Katie Pinn
Integrative Psychotherapist & Coach
I'm Katie Pinn, a Psychotherapist and Coach. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the British Psychological Society, my aim is to offer accessible mental health and psychological assistance to athletes. Being an equestrian myself, I have a particular interest in supporting riders.
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My background is in mental health, psychiatric support, and brain injury cognitive rehabilitation. I approach therapy from an integrative perspective, tailoring therapeutic methods to suit each individual's unique needs.
My Story
I understand firsthand the challenges that come with being an equestrian. Throughout my life, I've experienced the ups and downs of owning and riding horses, struggling with confidence both in and out of the saddle from a young age. I went from carefree galloping across fields to constantly doubting my abilities, and worried about others' judgment. The combination of a few bad falls and life's general stress led me down a path of riding fears and self-doubt. Eventually, I reached a point of complete burnout, scared of my horse, scared of riding, and unable to find suitable support.
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Several years ago, my life took a positive turn as I found the right therapist and received support from understanding instructors. Most importantly I began applying the psychological knowledge I had been learning, coaching myself out of the challenging situation I had found myself in. Fast forward to today and while I'm no Laura Collett or Lottie Fry, I can confidently say that I am now a happy, resilient, and competitive rider and person once again. My personal journey inspired me to deepen my knowledge in therapy and ultimately led me to start my own business, becoming 'The Equestrian Psychotherapist'.
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I believe in taking a holistic approach to well-being I provide psychotherapy and coaching services that focus on the individual needs of each of my clients. I work to build a safe and comfortable environment for my clients to explore their experiences and build the skills they need to overcome the barriers they may face. My mission is to reduce the stigma of mental health within the equestrian community and to provide the support and guidance riders need to reach their full potential.
As devoted equestrians, we dedicate significant time and effort to our horses, but often, we neglect our own well-being. The equestrian lifestyle comes with a myriad of challenges, taking a toll on us physically, emotionally, and financially. Despite investing so much time, energy, and resources into the sport, the rewards can sometimes feel inadequate. This reality is reflected in the alarming statistics, with 1 in 4 riders experiencing mental health issues and an unfortunately high level of burnout in equestrian sports.
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It's important to recognise that mental health is not something that can be solved simply by riding harder or pushing ourselves further. Just like in any other sport, equestrians, and athletes must acknowledge the significant role psychology and coaching play in attaining success. Our mindset and emotions profoundly impact our performance when riding or competing. To excel in the outer game, we must first master the inner game – gaining control over our thoughts and emotions is imperative.
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In our pursuit of becoming better riders and athletes, caring for our mental well-being is just as vital as honing our physical skills. The harmony between mind and body is essential for achieving peak performance and unleashing our full potential in the sporting world.
That's why I approach coaching holistically, working with the person and the athlete as one inseparable entity. Attempting to separate the two would only hinder progress. Our struggles outside the sport often seep into our performance unconsciously, and lacking self-belief as a person can hold us back. My goal is to empower my riders and athletes to feel complete, to go beyond mere confidence techniques, and instead cultivate a deep and genuine sense of self-assurance. Together, we will thrive, not just pretending, but truly being confident in our abilities.
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For more information on the services I provide click below.
Education
Msc Integrative Therapy & Coaching
2022-2024
I successfully completed the competitive MSc program in Integrative Therapy and Coaching at UEL with a distinction. During this period I conducted research on the beneficial impact of Integrated therapy for equestrian athletes with promising results which shall form my PhD.
PgDip & PgCert Integrative Therapy & Coaching
2020-2022
I achieved a distinction level in my formal training in Integrative Therapy and Coaching at UEL. During this period, I fulfilled all the required training hours under supervision, and I am a registered practitioner with the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).
Accreditiation in Sports Psychology
2020-2021
After completing a Professional diploma in Sports Psychology, I made a decision to change my path and pursue psychotherapy. I felt a strong desire to work with my clients on a deeper level, which led me to choose this new direction in my career.
Bsc (Hons) Psychology
2015-2018
With a strong passion for Psychology, I made the decision to pursue further education in this field. In 2018, I successfully graduated with a 2.1 from CCCU. Throughout my studies, I found myself torn between the fields of counseling and sports psychology, but I was certain about my desire to work therapeutically.
"If someone had told me that such a relatively small investment in myself could bring me such peace of mind, and improved self-belief then I never would have believed it. I’m so grateful to Katie for making such valuable support accessible".