I offer unique, person centred, solution focussed coaching sessions where I build trust and form relationships with the client to enable them to start to unpick the challenges they are facing on a day-to-day basis. My own love of learning has sent me on an amazing journey where the more I learn, the less I know. I’m constantly trying to improve my own tool box and increase my knowledge in order to better help those who have reached out to me.
My name is Kate Gummett, and I have worked with children for more than 20 years. I started my career as a primary school teacher, getting a BEd in Literacy, Numeracy and Special Educational Needs in 2003 and taught in several mainstream and special schools. After leaving teaching in 2010 to have my son, I realised that I wanted something different to teaching and went back to school myself. I completed a diploma in child psychology at Derby University in 2014 and then a Masters in Psychology of Education at Manchester University. Following on from this, I worked as a coach for a behaviour initiative for two years where I supported 35 teachers in nine different schools in implementing the initiative and working with them to help them meet the needs of the children in their care. I also spent some time working for the National Teaching and Advisory Service (NT&AS) where I tutored children who weren’t able to access mainstream education. Please have a look at my qualification section for further details.
I am also the Chair of Governors at a local primary school, where I have been a governor for nine years. This helps me understand how the school system is currently working and I’m able to use this knowledge to better support the young people I work with. As a working mum, I am fully aware of the difficulties and challenges we all face as parents, and I work closely with the whole family to support all of you in whatever way you need supporting.
If you are unsure about whether you think I would be suitable to support you, please have a look at the testimonials below, or reach out to chat with me on 07813 623 428 or via email on enquiries@kiteconsultancy.co.uk.
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The difference Kate has made to my child and indeed our family is amazing. Through gentle coaching, "games", quizzes and conversations she managed to get through to our daughter in ways that we were unable to. She was able to give her the tools to not only feel better in the short term but have a new outlook and new approach to her difficulties in the long-term too. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Kate and will definitely keep in touch.
AL
My daughter was really suffering with anxiety. I was initially reluctant to seek help, I was in ‘mum can fix everything mode’. It turns out I can’t alone. With professional guidance and support Kate has really helped my daughter. Reaching out for help was the best decision we have ever made. It's been lovely to see my daughter regain confidence, gain skills and open up about what was really worrying her. It isn’t just my daughter who has learnt new things about herself, I have too. Kate is so friendly, approachable and professional. Thank you Kate!
EC
My daughter has suffered with crippling anxiety which was impacting her daily life and was in turn causing her depression. She honestly couldn’t see a way out, even after visiting the doctor and taking medication she was on a downwards spiral and I didn’t know how to help her.
We turned to Kate and honestly I don’t know what would have happened if we hadn’t.
Kate helped her to see the smallest of positives in her week and taught her bit by bit how she could deal with her “tricky bits” which were all consuming at the time. Gradually she was able to see more good things about her weeks and in her days. The change was unbelievable. Kate gave T the time and space to talk about whatever was worrying her and gave her tools to apply to the situations she found difficult. There were some very hard days that were thrown her way that even the most carefree of us would have found had to navigate but Kate was there all the way through to help. Those tricky times became less and more “smiles” were found until my daughter was able to do more than she had been able to for months, maybe years. I know she will never be the most confident person but she’s found a balance and can cope with everyday life much better and is so much stronger than she was, most importantly she’s happy. I know there will be bumps in the road but Kate made it very clear to us that her door is always open to help us. I can’t thank her enough for what she has done and would recommend her in a heartbeat.
JS
Kate is fantastic with my 10 year old daughter, over time they have built a great rapport. She looks forward to her weekly sessions and is now able to engage in effective therapy in a safe and comfortable environment. As a family we are learning and gaining knowledge but most importantly her confidence is growing week by week. Would highly recommend.
LP
We can't believe the mountains Kate has moved with our child, when we look back to where our child was a year ago, to where they are now the change in them is immeasurable.
We were sceptical at first how could a stranger break down the emotional barriers our child had created, when so many other professionals had failed to see the masking and anxiety they were suffering on daily basis. But Kate very quickly gained our child’s trust, respect and confidence none of which are easy to gain from our child. In a very short time Kate helped to strip back the layers of anxiety, gave our child strategies to use, and worked with us to ensure their needs were being met at school too.
Honestly there is nothing Kate won't do to ensure her clients find their happiness.
KC
Kate has been immensely helpful for our family. Not only has she helped our daughter to cope with her feelings and difficult situations, she has helped us to better understand our daughter and given us a toolkit of approaches we can use at home. We all like and value our sessions with her and even though Kate makes her face and talk about things she might not want to hear, our daughter looks forward to seeing her each week.
I am awed by the extent of Kate’s knowledge about so many issues that children and families face. No matter what problems we have presented to her she has the understanding to provide us with simple ways to help and support our daughter. C will listen to Kate and hear the hard truths that she won’t hear from us and Kate isn’t afraid to tackle the real tricky issues. She is always sensitive to everyone’s feelings and these sometimes difficult conversations are calm, caring and supportive whilst also putting clear boundaries and expectations in place.
Would I recommend Kate to others? I do regularly! Everyone should have a Kate in their lives!
OT
Kate has really helped our family unpick some very difficult issues, in particular around trauma and attachment for our adopted son. Kate listened empathetically and provided some good strategies that have been very effective.
JM