Therapy in Manchester with Kathleen O’Connor
Psychotherapy for anxiety, relationships, burnout and life changes
I’m Kathleen O’Connor, a BACP-registered psychotherapist based in Manchester. I work with adults and couples around anxiety, relationships, burnout, difficult patterns and periods of change.
Kota Therapy offers warm, relational and trauma-informed psychotherapy from a calm space at Pollard Yard, close to Ancoats and Manchester city centre, as well as online sessions across the UK.
People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. You might be feeling anxious or overwhelmed, struggling in a relationship, carrying too much for too long, or finding yourself at a point where something needs to change. Therapy offers space to slow things down, understand what is happening underneath, and begin to respond differently.
My approach is grounded in Transactional Analysis and shaped by both professional and lived experience. I often work with founders, creatives and professionals, as well as people navigating major life transitions, relationship difficulties or recurring patterns they want to understand more clearly.
Who therapy is for
You don’t need to be in crisis to begin therapy. Many people come because they feel stuck, disconnected, overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next. Others are dealing with anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties or the impact of earlier experiences.
I offer a warm, collaborative space where therapy is less about being “fixed” and more about understanding yourself with greater clarity, compassion and choice.
My experience includes working with:My experience includes working with:
people experiencing anxiety, overwhelm or burnout
adults navigating divorce, grief, identity changes or major life transitions
founders, creatives and professionals carrying a lot of responsibility
LGBTQ+ and trans clients looking for an affirming and informed space
people exploring the impact of childhood experiences or difficult family dynamics
individuals and couples noticing recurring patterns in relationships
Sessions are available in Manchester or online, with a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether it feels like the right fit.
The Therapy Space
Based in Pollard Yard, Ancoats, just outside Manchester city centre. Kota Therapy offers a quiet, thoughtfully designed room that feels calm and contained. Soft lighting, natural textures, and curated details help create a safe space for therapeutic work.
For clients who prefer remote sessions, online therapy is available via Zoom or other secure platforms.
Rooms for hire
Kota Therapy also offers therapy rooms to rent for psychotherapists, counsellors, and coaches. Created by a therapist who understands the realities of private practice, the space combines aesthetic care with practical flexibility.
Rooms are available:
By the hour, half-day, or full-day
With no contracts or tie-ins
With 10–20% discounts for regular block bookings
The setting includes free parking for therapists and clients, great transport links, and a vibrant onsite café. Whether you’re newly qualified or building a thriving practice, Kota offers a place that supports your work.
Designed by a therapist, for therapists
As a practitioner herself, I understands how much the therapeutic setting matters—for both the therapist and the client. Kota was created in response to my own experience of trying to find calm, affordable, and professional space while training and growing a practice.
It’s more than just a room—it’s a resource, a base, and part of a small but supportive community of practitioners.
Ready to begin?
Whether you're seeking therapy or a space to practice, Kota offers a grounded and welcoming place to start.
Want to explore therapy? Book a free 15-minute call to see if it feels like a fit.
Need a room to rent? Learn more about our pricing and availability.
Part of a growing community…
Kota Therapy also hosts occasional meetups and small events to foster connection among local therapists, coaches, and wellbeing professionals. Whether you’re working solo or growing a team, there’s value in feeling part of something bigger.s.
