Kirsty Richardson, MBACP
Somatic-Informed Trauma Counsellor
I work psychotherapeutically with adults to help them feel safer in their bodies, understand their experiences, and develop practical tools to manage emotions, reactions, and relationships. This means that I not only hold space to listen to your needs, I also help you to work with deeply held trauma and patterns in a way that is safe and supportive.
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, chronic illness and re-entry from the justice system, safeguarding concerns, and relational harm from different vantage points – experiences that guide my counselling practice.
As a counselling practitioner, I have worked directly with people who have experienced domestic violence, as well as issues relating to neurodivergence and mental health.
In addition to my experience, I have qualifications in counselling, psychology and mental health, as well as more specialised training in areas related to trauma, abuse and neurodivergence. This combination of training, qualifications, and hands-on experience has shaped a holistic and intersectional understanding of trauma, where safety is prioritised.
Focus & Approach
Focus
I work directly with people navigating the aftermath of trauma, offering deep understanding and specialised support for:
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Single-Incident Trauma: Distressing, isolated events.
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Complex Developmental Trauma: Repeated exposure to harm, such as childhood abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, or chronic ongoing distress.
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Relational & Emotional Abuse: I have a particular understanding of the psychological dynamics of abuse and how it can create confusion, undermine self-trust, and deeply impact confidence and well-being.
Approach
I am an integrative therapist, which means I draw from multiple therapeutic modalities to best support your unique journey. At the core of my practice is a person-centred foundation—I believe that you are the expert of your own life, and our work is guided by your individual process. My approach is also guided by psychodynamic theory and somatically informed, allowing us to work on a deeper subconscious level.
Areas I have particular understanding of:
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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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) and ongoing abuse, including within families
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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
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Estrangement/No Contact
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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Carer Burn-Out & Compassion Fatigue
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 practitioner 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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