gaslighting, or triangulation, that can erode confidence and trust.
Areas I work with:
Neurodiversity & Sensitivity
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Neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia)
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HSP/Hyper-Empathy
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Trauma from Neurotypical Preference / Societal Norms/ Neurodivergent Experiences
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Neurodivergent Masking and Burnout
Emotional & Mental Health
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Stress & Burnout
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Low Self-Confidence/ Self-Esteem
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Mental Health Support
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Coping with Grief and Loss
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Complex and Disenfranchised Grief
Trauma & Abuse
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Complex and Single-Event Trauma
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Intersectional/ Cumulative Trauma
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Childhood Abuse (including sexual, physical, emotional abuse, neglect, scapegoating)
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Minority Trauma / Discrimination-Related Trauma
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Domestic Abuse & Coercive Control
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Relationship Dynamics & Power in Platonic Relationships
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Sibling Abuse
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Narcissistic Abuse
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Emotional/Psychological Abuse (e.g., chronic invalidation, silent treatment, humiliation, exclusion)
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Passive-Aggressive Behaviour
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Betrayal Trauma
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Parental Alienation
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Attachment-Related Issues
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Secondary Trauma from Invalidation/ Not Being Believed
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Cycles of Past Experiences (repetition compulsion)
Family & Relationship Dynamics
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Children of Military or Authoritarian Parents
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High-achievement or Perfectionism Patterns
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Parentification
Workplace & Social Challenges
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Workplace Bullying
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Smear Campaigns
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Assertiveness & Boundary Setting
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Developing Positive Relationships
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Vicarious Trauma
Health & Carer Support
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Chronic Illness/Disability, and Cognitive/Sensory Impairments
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Brain Injury
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Supporting Wellbeing in Carers
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Caring for Someone with Substance Misuse, Mental/Physical Health Issues
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Compassion Fatigue
I also work within a sex-positive framework.
Accessibility & Inclusion
My practice is inclusive and accessible, and I hold space with understanding and respect for neurodivergent clients, those living with disability/chronic illness, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I’m committed to ensuring therapy is flexible and accessible, offering online and adaptive options to meet individual needs. Please get in touch to find out more about how sessions can be tailored to support you.
Related Expertise
I’m also a Reiki Master and yogi with experiential knowledge of Kundalini and spiritual emergence. While I don’t offer direct spiritual or energetic healing in sessions, I welcome clients who wish to integrate a spiritual dimension into their therapeutic work, and I hold space with sensitivity and respect for individual beliefs and experiences.
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