We were lucky to catch up with Kayte Callaghan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kayte, appreciate you joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I have been, and still am, a registered adult nurse in the UK. From the beginning of my career, I was drawn to challenging environments the kind that test your limits and push you to grow. I worked in elderly medicine, A&E for many years, and later in a hospice in London. As you can imagine, those experiences taught me countless lessons many of which, as a 21-year-old fresh out of university, came as a shock.

One of the first things I learned was just how extraordinary the human brain is. Our resilience, our ability to tolerate stress, and to multitask under immense pressure are beyond what we believe possible but we only truly see this when we’re pushed to our limits. It taught me to take risks and to believe in myself.

Working in those environments meant being surrounded by death and dying on a regular basis. Over time, I developed severe health anxiety without even realising it. I had thought I was untouchable, but the unprocessed trauma and constant exposure to loss took their toll. Before I knew it, I was at the GP weekly with imaginary symptoms, desperate for reassurance.

In the NHS and nursing more broadly there’s an ingrained culture of stoicism. We don’t complain; we pride ourselves on showing no emotional cracks, even when faced with the most harrowing situations. I became caught up in that culture, and it was toxic.

But amidst all of it, I also learned one of the most beautiful lessons of my life: to live fully. To celebrate being alive every single day. To hold deep gratitude for what you have and to nurture your relationships, because when life comes to its end, those connections are what truly matter.

As a nurse, I found that patients often valued the smallest acts the most; brushing their hair, washing their legs, sitting with them at 2 a.m. to talk about their fears of dying. These moments cost nothing, yet they carry immeasurable worth. Dignity, compassion, and kindness are what people remember.

After receiving therapy myself and unlearning that Northern “anti-therapy” mindset I was raised with – I decided it was time to move into a different kind of care: sexual health. That’s where I began my journey towards becoming a therapist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I worked in sexual health as a Safeguarding Lead Nurse for many years, and during that time I became acutely aware of how much stigma still surrounds sexual health, open conversations about sex, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the reality of domestic abuse happening right on our doorsteps.

I supported patients for years in clinic settings and often advised colleagues on how to respond to some truly challenging situations. Over time, though, I became emotionally heavy with the weight of the stories I carried what we call *vicarious trauma* (second hand trauma). I also began to feel helpless, caught in the cycle of the NHS and modern medicine, which can sometimes feel like it’s just putting a bandage over a much deeper wound. I wanted to go further to truly help people heal and recover.

That’s when I began my training in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy. It was the best decision I’ve ever made it not only changed my career but also saved my own relationship. Through studying psychotherapy, I learned so much about myself, my partner, communication, attachment, and trauma. I began to understand why our relationship was breaking down and how to rebuild it with compassion and awareness.

Now, I feel deeply proud of the work I do with couples. It can be heartbreaking to think of how many relationships end unnecessarily when healing, understanding, and the right support could have made all the difference.

What truly sets me apart is that I genuinely care. I care about people, and I care deeply for my clients. My goal is to help them heal within the therapy room, but also to equip them with the tools to thrive for a lifetime. I don’t want clients to become dependent on therapy – I want them to leave feeling empowered and capable.

My style is direct yet warm, down-to-earth, compassionate but honest. I also have an insatiable curiosity for learning – I’m always studying, reading, and expanding my knowledge. As I grow, so do my clients, and I love seeing them flourish as we explore and apply new insights together.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the things I’ve found most challenging is navigating social media. As a not-so-tech-savvy, slightly chaotic, and very busy therapist and nurse, the whole world of posting, creating content, and showing up online felt completely alien to me at first. Filming myself talking to the camera made me cringe, and for the longest time, I struggled just to get started. But eventually, I realised it really does pay off. Through social media, I’ve connected with so many incredible people who are on similar journeys. The therapy community online is genuinely kind, supportive, and full of inspiring professionals who lift each other up.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: networking is your superpower. Don’t be afraid to reach out – drop that person a message, comment when you enjoy someone’s post, and celebrate others’ successes. Support your peers whenever you can, and build friendships within your field. You never know what amazing opportunities can come from it!
Because of these connections, I’ve been invited to events, met fantastic podcast guests, and even received client referrals – all from relationships built through social media. It’s a reminder that showing up authentically, even when it feels uncomfortable, can open doors you never expected.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am from Yorkshire and up north we have a mantra ‘shy barns get nowt’ meanings if you don’t ask, if you are not confident, if you are ‘shy’ you will not get opportunities – all you can do is ask or try and you have nothing to lose. This motto has helped me in so many ways. I have approached managers for promotions and got them using it, I have interviewed for jobs I felt were above my confidence and capabilities and got them because I’ve had this attitude (of course with promotions we learn a lot in the new role and I never believe we’re full ready to start one). It also means from a young age you are familiar and comfortable with what some would see as ‘rejection’ – but we see it as a part of life – I do not fear rejection but I will just go for it! I also am hugely grateful that I have developed the ability (most of the time, we all have our moments) of appreciating constructive criticism or feedback and receiving it as a ‘gift’ – I believe that person is risking making them selves feel uncomfortable so that you can be better or improve and this is an act of kindness not an insult!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://holdingthespace.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaytedoestherapy?igsh=Njk1dThxa2V5d3Ri&utm_source=qr
• Other: Podcast – https://spotify.link/TgOBHAyIOXb