Experienced
My background includes five years working as a CBT therapist at the University of Sussex, seven years in NHS services and many years in private practice.
About Kim Leader
Straight talking, compassionate and focused.
I am an NHS-trained Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and one of Brighton’s longest-established hypnotherapists.
I have more than 22 years of therapeutic experience across mental health, addictions, private practice, higher education and NHS services.
22 years
Varied therapeutic experience in mental health,
addictions and psychological therapy.
In a nutshell
Therapy with warmth, honesty and direction.
My role is to understand what you are facing, help you find useful ways forward and provide a therapeutic relationship that feels both supportive and purposeful.
Direct but compassionate
You will find me straight talking, honest and willing to challenge where that is useful, while remaining caring, respectful and compassionate.
Focused on progress
I aim to help you find solutions as efficiently as possible without rushing you or applying pressure to move faster than feels right.
The right fit matters
I understand that I will not be the right therapist for everyone. It is important to choose someone who you believe understands your concerns and can help you move forward.
My approach
A strong relationship, with an active ingredient.
The relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest indicators of change. It matters that you feel warmth towards the person you are seeing, and that you receive care, understanding and respect in return.
At the same time, getting on well together may not be enough to resolve the issue that brought you to therapy. I therefore combine the relationship with active psychological methods, practical strategies and a clear focus on your goals.
I will help sessions stay connected to the issue you want to change, while remaining flexible enough to explore other areas when they are genuinely relevant.
Some people come for short-term, goal-focused therapy. Others want longer-term emotional support and exploration. Both are welcome.
My experience
Broad professional experience across therapy, mental health and addictions.
My work has included clinical practice, supervision, lecturing, professional training and specialist mental health and substance misuse services.
Private practice
Extensive experience working therapeutically with clients presenting with a wide range of common and complex concerns.
NHS services
Seven years working in primary-care mental health, including assessment and evidence-based treatment.
University of Sussex
Five years supporting students as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.
Clinical supervision
Senior registered hypnotherapist, supervisor to practising hypnotherapists and supervisor to trainee CBT therapists.
Anxiety and depression
Specialist experience with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, health anxiety, panic, social anxiety and phobias.
Addictions
Extensive professional experience in substance misuse, addictive behaviour, education and specialist services.
Teaching and lecturing
Previous lecturing roles at Chichester University, Chichester College and Sussex Downs College.
Professional training
Training delivered to hundreds of professionals across Sussex on therapeutic practice, mental health, communication and boundaries.
Emotional regulation
Experience supporting psychoeducational programmes for people diagnosed with BPD or EUPD.
My training
Clinical training across several therapeutic approaches.
My core qualifications are supported by additional training in evidence-based therapy, counselling, addictions, emotional regulation and professional education.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Wellbeing Practice
- Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy
- Certificate in Counselling
- Certificate in Initial Counselling Skills
- Solution Focused Brief Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner
- Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner
- OCD Masterclass
- Depression and Stress
- Anger Management
- Primary and Secondary Attachment
- Working with Vulnerable Young People
- Dealing with Family Breakdown
- Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
- A1 NVQ Assessor in Health and Social Care
- Training for Trainers
Professional standing
Registration, membership and supervision.
General Hypnotherapy Register
Senior registered hypnotherapist with recognised specialist areas and professional validation through the General Hypnotherapy Register.
BABCP
Member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, the principal professional organisation for CBT in the UK.
Hypnotherapy supervision
Professional supervision is available to practising and trainee hypnotherapists.
Appointment times
Face-to-face and online therapy.
Face-to-face sessions are offered in Brighton, with greater flexibility available for online appointments.
I do not work weekends. Please contact me directly to confirm current availability.
| Face-to-face | Thursday evenings at 6:00pm or 7:30pm |
|---|---|
| Online | Monday to Friday, generally between 8:00am and 4:00pm |
| Weekends | No weekend appointments |
Client experiences
Read what other people have said.
Client testimonials offer a clearer sense of how people have experienced my approach and the changes they have made through therapy.
Free telephone consultation
Would you like to talk things through?
Contact me for a free initial telephone conversation. You can ask questions, explain what has been happening and decide whether working together feels right.