I’m Kirsty

Smiling woman with short blonde hair, blue eyes, earrings, and a necklace against a dark background

My name is Kirsty Wrightson and I’m a qualified, experienced psychodynamic therapist based in St Albans and Stevenage, Hertfordshire.    

As well as my private practice, I offer counselling sessions at a local mental health charity, meaning that I’ve encountered clients from many different walks of life, of various backgrounds and identities.

Get in touch

My strengths

I believe that my strength as a therapist lies in my genuine, and deep, curiosity about the person in front of me, and my readiness to stay alongside someone when things aren't straightforward.

People can arrive in therapy with a diagnosis, a label, or an idea that something is “wrong” with them. They might describe their experience with words like:

Word cloud featuring mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, low self-esteem, burnout, insomnia, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, family-origin issues, identity questioning, and work issues.

In my experience, labels like these are often only part of the picture. 

What interests me is the individual meaning they hold for you — how things feel for you, what they mean to you, and how your experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and the world around you. 

I will not make assumptions about who you are or what you need, nor will I try to lead you towards a particular version of yourself.  If there was an obvious “fix” or straightforward solution, you probably wouldn’t be seeking counselling.

I’m about deeper understanding and lasting change - and I’m looking forward to us both getting to know you better.

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My qualifications

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    Always Learning

    My psychodynamic training reflects my commitment to depth over quick fixes.  In addition to the qualifications listed, I have recently completed CPD on topics such as working with anger, exploring sexual problems, and supporting clients who have experienced relational trauma. I am also in the process of completing an Advanced Post Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

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    Registered Member of the BACP

    I am a Registered Member of BACP (no. 420678) and work within their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. You can feel confident that my practice is safe, ethical and up to date.

  • The Counselling Foundation logo with purple and turquoise leaf symbol and the tagline “Promoting Positive Mental Health.”

    Postgraduate Diploma, Psychodynamic Counselling

    The Counselling Foundation

    The Counselling Foundation is one of the UK’s leading providers of contemporary psychodynamic training. Their diploma maps to SCoPEd Column B.

  • University of Cambridge coat of arms above the words “University of Cambridge”

    BA Honours, Modern and Medieval Languages

    University of Cambridge

    Through my degree, I have studied and learned to speak Spanish, Catalan and French. Immersing myself in other languages and cultures has increased my understanding of others and supports my commitment to anti-oppressive practice.

Looking after you

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    DBS Checked

    I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate, supporting safe practice when working with adults and young people aged 16 and over.

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    Confidential

    I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO no. 1234) and follow UK data protection requirements to keep your information secure and confidential.

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    Fully Insured

    I hold professional indemnity insurance as part of my commitment to responsible and professional practice.

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    Transparent

    I understand that beginning therapy can feel daunting and I want it to feel as straightforward as possible. I am always willing to listen to and answer your questions. My FAQs page is a great place to start.