About Me 
Hi, here I am again, Sophie Kay.
Thank you for looking at my site and taking the time to read more.  It is really important for you to find someone to work with that you feel a good connection with; someone you can trust.

Sometimes it is only when you meet the person that you can tell.  This is why I offer a free first session for you to ask any questions and to arrange a convenient slot for our sessions. We can book another appointment but if after our session you decide against working with me or you find someone else then just let me know at least 24 hours before our appointment. 

Sometimes you might be unsure, and it's only over time that you become clearer.  For this reason I suggest 4 sessions then a review and you can decide to stop without any reason given after that.  Obviously you can also stop at any time whilst we are working together, with no reason given, I just ask for 24 hours notice before an arranged appointment.  For my benefit it would be helpful to know if there is a particular reason that I might be able to work on, if you feel you could give feedback, but I leave that up to you. 

My Past Qualifications  

This was the book that inspired my career to be a nurse!  It did not really give me adequate insight into the realities of my career choice, but I soon realised them when I left school and worked as an auxiliary nurse in a care of the elderly ward, prior to my general nurse (RGN) training at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. 

I then decided to specialise in children's nursing so I went on to do my RSCN training at Guy's Hospital.  Over this time I worked on children's wards in London and East Sussex before deciding to further train in health visiting in Brighton and Eastbourne, completing a diploma in Professional Studies, RHV.  I had various roles from then on working with families in hospitals and the community.

I moved to specialising in therapeutic work concerning emotional and behavioural problems in children and families in 2005 and for the next 15 years developed my skills in this area by training in person centred counselling, a working in partnership with parents' model, a post graduate diploma in play therapy and an MA in creative writing for therapeutic use.  Through this time I worked directly with parents and children, also exploring family relationships. I completed many other smaller training courses and study days further expanding my skills in working with people going through difficult times.

  I am experienced in working with people in relationships and this was why I went on to specialise in the IFIO model, the relationship branch of IFS.  

My Current Situation

For my 35 year career in the NHS I was registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This meant that I was governed by them and followed the NMC Code of conduct. 

To work as an IFS practitioner who provides IFS therapy I no longer need to be registered with the NMC but I do still aim to follow the NMC Code of practice.  The four main headings are Prioritise People, Practise Effectively, Preserve Safety and Promote Professionalism and Trust. 

The main points from this code I want to share with you is that I aim to:
  • treat people with kindness, respect and compassion
  • avoid making assumptions and recognise diversity and individual choice
  • work in partnership with people, encourage and empower people to share decisions
  • respect a person's right to privacy
  • act with honesty and integrity at all times, treating people fairly and without discrimination, bullying or harassment
  • treat people in a way that does not take advantage of their vulnerability or cause them upset of distress
  • keep my knowledge and skills up to date, taking part in appropriate and regular learning and professional development activities that aim to maintain and develop my competence and improve my performance.​​​

My IFS Journey

Starting my IFS Level one training I was much better prepared than for nursing.  I first came across Richard Schwarz during an online week-long conference focusing on compassion.  I really liked him, and what he was saying made sense to me immediately.  I was able to listen to a week-long conference because I had taken early retirement due to having Long COVID/ME.  I was desperate to get better, as I could hardly do anything. I read more about IFS and booked on the introductory study day. 

I had my own IFS therapy. I found that I had a lot of opposing parts in my system, causing a lot of agitation. I learnt that this is a common human phenomena. I experienced amazing transformations in some areas and it happened quite quickly.  

One example was working with a protector part that was fearful; I traced back its fear to a much earlier time. The link had always made sense to me on a cognitive level, but somehow working through the IFS way helped this part to relax and reassess how life is now; I found my whole nervous system relaxed. I had not directly worked on my fear of spiders but next time I saw a big one I just thought, 'Oh look there goes a friendly spider'; an added bonus to the work!
 
I did a lot of different things to recover from Long COVID/ME, so I cannot say it was just the IFS therapy, but it was definitely  a contributing factor to my ongoing recovery.

I chose to complete my Level 2 IFS training In IFIO and have now completed an advanced level IFIO training in Betrayal and Repair.


​It takes courage to ask for help and it is important to find someone you like. ​​
What I Offer You?
I offer a free first session for you to ask any questions and see if you feel safe and comfortable to talk with me about what is going on for you.

​ This is one of the most important things in any therapy you are undertaking: finding the right person. I won't be at all offended if it isn't me, so I advise you to try several people, unless you automatically feel a click with someone.

I may also ask you some questions to find out how best I may help you. I work in a person centred way, which means I will work in a way that suits each individual person.

If you would like to go ahead then we can book in regular sessions. These can be as often as you like; but weekly is often a good starting point. They usually last an hour, but can be longer or shorter, by prior arrangement, if that seems better for you, particularly if you have health issues.

Before we start I will ask you to read and agree a contract with me and I ask you kindly to pay for each session prior to it happening or at least within 24 hours after.

The number of sessions can go on as long as you think they are necessary.  Each person or couple is individual as to how much they need. I will check in with you at regular intervals to see how you think it is going and check if you want to continue.

If finances are tight then we can also agree to do a course of sessions at the outset, with a clear ending. You can always come back at another time.

People often find that they are able to practise IFS/IFIO on their own, as they get to know their system, and so they may only need to dip in to therapy sessions when difficulties arise.