Welcome to Creative Compassion. My name is Joanna Kay.

Welcome to my private practice, Creative Compassion Counselling and Therapy. I’m an integrative therapist and counsellor practicing in Liverpool, L18, Merseyside, UK, online and across the UK. I am also a creative workshop facilitator and deliver workshops and retreats on creative therapeutic practices.

Find me on: Counselling Directory & Psychology Today

What do I offer as a therapist?

As a therapist, I hold the space for you to explore what’s going on for you, together we will work out your therapy goals and find strategies to help you find your way forward in the best way for you.

In therapy, my specialism is working with art and creative tools, such as poetry, creative writing and painting, to process your experiences and help you discover what is going on at an unconscious level. I can provide materials within the session to facilitate this, or I welcome you to bring the work you have created in your own time to sessions. Many clients find this brings a deeper level of understanding that is more difficult to reach through traditional talking therapy.

I love to help clients rediscover and reconnect with their creativity and self-compassion.

GET IN TOUCH

What is compassionate creative arts?

My way of working with clients combines the practices of person-centred therapy (see below), compassion focused practices, mindfulness and person-centred creative arts.

I fell in love with this way of working whilst I was training as a therapist as I was undertaking a project which involved learning about myself through art journalling every day. This inspired me to undertake more training with the Association of Person-Centred Creative Arts and to share these tools with clients.

We will start at a pace that feels comfortable for you; it may be that we begin with establishing our therapeutic relationship through talking therapy to begin with and progress into working with creative expression. We will discuss this together in our first session.

In our sessions, you are welcome to bring your own pictures and words to make sense of your journey; this could be in the form of visual art, illustrations, poetry, song writing or any form of media you feel expresses you. It is all welcome in the space of our therapy session. I want to help you understand it, to learn and grow in the direction you want to go.

It's also OK if you'd like to start with, or only work with words and talking therapy. There is no pressure to take part in anything you feel uncomfortable and I will always check with you each time.

My therapy approach is person-centred and trauma informed at its core. This means I approach therapy with the view ‘you are the expert.’

What is Person-Centred Therapy and how can it help you?

Person-centred therapy is based on the belief that you have the inner resources to grow and heal when offered the right conditions—empathy, acceptance, and genuine understanding. At the heart of this approach is a trusting relationship where you feel truly heard, without judgement.

This way of working can be especially helpful if you've felt powerless or unheard in the past. It gives you space to explore things at your own pace and in your own way.

While person-centred therapy is the foundation of my work, I also draw on other approaches depending on what feels right for you. You’re always in control of the direction we take—therapy is a collaborative process, and your voice is central to it.

BACP Accredited Therapy

As a BACP-accredited therapist, I meet the high standards set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy for ethical practice, professional development, and clinical experience. Accreditation offers you reassurance that I’m committed to working safely, responsibly, and with integrity. It also means I’ve undergone rigorous assessment and continue to reflect on and grow in my practice to offer you the best possible support.

What issues do I work with?

People come to me for help a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through the supportive space of therapy:

Depression

Anxiety

Identity questions

Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, suspected or diagnosed)

Life changes

Loneliness

Spirituality

Grief

Self-hatred

Perfectionism

Feeling stuck

Numbness

Trauma

Body image

Relationships and sex

My qualifications

MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy at Keele University, 2021-2023; Awarded Distinction

CPD in Person-Centre Therapeutic Arts, The Association of Person-Centred Creative Arts, 2023

Foundation in Counselling, Certificate, The Awareness Centre Training Centre, 2020

Other qualifications

BA in English and American Literature, 2015

"I feel like a different person and don't think I could have done these things without Joanna's encouraging support."

Client J.J

Location and Fees

My therapy practice is based in Liverpool L18, offering both face to face sessions in a comfortable, confidential therapy centre (see location below).

Public transport

The nearest train station is Mossley Hill, and can be reached in just under 10 minutes from Liverpool Lime Street. It is under 10 minutes to walk from here in a residential neighbourhood, just off Rose Lane, a road with plenty of cafes to grab a coffee before or after your session.

Driving

If you are accessing the centre by car, there is usually plenty of street parking around the area.

Online therapy

Through Google Meet, we can connect across the UK, including Liverpool, Wirral, Manchester, London, Bristol, and surrounding areas.

Fees

I offer one to one online and in person therapy sessions for £60 per 1 hour session.

Where to find me in Liverpool, L18: The Chesters Wellbeing Centre, 155 Briardale Road, L18 5EJ

"Trust your process"

I am simply here to offer a non-judgemental, empathetic and honest space for you to share your expressions.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Sessions at a time convenient for you

Book Today

Offering appointments during the daytime, evening and weekends, together we can find a time to fit in with your schedule.

Weekdays Mon- Fri 9AM-5PM

Evenings Tues & Weds (6:0PM, 7:15PM)

Weekends Sat & Sun (limited availability, please contact to discuss)

Get in touch

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or to arrange an initial, free, 20 minute consultation if you are interested in therapy sessions. This call gives us the opportunity to explore the reasons you’re considering therapy, discuss how creative approaches could support you, and determine if I’m the right therapist to help you on your journey.

All enquiries are usually answered within 24 hours, and all communication is strictly confidential, using secure phone and email services to ensure your privacy.