Welcome to Kav Counselling

Counselling for anxiety, depression, family issues, low self esteem and cultural pressures. Face to face in Bristol and online all over UK.

About Me

Counsellor in Bristol & Online

Welcome to Kav Counselling,

I’m Kavitha Joshy, though most people call me Kav. I am a qualified integrative counsellor based in Westbury‑on‑Trym, Bristol, offering both in‑person and online therapy for adults across the UK.

My approach is warm, gentle, confidential and grounded in the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to explore their emotions without fear of judgement. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or simply unsure where to turn, I’m here to support you at your pace.

As a British Asian woman with lived experience of navigating multiple cultural identities and family expectations, I understand how complex it can feel to balance your own needs with the pressures around you. Many people grow up in environments where emotions aren’t openly discussed, or where seeking mental health support carries stigma. I know that reaching out for counselling can feel daunting and I deeply respect your courage to take the first step. I am someone who values meaningful connection. I recognise that who we are is often woven from our cultural heritage, relationships, and personal journey. I approach each person's story with genuine curiosity and respect. I am thoughtful, reflective and grounded in my work and care deeply about you.

My path into this work began with my own experience of therapy, which was life‑changing. It helped me understand myself more deeply and gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to move forward. This experience inspired me to train as a counsellor so I could offer others the same opportunity for growth and healing. I’ve worked several years with the mental health charity MIND, supporting people through a wide range of emotional challenges. This experience strengthened my passion for helping others feel seen, heard, and supported.

Kavitha Joshy - integrative counsellor based in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol

My experience navigating multiple cultural identities and living in a mixed-race family, has given me a unique perspective and appreciation to my work. With lived experience of exploring family dynamics and social expectations, I recognise the impact they can have on emotional wellbeing. I also understand the stigma that often surrounds mental health in some communities. At Kav Counselling, I aim to break the barriers by offering a therapy experience shaped around you, with your unique needs guiding our work together. I offer sessions in both English and Malayalam, and I warmly welcome clients from all background. My practice is grounded in confidentiality, empathy, curiosity, and a belief in your capacity for growth. Whether you're facing anxiety, grief, cultural pressures or feeling stuck ; I’m here to stand alongside you. You don’t need to have the right words or a clear plan—just a willingness to start. We’ll take it one step at a time, in a space that’s safe, welcoming, and all about what matters to you.

Qualifications & Professional Standards

Foundation Degree in Counselling (Distinction) – City of Bristol College & University of Plymouth

Certificate in Counselling – Level 2 – City of Bristol College

Certificate in Working with Complex Trauma

BACP Certificate of Proficiency

Mental Health First Aid

Experience working as a counsellor for Mind

Committed to ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within their ethical framework. I hold professional insurance, have enhanced DBS clearance, and attend regular clinical supervision to ensure safe and effective practice.

How I Can Help

You may have reached a point where things feel heavier than they should. Perhaps, you are constantly overthinking, feeling emotionally exhausted, or carrying worries that you are unable to discuss with anyone. Inside you may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck and anxious.

You might be :

Living with anxiety that feels relentless
Navigating a difficult life transition such as relationship changes, relocation or career uncertainty or coping with a different life style
Feeling low and disconnected
Carrying the weight of past experiences or trauma
Struggling with family relationships, faith or interracial relationships
Struggling to cope with bereavement, loss and grief
Feeling torn between cultural expectations and your own needs and questioning your sense of belonging.

You do not have to carry this alone anymore. Please feel free to contact me by clicking the Contact me button on the top right hand side of this web page to have a free 20 minute consultation.

What Counselling with me can offer

I am a person-centred counsellor working with an integrative approach, which means you are at the heart of the counselling process. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can explore what’s troubling you whether it’s clear or still taking shape. We will begin wherever you are. Your first session is simply a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what you’re hoping for, and any questions you may have.

Through our work, you may begin to :

Feel calmer and balanced
Understand the roots of your anxiety or low mood.
Develop healthier boundaries and strengthen your self-worth
Process painful experiences safely and at your own pace
Feel more confident in your relationships and have greater clarity and self-understanding.

You don't need to be in crisis to seek counselling. If something makes you anxious, persistent , or emotionally heavy, that is enough. You may feel better having short number of sessions or may feel you need long term support. I am able to offer short term and long term therapy online by zoom and in person at Practice Rooms in Westbury On Trym. Together, we’ll find a starting point that feels manageable and build from there, one step at a time.

I draw on techniques from different therapeutic models such as psychodynamic, relational, and trauma-informed approaches to tailor our work to your unique needs. I have experience working with adults of all ages from diverse cultural backgrounds, and stages of life navigating emotional distress, personal struggles, and complex life experiences. Together, we can work towards finding healthier, long-term coping strategies that empower you to manage life's challenges more effectively, bringing clarity and resilience to your life.

Please feel free to get in touch with me for a free 20 minute initial consultation.

Phone:07424308312 Email: kavcounselling@outlook.com

How Counselling Can Help

Counselling can be a powerful step toward healing and growth. It offers a space to explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment—helping you understand why you feel the way you do and what might be holding you back. Rather than bottling things up, counselling gives you the opportunity to reflect, process, and begin to move forward at your own pace.

Empathy, Respect & Care

Whether you're feeling grief, anger, sadness, guilt, or simply overwhelmed, therapy can help you make sense of those feelings and begin to feel more grounded. It can strengthen your relationships, support your personal development, and build emotional resilience, confidence, and wellbeing. Above all, it’s a space where you can be yourself—and be met with empathy, respect, and care.

Areas of my Experience:

Abuse

Ageing and related issues

Anxiety and overthinking

Bereavement / Loss

Cultural issues

Depression or low mood

Family issues and cultural pressures

Generally unhappy with your life

Feeling stuck

Life stage issues such as mid life crisis

Mindfulness

Panic attacks

Relationships

Self-defeating behaviours

Low self-esteem or confidence

Spirituality

Stress

Trauma

What my clients say...

Get in touch

Initial Consultation

If you're interested in accessing therapy with myself, the process couldn't be easier. Use the contact form on my website to get in touch; you'll be asked to provide a few details about yourself. I will attempt to get back to you within 24 hours (Monday to Friday, not including public holidays or annual leave).

It is important that you find a counsellor with whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions. I recognise that taking that first step could be daunting, so I extend an invitation for a free initial consultation, lasting 20 minutes. This session can be conducted over the phone and will be an opportunity for you to express your goals and expectations, and reasons for seeking counselling, and determine if we can work together.

Following your initial enquiry I will contact you to arrange an introductory call. If we decide to work together, then we can discuss mutually convenient times for our session.

Location

I offer face-to-face counselling sessions held in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol. Online sessions available across the UK.

Fees

Sessions last 50 minutes.

Online and telephone sessions £50
Face-to-face sessions £50
I offer both short-term and long-term counselling, available face-to-face and online to suit your needs.
Please feel free to contact me via email; I aim to respond within 24 hours.
Fees are payable by bank transfer or cash.
If you need to cancel a session, please give at least 24 hours’ notice or you will be charged for the session.