About Kingsley
Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Civil and Commercial Mediator
What working with me is like
Most people who get in touch with me have been managing on their own for a long while, until carrying it privately stops working. Getting in touch at that point is not a sign that things have gone badly wrong; it is usually just good timing.
Our first session is where we talk through what has brought you here and agree the way forward together. After that, the pace is set by what you bring rather than by a fixed programme, and every session is with me.
Sessions are private and unhurried, which leaves room to say what you actually think rather than what you feel you ought to. I explain confidentiality, and the limits the law sets on it, at the start.
You can meet me in person in South Shields, by Microsoft Teams video, by telephone, at your own home within 10 miles of South Shields, or outdoors on a walk.
How I work
I work integratively, shaping person-centred, CBT-informed, solution-focused and mindfulness-based ideas around you rather than using a single model. You can expect warmth alongside honest professional challenge, and close attention to your identity, culture, relationships and wider circumstances.
Alongside counselling I offer solution-focused hypnotherapy, gentle and led by you, on its own or with talking therapy. I supervise qualified and trainee counsellors using the Cyclical Model, and I mediate civil, commercial and community disputes impartially, in work that sits apart from the therapy side of the practice.
Experience and accountability
I have worked with adults in South Shields, and remotely across the UK, since 2019. I founded Marking Therapy because I believe everyone deserves a space where they are heard and respected.
People often come to me with:
- Anxiety and panic
- Low mood and depression
- Trauma and its aftermath
- Bereavement and loss
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Work-related stress and burnout
- Confidence and self-worth
- Identity
- Life transitions
My own work is supervised and reviewed:
- Monthly clinical supervision with two clinical supervisors
- Doctoral research in psychology at Durham University, in progress, supervised by three academic supervisors
- Organiser of a group supervision forum for fellow therapists in private practice
- Trustee, West End Refugee Service (WERS)
Supervision is a requirement of ethical practice rather than an optional extra. It is how the work is kept safe, reviewed and honest, and nothing that identifies you is shared in it.
Inclusion in practice
- I work in an affirming way with people of every background, culture, faith, gender, sexuality and relationship style, and I keep learning.
- The name you go by and your pronouns are used from first contact.
- You will never be asked to explain or justify who you are in order to be taken seriously.
- Race, culture, faith, disability, neurodivergence, gender, sexuality and relationship style are part of what is understood in the room, and you decide how much any of it matters.
- Practical adjustments are made on request; the access and adjustments page says how.
I work with adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, or asking on behalf of someone who is, please still get in touch, and you will be pointed towards a service that can help.
What clients have said
Each of these is a client describing, in their own words, what working with Kingsley was like for them; it is one person's experience rather than a promise of what will happen for you.
The therapist at Marking Therapy was very helpful. I received true help at the moment when I almost lost confidence in myself.
In my case, although I was sceptical at first, the level of understanding I received changed the outcome the most for me.
The professionalism and friendliness of the therapist made me feel comfortable and supported during my sessions.
I wanted the comfort of an online session, and the opportunity for help was much easier
Quality therapy at low prices! The therapist prioritises mental health.
Through Marking Therapy, I gained a platform to express myself, and I found it helpful.
Professional background in full
Kingsley A. Boateng, MSc, BA (Hons) Counselling, MNCPS (Acc.), MBACP, MHS (Acc.), GMBPsS, CMC Associate Mediator, is an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Clinical Supervisor and Civil and Commercial Mediator. He holds the following qualifications and professional memberships.
Qualifications
- PhD in Psychology, Durham University, in progress, expected 2028
- MSc Psychology (MSc Psych), University of Sunderland, 2025
- BA (Hons) Counselling, University of Sunderland, 2024
- Foundation Certificate, Civil & Commercial Mediation, Crowther Mediation, 2024
- Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Prof. Dip Psy C.), Chrysalis, 2022
- Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory (Dip CST), Chrysalis, 2021
- Level 3 Certificate in Hypnotherapy and Counselling Skills (Cert Hyp C.S), Chrysalis, 2019
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (CSK - L2), Conel, 2017
Professional training
- Cruse Bereavement Support Supervision Course, quality checked by the National Counselling Society, 2024
- Bereavement-support training provided by Cruse Bereavement Support
Professional memberships
- The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), Accredited Registrant, MNCPS (Acc.) NCPS register entry
- The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Registered Member, MBACP, registration number 397058 BACP Register entry
- The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS), Accredited Member, MHS (Acc.) National Hypnotherapy Society register entry
- The British Psychological Society (BPS), Graduate Member, GMBPsS
- American Psychological Association (APA), Graduate Student Status, APAGS
- CMC Associate Mediator Civil Mediation Council mediator search
Training and safeguarding
- Level 3 Safeguarding Adults and Level 3 Safeguarding Children, both awarded by Virtual College, a corporate member of the CPD Certification Service, refreshed every two years
- Further professional development covering LGBTQ+ Awareness, Self-Harm and Bereavement Awareness, and GSRD (gender, sexuality and relationship diversity) therapy, studied at the University of Sunderland
- Civil and Commercial Mediation Foundation Training with Crowther Mediation, on a course registered with the Civil Mediation Council
If you would like to see certificates, or to check any of the above with the relevant body before you book, please ask. It is a fair question, and it will be answered plainly.
Ready to make a start?
- Counselling or hypnotherapy: book a free 10-minute introductory call or an Initial Consultation
- Couples: book a first joint session
- Clinical supervision: book a free 10-minute introductory call
- Mediation: send a short outline for a written quote
If you are in immediate danger call 999; for urgent support call Samaritans on 116 123 or NHS 111 and choose option 2.