Meet Dan and Kate
We bring steadiness, clarity, and a practical path forward when you're ready to move beyond feeling stuck.
We're deeply respectful of human agency and don't believe you need fixing—we see capable people who need the right tools, language, and steady support to relate differently to their minds and lives.
Santoka is grounded in a shared way of working and shaped by two practitioners who bring distinct expertise to common ground.
Both Dan and Kate work with anxiety, perfectionism, self-doubt, and the mental patterns that keep people stuck. Our approaches are grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and the kind of change that actually lasts.
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh
Dr Dan Kolubinski
Quieting Mental Noise, Restoring Clarity
Dan helps high-functioning adults quiet the mental noise that erodes confidence and connection. His approach is structured and calm: he targets rumination and anxiety at the root (not just managing symptoms), so clients can think more clearly, trust themselves more fully, and show up more honestly in their relationships.
Common themes in Dan’s work: Anxiety • Self-criticism & low self-esteem • Rumination • Perfectionism • Couples therapy
Dr Dan Kolubinski
Background & Training
- PhD in Psychology focusing on self-critical rumination and its impact on self-esteem
- MA in Counselling Psychology (Specialisms in CBT and Child & Family Therapy)
- Accredited CBT therapist and Registered MCT therapist
- Publications on self-critical rumination and couples therapy
Modalities: MCT (Metacognitive Therapy) · CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) · CFT (Compassion-Focused Therapy) · CBCT (Cognitive-Behavioural Couple Therapy)
Dr Dan Kolubinski
Beyond the office
Dan feels at ease in quiet moments, with music, a good chess puzzle, or something simmering on the stove. He enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, often turning everyday meals into something special to share. When the weather cooperates, he loves to head out for brief walks or long hikes with his partner, exploring new trails or returning to favourite spots.
He’s teaching himself piano again after thirty years away from it, and he’s enjoying it very much.
Kate Weis, MSc
Grounding in Presence, Moving with Purpose
Kate works with thoughtful people navigating exhaustion, burnout, overthinking, or the quiet ache of living out of alignment. Her approach brings structure without pressure, meeting you where you are while strengthening skills you can rely on beyond sessions, so life can feel more spacious, steady, and genuinely your own.
Common themes in Kate’s work: Anxiety • Perfectionism • Burnout • Grief & loss • Life transitions
Kate Weis, MSc
Background & Training
- MSc in Clinical Psychology
- Certified ACT therapist, MBCT therapist & mindfulness teacher
- MBSR course facilitator
- End-of-Life Companion
- Further training in CFT, trauma-focused CBT & EMDR
Modalities: Mindfulness · ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) · CFT (Compassion-Focused Therapy) · MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)
Kate Weis, MSc
Beyond the office
Kate feels most at home by the sea and loves heading out for long walks with her partner. She’s an open-water swimmer and a breast cancer survivor, which has given her a deep appreciation for resilience, presence, and the small things that make each day meaningful.
She loves a good cup of coffee, music, and spending an evening in front of the fireplace. Outside of sessions, you’ll probably find her with a book, a flat white, or both.
What sustains us...
Nature
Kindness
stillness
Harmony
slow mornings
Ocean Walks
values
Compassion
We cultivate a space of genuine care where empathy, curiosity, and understanding guide every interaction.
Authenticity
We honour what feels real and right for you, trusting that growth comes from staying true to individual rhythms.
Sustainability
We believe in meaningful growth that unfolds naturally through habits that last beyond quick fixes.
We practise what we teach.
A lot of people come to us feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or quietly disappointed that understanding their patterns hasn't been enough to change them. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone—and you're not doing something wrong. Lasting change doesn't come from willpower alone, or by understanding the theory and not putting it into practice. It comes from learning how your mind works, practising new responses, and having steady support when old patterns try to reassert themselves.
We don't just teach these skills; we live them. Kate swims in the open water and has navigated her own journey through breast cancer. Dan returned to the piano after 30 years, rediscovering the power of patience and practice. We know firsthand that resilience isn't about being perfect—it's about showing up, even on the hard days.
Rather than following rigid protocols, we'll work with you to find a pace that's right for you, using approaches that are backed by science and that focus on mindfulness and compassion. Sessions are a safe space to untangle patterns, build capacity, and reconnect with what sustains you. You can do this right now, in the life you're living.
Think we might be a good fit? Book a free consultation.
You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need a place to start.
If you're looking for steady support and practical tools that work with your life, not against it, let's talk. We'll answer your questions and explore what support might look like.
