Ave Kotze Psychology Practice
Psychological therapy & Counselling in Hereford & online
Welcome to Ave Kotze Psychology Practice
"We are not what happened to us, we are what we choose to become" - Carl Jung
Welcome – I'm glad you're here.
Reaching out for therapy isn't always easy. Perhaps you've been holding everything together for a long time, or maybe something has happened recently that has left you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply not like yourself. Whatever has brought you here, you don't have to face it alone.
I'm Dr Ave Kotze, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Hereford, offering therapy to adults and couples, both in person and online. I provide a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where we can work together to understand what's happening, make sense of your experiences, and move towards a life that feels more manageable and meaningful.
People come to therapy for many different reasons. Some know exactly what's wrong; others simply know they don't feel like themselves anymore.
I regularly support people experiencing:
- Anxiety, excessive worry and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Stress, burnout and workplace difficulties
- Trauma and PTSD
- Childhood trauma and difficult early relationships
- Grief and bereavement
- Relationship and attachment difficulties
- Emotional regulation and overwhelming emotions
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
- Perfectionism and people-pleasing
- Life transitions, including retirement and identity changes
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Living with chronic illness, chronic pain and other long-term health conditions
Many of my clients have spent years caring for others before recognising they need support themselves.
Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, understand what's happening beneath the surface, and create meaningful, lasting change.
About Me
My interest in psychology has always been rooted in people—their stories, relationships, and the many ways we make sense of our experiences.
After completing my BSc (Hons) in Psychology, I went on to earn a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the University of the West of England, Bristol. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist with the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Alongside private practice, I work within the NHS Older Adult Mental Health Service, where I support people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Working across both NHS and private settings has given me extensive experience helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and the emotional impact of physical health conditions.
I also have a particular interest in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause, recognising the emotional, psychological, relational and identity changes that can accompany this stage of life.
One of the greatest privileges of my work is walking alongside people as they begin to understand themselves differently. Time and again, I've seen how approaching ourselves with curiosity rather than criticism creates space for healing, growth and meaningful change.
I believe therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely heard—not judged, diagnosed or expected to have all the answers.
My Approach
No two people are the same, so therapy shouldn't be either.
Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?", I believe a more helpful question is "How does this make sense?" Our thoughts, emotions and behaviours develop within the context of our experiences, relationships and life circumstances. Together, we'll explore not only the difficulties you're facing today but also the patterns that may have shaped them.
My work is integrative, meaning I tailor therapy to each individual rather than expecting you to fit a particular model. Depending on your needs, I draw from:
- Relational psychodynamic therapy
- Systemic thinking
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
While psychological techniques can be incredibly valuable, I believe lasting change begins with feeling genuinely understood. The therapeutic relationship forms the foundation of my work, creating a safe space where you can explore difficult experiences, develop greater self-understanding, and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Whether your goal is to process trauma, improve relationships, navigate a life transition or simply feel more like yourself again, therapy is always shaped around your individual needs, values and goals.
To provide the best possible care, I engage in regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development, ensuring my work remains both evidence-based and responsive to the people I support.
ICO Registered (ZC027641)
Sessions & Fees
Each individual session lasts 50 minutes, charged at £100. Couples sessions last for 75 minutes, charged at £150. I also offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation before starting therapy to help us decide whether working together feels right for you.
Payment for all sessions is required in advance by bank transfer.
I offer a limited number of concessionary places for students completing personal therapy as part of their training.
I am also recognised by private health insurance providers Aviva, AXA Health, WPA and Vitality.
Case Management & Rehabilitation Referrals
I welcome referrals from rehabilitation providers, case managers and insurers for individuals who have experienced road traffic collisions, workplace accidents or other injuries that have impacted their psychological wellbeing.
Initial assessments include a clinical report where required, and I am happy to provide progress updates and non-medico-legal reports to support ongoing rehabilitation.
Please get in touch to discuss your client's needs and request a fee schedule.
If this feels like the right next step, I would be glad to support you in exploring what matters most to you and in finding new ways forward.
Location
I offer individual (1:1) and couples therapy, available face-to-face in Hereford. My in-person sessions are easily accessible from areas such as Ross-on-Wye, Leominster, Ledbury.
I also offer online sessions on Thursdays and selected evenings.
Endorsements & Feedback
Dr Andrew Iles (Clinical Psychologist)
"Dr Ave Kotze is a compassionate, skilled Counselling Psychologist who offers a warm, steady space for clients. Her approach is clear, grounded, and evidence-based, and she works in a way that creates safety and promotes meaningful change."
Dr Joanna Sherwood (Clinical Psychologist)
"I have known Ave for several years and have always been struck by her thoughtfulness, warm and reflective manner, and would happily refer clients to her."
Helen Jane Webb (Counselling Psychologist)
"I had a the pleasure of supervising Ave, She is warm, kind and compassionate. She is a highly skilled therapist, creative in her work, tailoring therapy to each individual's needs. I know Ave has made a difference to many peoples lives!"
Louise (Client)
“I highly recommend Ave. She is warm, friendly, and made me feel comfortable from the very first session. She has helped me work through anxiety, depression, and panic disorder and supported me in getting to the root cause of my struggles rather than just managing the symptoms. Thanks to her guidance, I've gained valuable tools and a much better understanding of myself. I'm so grateful for her support and would recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate and skilled therapist.”
Contact
Finding the right therapist is an important decision. Whether you're looking for support for yourself or your loved one, you're welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss whether working together feels like the right next step.