Dr Kathy Thwaites
Counselling Psychologist; HCPC
I am a HCPC-registered Counselling Psychologist with extensive experience supporting adults experiencing a wide range of psychological and physical health difficulties. Throughout my career, I have worked across NHS mental health and physical health services, helping people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and the emotional impact of long-term health conditions.
I believe therapy should be a collaborative process that is shaped around your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. Whether you are seeking support for a specific difficulty or looking to better understand yourself, I aim to provide a compassionate, non-judgemental environment where you feel listened to, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes.
Areas of Expertise
Throughout my career, I have supported adults experiencing a broad spectrum of psychological difficulties, including:
Illness and chronic pain
Trauma, abuse, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Eating disorders and eating difficulties
Adjustment to life changes and difficult experiences
A significant part of my clinical work has focused on the psychological impact of physical health conditions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals living with chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, cancer diagnoses, and other long-term health conditions, helping people manage the emotional challenges that often accompany physical illness.
I also have experience working within weight management services and supporting adults who are exploring neurodiversity. More recently, I have undertaken adult ADHD assessments and provide therapeutic support for individuals who have received a diagnosis or wish to better understand their neurodivergent traits and experiences.
Therapeutic Approaches
My therapeutic approach is integrative, allowing therapy to be tailored to the individual rather than following a single model. I work collaboratively with clients to find the approaches that feel most relevant and helpful for their unique situation. The therapeutic models that most inform my work include:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Helping individuals develop psychological flexibility and live in line with their personal values.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – Supporting clients in reducing self-criticism and developing greater self-compassion.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Developing greater awareness of thoughts and emotions while reducing their impact on daily life.
Depending on your goals, therapy may involve exploring past experiences and longstanding patterns, or it may focus on practical strategies to help you manage current difficulties and move forward with confidence.
Professional Background & Qualifications
I have worked extensively within NHS adult mental health and physical health services, providing psychological assessment and therapy for individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological and health-related difficulties. My clinical experience spans community mental health services, specialist physical health teams, and weight management services, giving me a broad understanding of the interaction between physical and emotional wellbeing.
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) – University of Teesside
Psychologist Horsforth
At Oak Grove Psychology, we are committed to providing professional, evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are looking for support with anxiety, trauma, physical health challenges, neurodiversity, or another area of emotional wellbeing, we are here to help.
Arrange a Consultation
Contact us today using the form to arrange an initial consultation, call us on 07359 577 510, or email us at drannanorris@oakgrovepsychology.co.uk.

