Ave Kotze

I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy, currently weekday evening and Saturday morning appointments, online only. 

My name is Ave and I am a qualified counsellor, working towards accreditation as a Counselling Psychologist (in final year). I have worked with adults, older adults and learning disability mental health services withing the NHS for the past 5 years, helping people overcome a wide range of psychological, emotional, relational and behavioural difficulties.

I consider myself to be a pluralistic psychotherapist, drawing on a variety of psychological theories and models to inform the therapeutic work, most suitable to meet your needs. I have had training in Humanistic, Person Centred, Relational Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy (CBT), Systemic Therapy, also in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).   

Life is like a sea, sometimes calm and peaceful, waves gently carrying us through the days. Other times, it can become rough and stormy, making it a real struggle to stay afloat. There are times when life becomes overwhelming, feeling as if we're losing control. Emotions can become unmanageable and relationships might start to crumble despite our best efforts. But as a wise man once said:

"You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"

                                                                                      - JON KABAT-ZINN

I believe therapy can do just that, help us surf the everchanging sea. Let me become your anchor, to steady you in the stormy sea. To accompany you on your journey towards calmer seas, by providing support and understanding, compassion and safety, all in the confidential, non-judgemental online space. 

The first session gives us an opportunity to meet and calm the nerves we are both likely to feel to some extent. The session will allow us to start to explore what has brought you to therapy and what your best hope for the therapy are. We would also discuss the frequency of your sessions as not everyone wants to have weekly sessions. Most importantly, the first session will allow you to consider if I am the right therapist for you.