Katie Shaw, BACP

Katie Shaw is an integrative counsellor based in Alvechurch in South Birmingham, bringing 22 years of practice to her work with individuals facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem and depression. She blends well-established counselling models - including person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused approaches - to create a tailored plan that reflects each person’s needs and goals. Her training and experience also inform work with a wide range of related concerns such as aging and geriatric issues, attachment difficulties, body image, cancer-related distress, caregiver stress, and family or communication problems.

Katie combines a calm, empathic presence with a practical orientation. She also works in a secondary school and sixth form, supporting students and staff, and she adapts her approach to suit different ages and circumstances. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - the UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists - she follows recognised professional standards and practice.

Katie places the person at the centre of every session and aims to provide an accepting, non-judgmental atmosphere where people can explore their situation, consider options and build greater self-understanding. Therapy focuses on increasing confidence, strengthening self-esteem and helping people move toward more resourceful and satisfying ways of living. Sessions are shaped to meet individual preferences and practical needs, so the therapeutic plan evolves in collaboration with each client.

Therapeutic approaches and flexible online support

Katie Shaw draws on evidence-based methods that are practical and adaptable. Person-centred therapy focuses on offering an empathic, non-judgmental space so people can explore their feelings and build self-acceptance; it is helpful for issues like low self-esteem, grief and life transitions. Cognitive behavioural techniques help identify and adjust unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, making them useful for anxiety, depression and stress management. Solution-focused work concentrates on strengths and attainable goals, supporting clients who want brief, goal-oriented progress or help with specific relationship and communication problems.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Katie works collaboratively with each person to agree on methods that match their needs, goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online sessions - whether by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging - offer practical flexibility for people balancing work, family or health constraints. These options make it easier to access regular support from a registered professional without extensive travel, and they can be arranged to suit different schedules and comfort levels.