About Katherine
As a young adult, I began working in health and social care. I started as an orderly in a home for the elderly and later became a counsellor in a residential treatment centre for children. After obtaining my first bachelor’s degree I transitioned to working as a special needs assistant in multiple primary schools. In 2012, I embarked on a journey to become a psychotherapist.
My academic path is marked by a strong foundation in literature complemented by studies in writing at Cambridge. My commitment to mental health led me to earn an MSc in psychotherapy and a PhD in Counselling Studies from the University of Edinburgh.
Since 2013, I’ve been delivering workshops and lectures on how to work with complex trauma in autistic individuals at various venues, including the United Kingdom Council of Counselling and Psychotherapy, The Autism Show in London, and as a recurring Guest Lecturer at Edinburgh University. Finally, in fall 2023, after years of experience, I hosted my first private workshop.
I was moved by the interest in the connection between autism and complex trauma from the people I met during my engagements. It quickly became evident to many that there was a significant link, resulting in an overwhelming number of requests for online training.
So, during the winter, I scaled back my other work as much as possible to create an online training program. The Trauma Informed Support Model is the culmination of my PhD research, which aimed to examine how being misunderstood affects the well-being and development of autistic individuals, leading to complex trauma.
My clients often bring forth common themes such as experiencing bullying, public shaming, or feeling repeatedly misunderstood. Many have been subjected to messages that their negative reactions are irrational due to their neurodivergence, leading to a secondary trauma called invalidation trauma, resulting in complex trauma from institutional abuse or societal discrimination.
As an openly autistic psychotherapist and a parent of neurodivergent individuals (no longer children), my practice is dedicated to working with neurodivergent people and their careers. I have a deep understanding of how normative bias affects individuals who are perceived as different. Within my practice, I focus extensively on addressing complex trauma stemming from institutional abuse and societal discrimination.
My clients often bring forth common themes such as experiencing bullying, public shaming, or feeling repeatedly misunderstood. Many have been subjected to messages that their negative reactions are irrational due to their neurodivergence, leading to a secondary trauma called invalidation trauma, resulting in complex trauma from institutional abuse or societal discrimination.
Living under constant scrutiny and judgment can induce a hyper-vigilant state, causing chronic self-policing anxiety. This state of hyperarousal can adversely affect the nervous system, leading to conditions such as chronic fatigue, arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, and cardiac problems. While resilience may be necessary for survival, I firmly believe that allowing ourselves to process emotions is vital for long-term well-being.
In my practice, I primarily offer talk therapy, providing clients with a safe space to express themselves freely. Talking therapy allows for a much-needed ‘weekly brain dump,’ helping clients examine their experiences from a new perspective or a safe distance. Additionally, it offers the reassurance and understanding that individuals who have experienced institutional gaslighting often require.
Ultimately, therapy becomes a space for clients to reconnect with themselves and regain their sense of sanity after enduring abuse and challenges from others. My aim is to empower clients to find healing, understanding, and self-compassion while equipping them with valuable tools for their journey ahead.
Aside from therapy, I recommend focusing on self-care practices, such as ensuring quality sleep, practicing meditative breathing, and journaling. These, along with staying mindful of bodily sensations, contribute significantly to overall well-being. For clients with the capacity, I suggest engaging in gentle physical activities, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre, protein, and good fats, spending time with music, and enjoying sunshine.
Other articles of mine can be seen on HUFFPOST & SPECIAL NEEDS JUNGLE
