Meet Kathleen – Psychotherapist & Founder of Kota Therapy.

Hi, I’m Kathleen—psychotherapist, founder of Kota Therapy, and someone deeply curious about what it means to be human.

My path to psychotherapy began more than 25 years ago with a degree in Psychology, but life initially took me in a different direction. For over a decade, I worked in marketing and business—eventually becoming Commercial Director of a growing tech company I helped scale from zero revenue to a £2M turnover.

I’ve worked closely with founders, creatives, and professionals across many industries, often witnessing the emotional load that leadership, ambition, and change can bring. Over time, I realised that what mattered most to me wasn’t just strategy—it was people, and how we make meaning through our experiences, our struggles, and our growth.

Kathleen O'Connor, Psychotherapist, in a green blouse sitting in a red chair, talking to another person whose back is to the camera. A mirror is on the wall behind her.

A personal turning point

After a series of life-changing surgeries, followed by years of intense corporate work, I found myself reflecting deeply on how I wanted to live. That journey led me back to my early interest in psychology—and eventually into formal training in Transactional Analysis psychotherapy.

I'm now a BACP-registered therapist in private practice, working with clients across Manchester and the UK. My work is grounded in a relational, trauma-informed approach that centres curiosity, trust, and emotional safety.

I bring lived experience of long-term illness, relationship breakdown, and early life adversity into my work. I know what it is to survive—and how important it is to find spaces where the full weight of your experience can be held with care. That informs how I show up as a therapist: grounded, non-judgemental, and attuned to the parts of us that learned to cope before we had words.

Kota Therapy Room room with a wooden desk, open laptop, and eyeglasses. Blue sofa with colorful cushions, a red armchair, wall art, and a potted plant in the background.

Therapy with me

In the therapy room, I bring warmth, professionalism, and presence. I work collaboratively, with deep respect for each person's story and survival strategies. Together, we make space for clarity, insight, and change.

You’re welcome to come just as you are—no need to have the “right words” or know exactly what you're looking for. We can explore that together.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation if you'd like to see how it feels to connect.

Creating Kota Therapy

Kota was born out of necessity—and vision. As I neared the end of my training, I struggled to find a therapy room that felt both calm and affordable. I wanted a space that supported the relationship between therapist and client, rather than just providing a chair and a door.

So I created Kota Therapy: first as a home for my own practice, then as a resource for fellow therapists seeking a space that reflects the care they offer their clients.

Located in Pollard Yard, Kota is designed with comfort, security, and quiet beauty in mind. It’s also flexible and accessible—ideal for those starting out or growing a practice without long-term overheads.

Beyond Therapy

I'm also the co-founder of Eat Well MCR, a social enterprise delivering meals to people experiencing food poverty across Greater Manchester. Since 2020, we’ve served over 150,000 meals—and the work continues.

This side of my life is a reminder of the power of community, care, and dignity—values that shape not just my activism, but my approach to therapy too.

Black triangle and circle against a white background.

Get in touch

To arrange a free consultation please email kathleen@kotatherapy.co
Kota tries to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.