About Kate Renton
Counsellor and Sand Tray Therapist In Torquay and Online
Welcome. What brings you here?
Taking the time to read about a therapist before reaching out takes courage in itself. I hope what you find here gives you a sense of who I am - not just my training and approach, but how I work and what I believe therapy can offer.
What Led Me Here
.png)
My journey into therapy wasn't a single moment. It was a gradual calling, shaped by both curiosity and personal experience.
I've long been interested in how we become who we are - how early experiences, family dynamics, relationships, and the things life throws at us shape our sense of self. Over time, that curiosity deepened into something more purposeful: a commitment to helping others make sense of their own stories.
My own experience of receiving steady, genuine support during a difficult season showed me how much it can matter to have someone alongside you - someone who listens carefully and holds what you bring without judgement. That experience stayed with me, and it shapes the way I show up for the people I work with.
How I Work
I trained as an integrative therapist, which means I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches rather than working from a single fixed model. The work is shaped around you - your history, your pace, and what feels most useful at any given point.
My role isn't to direct or take over, but to walk alongside you - offering reflection and insight while respecting your autonomy throughout. Nothing here is rushed or forced.
Who I Work With
I work with adults of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. What tends to connect the people I work with is a shared willingness to reflect - not a particular diagnosis or life situation. Many are navigating:
Relationship difficulties or repeating patterns
Grief, loss, or significant life change
Struggles with self-worth or persistent self-criticism
Midlife transitions, menopause, or identity shifts
Childhood experiences or trauma still influencing the present
Anxiety, low mood, or feeling stuck without knowing why
You don't need to arrive with the right words. A willingness to begin is enough. I welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences, and aim to create a space where you can feel safe to be fully yourself.
Pride ally
What I Offer
In Person Counselling
​
If you're looking for face-to-face counselling in Torquay, I offer one-to-one sessions from two practice locations in Torquay - Babbacombe and Wellswood - each providing a quiet, private setting where you can take your time to settle.
Online Counselling
​
For many people, talking from their own home can make it easier to open up. I offer online counselling for adults across the UK via Zoom, with the same care, confidentiality, and attention you would expect from in-person work.
Sand Tray Therapy​​
I'm also a trained sand tray practitioner. Using figures and a tray of sand, you create a scene that reflects something of your inner world - a creative and visual way of working that can bring clarity to feelings that are difficult to put into words.
My Values
My work is grounded in professional training, giving me a strong foundation in psychological theory and ethical practice. This allows me to offer a space that is safe, thoughtful, and carefully held - somewhere you can feel at ease to be yourself. At the heart of how I work are a few core values:
Empathy
I will seek to understand your perspective as fully as I can. Feeling truly heard and understood can be a powerful place to begin.
Acceptance
You will be met without judgement, and with respect for who you are and what matters to you. The ways you’ve learned to cope and protect yourself make sense, and they deserve to be explored with care.
Authenticity
I am genuine and real in our work together. Alongside careful listening, I bring warmth, curiosity, and at times, humour, because I believe meaningful change happens within a real, human connection.
Your capacity for growth
I trust in each person’s ability to grow and change, even if that doesn’t feel possible right now. This is your space and your process. I won’t tell you what to do, but I will walk alongside you, offering a thoughtful and experienced perspective to help you make sense of things and find a way forward that feels right for you.
My Qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Trained Sand Tray Therapy Practitioner
Registered Member of the BACP
Wellswood
My Spaces
I see clients face-to-face from my two spaces in Babbacombe and Wellswood in Torquay - both quiet and private with free parking nearby. Online sessions are available via Zoom for clients across the UK.
Sessions are one hour. Weekly, fortnightly, or occasional - whatever rhythm suits you.
Contact Me
Reaching out can feel like a big step. There's no pressure here - fill in the form below and I'll endeavour to respond within 24 hours to arrange a free 30-minute initial conversation, with no obligation to continue.​
​​
Sessions are £55 per 60 minutes. I also offer a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for those on lower incomes.
​
If you'd prefer to reach my another way, feel free to email me at kate@katerentoncounselling.co.uk.
​
I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your path to well-being.​
SEG L4 Dip Therapeutic Counsellor
.png)
.png)
