Kelly Oakes, Founder & Psychotherapist
About Me
I’m Kelly Oakes, a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), and the founder of Wild Oak Psychotherapy.
I work with adults in East London and online, offering a compassionate, grounded space where you can explore your emotional world with care and curiosity.
With over four years of experience, my practice is informed by integrative, person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, allowing me to tailor therapy to individual needs.
My aim is to support people through experiences that can deeply affect their sense of self and wellbeing, including trauma, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties and other life challenges.
Wild Oak Psychotherapy is built on my core belief that each person holds their own strength, resilience and capacity for growth. The word wild reflects the parts of ourselves that are instinctive, authentic and often unheard, while oak speaks to steadiness, depth and the ability to grow through challenge.
I’m passionate about helping you uncover patterns, connect with your own inner wisdom, and find a way through what feels overwhelming. I strive to create a space that is both supportive and reflective, where you are welcomed as you are and held with respect and understanding.
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My Therapeutic Approach
My approach is integrative, which means I draw from a range of therapeutic models and insights to meet you where you are. I blend psychological understanding with present-moment attunement so that your inner experience — thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and deeper patterns — can be explored safely and at your pace.
Like the layers of a tree trunk, your emotional world has depth and history. Some layers are visible and familiar; others are shaded or hidden. Together, we gently uncover and make sense of these layers — not to “fix” you, but to support deeper self-awareness, healing from past pain, and reconnection with your own wisdom.
This work honours the whole of who you are, allowing space for reflection, growth and change in a way that respects your pace, your autonomy, and your resilience.
What sessions look like
Sessions are 50 minutes (with the option for longer sessions by agreement). I offer:
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In-person sessions (location shared upon booking)
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Online sessions via Zoom
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Walk-and-talk therapy, for those who feel most themselves outdoors
All psychotherapy begins with an initial assessment session —an assessment session is slightly different from a regular counselling session - it's a space for us to explore your reasons for seeking therapy, discuss any relevant background, and consider what might be most helpful for you. Think of the assessment as a foundation-setting conversation - it helps me to understand your needs and expectations and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how I work.
From there, therapy can be short-term, long-term, or open-ended depending on what you wish to explore.
From there, therapy can be short-term, long-term, or open-ended depending on what you wish to explore.
If you’re unsure about starting therapy, I also offer a free 25–30 minute consultation call, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and see if it feels like the right fit.
How I work with you
My role is to walk alongside you — not in front, not behind.
I work with adults of all backgrounds, at all stages of their healing journey. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, identity, relationships or simply seeking a deeper sense of yourself, I aim to offer a space that is honest, steady and supportive.
In our work together, you can expect:
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space to slow down
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room for emotion and silence
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curiosity instead of judgement
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a therapeutic relationship built on trust and authenticity
I welcome you exactly as you are — whether you feel ready, unsure, overwhelmed, hopeful, or somewhere in between.
