Shona brings more than ten years of dedicated experience in the realms of trauma and addiction. She is deeply committed to fostering conversations about mental health, challenging the misconceptions associated with addiction, and emphasizing the importance of a compassionate and innovative approach to healing trauma and anxiety. As a therapist, Shona employs a holistic and integrative methodology, utilising a diverse set of skills that empower individuals to navigate both historical and current obstacles while guiding them toward a brighter future.
Shona Kydd, Addiction and Trauma Therapist
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life so we can get to know you better.
I am an addiction and trauma therapist working in London. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, I moved to London 24 years ago and worked as a graphic designer for Virgin. After many years of trying to run away from exploring past pain and a crippling low self-esteem—which had led me into addictive behavior as a coping mechanism—I finally faced my fears and began dealing with my demons. This led me to help others struggling with addiction and unresolved trauma. Over the past decade, I have worked directly with people to help them overcome past pain, destructive behavior, and find recovery—the agency they felt they had lost in their lives.
I am a BACP-qualified therapist, and my foundational training is in Psychosynthesis, a holistic mode of therapy that incorporates all aspects of the person: physical, mental, and spiritual. I am also qualified in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy).
Outside of work, I love swimming, and when I fly back to Dublin to see family, I enjoy open-water swimming off the coast at Forty Foot in Dublin with my sister—Bad Sisters style! I have lived in London for over 24 years. I am married, with three stepsons, a daughter, and a dog that we adore.
What inspired you to start Shona Kydd Therapy?
My focus and passion are to grow awareness around addiction and trauma and cultivate a compassionate approach so that individuals can navigate their challenges more effectively.
Addiction and trauma have historically been shrouded in judgment and shame. While we are improving in approaching these areas with more transparency and compassion, I believe we still have a long way to go in how we address them.
How would you describe your approach to helping clients achieve emotional well-being?
I believe the key to successful therapy and healing is the relationship you build with the person who has honored you with their trust. My approach is compassionate and relatable. I love helping people, and I feel deeply invested in each of my client’s journeys.
What sets your therapy practice apart from others in your field?
My life experience and my drive to show each person who is struggling that there is hope and that other perspectives can better promote their life purpose set me apart. Each of us has the knowledge within ourselves to thrive, but it often becomes buried under defense mechanisms, maladjusted coping strategies, and fear. This can lead us to lose touch with the strength and wisdom we inherently possess.
My role is to help clients rediscover that place within themselves and learn new ways to fulfill their potential. I assist clients in overcoming both past and present challenges while facilitating a clearer direction for the future. Incorporating a broad range of therapeutic models, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
Can you share a success story or transformative moment you've experienced with a client?
I have been privileged to witness numerous transformative moments with my clients. Confidentiality is paramount in our collaborations, and I hold the trust placed in me with the utmost respect.
One of the most significant aspects of my work is observing clients transition from possessing cognitive insights about themselves to achieving a profound awareness of their behavioral patterns. This journey goes beyond understanding concepts; it involves a deeper shift that brings about real change.
When clients reach this stage of awareness, they begin accessing new perspectives and strategies informed by their lived experiences. This often leads to shifts in behavior, outlook, and approach, enabling them to embrace a more liberated and fulfilling way of living. These moments reveal the true essence of transformation as clients step into a space where new possibilities unfold before them.
The process of moving from insight to awareness is where the magic happens. It allows us to break free from old patterns and embrace a more exciting future. Each journey is unique, and the growth I witness constantly reminds me of the potential within us all.
How do you continue to stay updated and evolve as a therapist in a rapidly changing world?
Continuous learning and a spirit of curiosity are vital to my personal and professional growth. In this demanding and challenging world, staying informed about new developments and acquiring fresh knowledge is essential. Much like riding a bicycle, you must keep pedaling to maintain momentum and progress.
I believe engaging in growth and exploration not only fuels inspiration but also revitalizes energy levels. Life itself is an ongoing lesson, and by embracing the journey of learning, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities and insights, making each experience a valuable opportunity for development.
What advice would you give to someone hesitant about starting therapy?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s important to acknowledge that it’s normal to have hesitations. Concerns about opening up to someone new, wondering if it will actually help, or feeling uncertain about the cost and time commitment are all common and valid.
It’s helpful to remember that you have full control over the process. You can take it at your own pace, and you’re not obligated to share anything you’re not ready to discuss. Many people find it helpful to start by telling their therapist about their hesitations—good therapists expect and welcome this kind of honesty.
Therapists are trained professionals who have helped many others work through similar concerns. They’re not there to judge you but to understand your unique experiences and help you develop tools to navigate life’s challenges.
I always advise asking for a 15-minute taster call so you can get a feel for the therapist and decide if you feel comfortable with them. Think of it as an interview—you’re assessing whether this therapist and therapy, in general, feel right for you. If the first therapist isn’t a good fit, that’s perfectly okay. Many people try a few different therapists before finding someone they click with.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
In the UK, the landscape of therapy is less regulated, which I believe poses risks. There are no set requirements for individuals to label themselves as therapists. This gap can place vulnerable individuals in precarious situations, as they may end up seeking support from people who lack adequate training and experience.
I always advise checking a therapist’s qualifications. One effective strategy is to ensure that the therapist holds a recognized qualification from a credible governing body. Notable organizations such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), and the British Psychological Society (BPS) provide oversight and establish standards for professional practice.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
Turning my own life around when I found myself at a crossroads, feeling lost and scared, was a pivotal moment. I realized I had two options: I could quit and give up on myself, or I could face the difficult and frightening challenge of working through my struggles. Both paths were going to be painful, but only the latter offered hope.
Choosing to step back into life encouraged resilience and paved the way for personal development. Pain is one of our biggest opportunities for growth. Suppressed pain festers and becomes toxic, not only to ourselves but to those around us. Addressing our hurts breaks the pattern of passing trauma onto future generations. One of my favorite quotes is from Richard Rohr: “Pain that is not transformed will be transmitted.”
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