Welcome! I’m Kathryn.

Many people come to counselling feeling unsure if their story matters, uncertain about how to begin, or overwhelmed by the process. Children and youth especially may struggle to put words to their experiences, leaving them feeling isolated or misunderstood.

I take a relationship-first, humanistic approach that honours each client’s unique story. I am especially passionate about working with children and youth, and I believe that providing them with space, safety, and genuine connection is essential to working through challenges. Alongside talk therapy, I often integrate experiential learning and movement-based approaches to help clients connect more deeply with themselves.

Clients begin to feel truly heard, valued, and empowered to move forward with confidence. My goal is to walk alongside each person with empathy and care, supporting them in discovering the strength and wisdom they already carry within.

Experience

Kathryn Shaw is a counsellor and educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience and is completing her final year of her Masters of Education in School Counselling through City University. She currently works in an Alternate School setting, supporting students who are navigating behavioural or mental health challenges while continuing their academic learning.

Her background includes working across a variety of educational settings, facilitating social-emotional learning groups, and integrating experiential practices that engage both mind and body in the healing process. Kathryn’s work is rooted in building trusting relationships, where clients of all ages—especially children and youth—feel safe to share their stories and grow at their own pace.

Client Focus

•          Individuals: children (6+), youth, and adults

•          Families

Types of Therapy

•          Person-Centred / Humanistic

•          CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

•          DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy)

•          Trauma-informed approaches

Specialties:

Anxiety, suicidal ideation, child and youth concerns, depression, self-esteem, trauma, grief, life transitions

Outside of Counselling

Outside of my counselling work, I am a mother of two boys who inspire me daily to see the world with curiosity and compassion. I love cooking and experimenting with new recipes, getting lost in a good book, and being outdoors with my animals, where I feel most at peace. These passions ground me and remind me of the importance of balance, connection, and joy in everyday life.