Originally from Kent, Kim initially trained in visual communication before serving 8 years in the Royal Air Force. She spent time with the Royal Navy supporting servicewomen who were becoming or who had become new mothers. Similarly, Kim dedicated her time to highlighting issues and improving the experience of servicewomen.
During her training, she spent time working with organisations such as Devon Mind and the Sunflower Women’s Centre, Plymouth. She explored the barriers that women faced in accessing support for perinatal mental health and worked with a range of clients experiencing varying levels of emotional distress and the impact of trauma.
Throughout her top up year, she focused on researching intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) and military sexual trauma (MST), uncovering gaps in services for people who may benefit from accessing specific support.
Now in private practice, Kim works largely with clients impacted by complex or relational trauma. Her practice is hugely relational and humanistic, encompassing a trauma-informed approach and non-pathologising attitude to emotional distress.
As a lecturer, Kim places a strong emphasis on reducing ‘othering’ of clients, collaborative formulation and goals, and encouraging students to develop a robust self-reflective and ethical approach to client work, always with space for curiosity and humour.
Qualifications: BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling, Reg.MBACP.
Email: Kim.sturgeon@ironmill.co.uk
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