Katy Weston
Founder & Lead Dramatherapist · Clinical Supervisor · Mindfulness Practitioner
Hello, I’m Katy. I’m a dramatherapist, clinical supervisor and mindfulness practitioner, based in Ashford, Kent. I work with children, young people, adults and professionals, in my studio, in schools, outdoors and online.
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I believe we often know more than we can say. My work brings together talking, creativity, the body and mindful awareness, to help you slow down, notice what’s happening inside and find your own way forward, at a pace that feels right.
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I founded Compass Therapies to create a warm, safe and unhurried space for that work, alongside a small team of associate therapists who share the same values.
How I work
Every person is different, so every piece of work is too. Sessions might include talking, movement, story, objects, imagery, music, time outdoors or simply quiet reflection. Everything is offered as an invitation, never an expectation.
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My practice is informed by Hakomi, a gentle, mindfulness-based approach that pays attention to what’s happening in the body and in the moment, as well as in the story. Above all, I believe the relationship is at the heart of the work. Feeling safe, heard and accepted is where change begins.
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I’m a qualified Level 4 British Sign Language user, so I’m happy to work in BSL.
Training & experience
I qualified as a dramatherapist in 2010 and have worked in schools, hospices, family services and private practice ever since, including with the Caldecott Foundation, Action for Children and Rowan Tree Dramatherapy, which I co-founded. I’ve supervised therapists, teachers and other professionals since 2017, and taught mindfulness at Canterbury Christ Church University.
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Qualifications & training
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MA Dramatherapy, University of Roehampton
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BA Deaf Studies with Education, University of Central Lancashire
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Creative Arts Supervision Training (CAST)
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Hakomi: mindfulness-centred somatic psychotherapy (ongoing since 2018)
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Diploma in CBT
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Theraplay® Level One & Marschak Interaction Method
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Sherborne Developmental Movement
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British Sign Language Level 4
Registrations
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HCPC-registered dramatherapist (AS13988)
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Member of the British Association of Dramatherapists
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Fully insured for therapy and supervision
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Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office
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Up-to-date safeguarding training, for children and adults
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Regular clinical supervision for my own practice
A little more about me
Before I trained as a dramatherapist, I studied Deaf Studies, coordinated a play project for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, and spent a year volunteering with children in Romania. Those experiences taught me that connection doesn’t always need words, and that’s stayed at the heart of my work.
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I’m happiest outdoors, and I love music, movement and cricket. I created the HOWZAT! reflective card deck because I’ve always loved how cricket holds a boundary so well, and I wanted cards that might feel a bit more inviting for men.
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I’m still learning too: I’m continuing my Hakomi training and studying Nonviolent Communication and Ayurveda. I’m also a trustee of Home-Start Ashford, and I’m setting up the Kent Wellbeing Alliance, a network for therapists and wellbeing practitioners across Kent.
