Kate Farmer
Counsellor in Chorley

My early childhood was difficult, traumatic, and challenging as it would be for those raised into domestic violence homes. From an incredibly young age I learned, in my own way, how to survive. In my early teens I felt that these survival skills had made me stronger.
I left school with few qualifications, and I didn't know it then, but I had exceptionally low self-worth. I entered a toxic relationship that was not too dissimilar to my early childhood experiences, but I was eventually strong enough to recognise this and leave this environment.
Despite this, I started working in a Therapeutic Residential Children's Home which was both rewarding and challenging, especially when dealing with children having experienced abuse at the hands of their caregivers. I began to realise that I was not alone in this situation, and that there were others worse off than me. I gained valuable insights from the psychotherapist, and from there on I knew where my passion lay, and where I was heading in my career. I found a field where I could make a positive impact and continue to grow both personally and professionally, while making a significant difference in those children's lives, training in ‘life story' work.
I took a role in personal insolvency, market leaders, helping people experiencing overwhelming debt, and supporting them, over a 5-year term, in choosing their quickest and cheapest route of debt. This was incredibly rewarding and an extremely interesting job as it was little known to most people, at that time.
More recently, I have worked in the social housing sector, emergency out-of-hours services, which included wearing different hats. Collaborating with local councils on various issues such as homelessness, safeguarding, dementia, hoarding, self-harm, and mental health is vital work - I was able to incorporate skills used in my counselling training to aid my work. My involvement in keeping people safe and supporting them to live independently at home is incredibly valuable to individuals, families, and communities.
My counselling journey demonstrates resilience and a passion for helping vulnerable individuals. My experience in addiction services, working with the judicial system, homeless individuals, suicide ideation and severe mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and disassociation demonstrates my dedication to helping those in need across a wide spectrum of circumstances. Working for the NHS in Bolton, and a charity in Leeds, providing online and telephone counselling, shows my commitment to making mental health accessible and available to different settings and communities. My multifaceted experience enables me to approach each situation with empathy, understanding, and the necessary skills to provide effective support and assistance, with a deeper knowledge of how to keep them safe.
Pursuing a career in counselling, especially in the contexts where individuals have experienced trauma, addiction, grief, and poor mental health requires empathy, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning.
My own counselling journey has been a profound and transformative experience. Reflecting on how far I have come can be incredibly rewarding yet incredibly challenging, one that has tested me physically and emotionally. Dealing with my own cancer diagnosis and supporting my daughter through her Autism diagnosis at that time, was quite a challenge, but I was fortunate to have cultivated a tight network of support.
Facing diversity can be overwhelming, but its also an opportunity for growth and resilience. I hope my experience can serve as a source of inspiration for others who may be going through similar struggles. I have already demonstrated incredible strength and resilience, and that will continue to carry me forward.
Life is a journey - not a destination as they say!

Background & Counselling Qualifications

Cruse Bereavement
Suicidal Ideation & Self-Harm
Autism
Drug & Alcohol Awareness
Homelessness
Motivational Interviewing
Challenging Situations
Mental Health First Aider
Safeguarding
Telephone & E-counselling
Dementia Ambassador

My Specialisms

Grief, Loss & Bereavement
Addictions
Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression
Suicide Ideation & Self Harm
Relationships
Autism
Stress & Anxiety
Trauma & PTSD
Confidence & Self-Esteem

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

Counselling is an opportunity for you to discuss your emotional issues with a trained
person-centred counsellor which means I will promote resilience, enabling you to make your own choices and decisions, in a safe and confidential environment - after all, you are the master of your life.

You only discuss what you feel you are ready to talk about, and will not be asked to talk about things you don't want to.

I look forward to hearing you.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Counselling	Online/Telephone	£50 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

I offer reduced rates to students, and I often have a certain number of spaces available for OAP's/people on benefits. Watch out for me on Facebook or Instagram, as I may on occasion, offer special discounts.