ABOUT ME
Kay Johnston - Accredited Counsellor, EMDR Therapist, Coach and Trainer
I'm a BACP Accredited Integrative Therapist and EMDR Practitioner based at The Coach House in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, stress, grief, low confidence, relationship difficulties and life transitions, offering face-to-face and online therapy. Alongside my private practice, I also work as a Supported Therapist for NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board (ICB), providing therapeutic support to individuals with complex mental health needs.
My journey into counselling began after receiving support for post-natal depression. Experiencing first-hand the positive impact that therapy can have inspired me to train as a counsellor and help others navigate life's challenges.
I studied to become a counsellor whilst working full-time as a Distribution Centre Manager. For three years I attended college in the evenings and volunteered my weekends to complete the practical counselling experience required to qualify. It was a challenging period, but one that confirmed my passion for supporting others and helping people realise that change is possible.
Having spent more than 20 years in senior management, I understand first-hand the pressures that work can place on our mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing. During my career I witnessed colleagues struggling with workplace stress, anxiety, confidence issues and personal challenges. Like many people, I have also experienced periods of stress and anxiety myself, caused by the demands of work and family life. These experiences have given me a genuine understanding of how overwhelming life can sometimes feel and the importance of having the right support at the right time.
Over the years I have worked with a diverse range of individuals facing many different challenges. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, low confidence, relationship difficulties or a significant life change, I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood and supported.
Clients often describe me as warm, approachable and down to earth. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is at the heart of my work, and I aim to create a safe and comfortable space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement. Whilst therapy can involve exploring difficult emotions and experiences, sessions do not have to feel intimidating or overly formal. At times, humour and laughter can help us gain perspective, build resilience and make difficult conversations feel more manageable.
When working with a new client, one of the questions I often ask myself is, "What's the best I can do to support this person?" This helps me tailor therapy to each individual's unique needs, goals and circumstances.
My commitment to ongoing professional development has led me to train in CBT, NLP and EMDR, allowing me to offer an integrated and flexible approach tailored to each client. Rather than expecting people to fit into a particular model of therapy, I adapt my approach to suit the individual sitting in front of me.
Through Karma Minds, I offer counselling, EMDR therapy, coaching and wellbeing training, helping individuals and organisations improve mental health, build resilience and create positive change.
A Little More About Me
Outside of therapy, I am passionate about promoting wellbeing within the local community. I run support groups for carers, founded the Oswaldtwistle Laughter Club and volunteer as a Mental Health Ambassador for England Athletics, supporting runners and clubs to improve awareness and understanding of mental health.
I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change when given the right support, understanding and environment. My role is to help you make sense of the challenges you are facing, recognise your strengths and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you'd like to find out more about how I work or discuss whether therapy might be right for you, I'd be happy to hear from you.
📞 07512 477046