Kathy Hoggart

Couple Counselling Rye

My name is Kathy and I’m a fully qualified and experienced relationship counsellor at Relationship Counselling Kent.

My training and experience in couple counselling was achieved through ‘Relate’ where I worked for over twenty years.  I have worked with hundreds of individuals, heterosexual and same-sex couples helping them to achieve change.

In the past I worked as a family mediator, assisting couples come to terms with separation and the practical elements involved. Alongside being involved in mediation between parents and/or young adults experiencing a relationship breakdown.

I have attended many workshops and courses on a variety of subjects, such as Cultural Diversity, Mental Health and Attachment issues. I am committed to continuing my professional development.

My approach to couple therapy

Many couples have told me they find me empathic, non-judgemental and easy to work with.  The relationship problems brought to counselling are always varied but no problem is too big or too small. Some of the most common relationship concerns might include poor communication, arguments, loss, an affair or simply growing apart.

I work intuitively with a person-centred focus which means we will work at your pace and from your life perspective.  My aim is to build a rapport between us which will be about confidentiality, good listening, mutual respect and neutrality.  I will provide a comfortable and safe space to talk about the particular aspects you are struggling with.  Hopefully this will enable you to feel confident about sharing your story with me and working through your feelings.

I will support you whilst you try to understand what you need for yourself, and from each other, in order to bring about the desired change.  I will encourage you both to be open and honest. At times, I will reflect back what you tell me so you can begin to see things from the other’s perspective and listen to each other more effectively.  These are small, but important steps in helping break a cycle of behaviour which is having a negative impact on your relationship.

It is important that you both feel comfortable with me. At the end of the first session I will check out how you are feeling and what you hope to achieve from the counselling. We can review this throughout the process.

What to expect

Couple counselling is about ensuring that each person feels heard and taken seriously.  I won’t take sides or attribute blame.  I will respect your individual positions and time-manage the session. This will allow you both the opportunity to say what is important to you.

I use a variety of therapeutic approaches but often my work is solution-focused. Together, we can think about what will be most useful for you to achieve your goals.  It is also important to acknowledge how family history might influence patterns of behaviour within your current relationship. This can help you gain insights into how you relate to each other.

I appreciate that it might feel like a difficult journey to undertake, especially when feeling fragile. My job is to help you feel safe while you explore what is happening and why, so that you can look at your options and decide how to move forward.

Ethical standards

I work within the code of ethics and the BACP ethical framework and undertake regular professional development and clinical supervision. I also have up to date professional indemnity insurance.

If you would like to make an appointment to see Kathy for couple counselling either online or in Rye then please contact her via Relationship Counselling Kent today. Request an appointment