“Psyche means the human mind, soul or spirit and encompasses the deepest thoughts, feelings and beliefs of a person. In Greek mythology Psyche became 'Goddess of the soul' depicted as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings”
About Me
Hello, my name is Cate (she/her), I live in Kent and I'm a qualified psychotherapeutic counsellor - fully committed to supporting you through whatever challenges you are facing. My interest in wellbeing has developed through volunteering for a mental health charity for the past eight years and I decided to train as a counsellor during the pandemic.
I offer face-to-face and online counselling sessions to adults and provide counselling for children and young people in schools.
I provide a safe and accessible space for members of the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities. To learn more about counselling online please click here.
I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors. I hold a current DBS certificate, am fully insured and adhere to the ethical framework of the BACP.
As a veterinary surgeon for twenty five years, I have developed a deeply rooted, empathic understanding of the human-animal bond and offer pet bereavement counselling to anyone struggling to cope with pet loss.
I am also passionate about supporting all members of the veterinary community, bringing my personal experience of the many nuanced challenges of working in practice.
Qualifications
- Working towards Level 6 Advanced Specialist Diploma in Child and Young Person Counselling
- BACP Certificate of Proficiency
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Certificate in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health
- Transactional Analysis 101 Certificate IARTA
- Accredited Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science BVSc
Your Safe Space
Whether you are concerned about something specific or just find yourself struggling and feeling stuck, we can explore your situation, leading to new perspectives and better understanding of your problems.
I will not give you advice, but provide a compassionate, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can be empowered to find your own solutions through a process of self-exploration. Counselling can be a place to explore past experiences of trauma and abuse, helping to improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Counselling creates greater self-awareness, allowing you to re-discover and connect with your true self.
My Approach
I work with a humanistic, person-centred approach, but as an integrative therapist, I incorporate aspects of different therapeutic models to best suit your needs.
Everyone’s counselling journey is unique but I believe that we each possess the ability to work towards fulfilment of our unique potential. My approach is non-directive, allowing you to take the lead in our sessions, and I hold the belief that the strength of our therapeutic relationship is key to success.
I hope that you will feel safe to freely express your thoughts and feelings with me, and in return feel heard and accepted.
The Counselling Journey
The counselling journey can be very challenging with many bumps along the way, but the results hugely rewarding in terms of improvements to our mental health, wellbeing and relationships.
Having undertaken my own personal therapy I understand how important it is to be held in a relationship that feels safe. I also know how hard it is to ask for help. If you are finding it hard to take the first step I offer a free fifteen minute telephone call.
I am a trauma informed counsellor and have experience in working with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress and Overwhelm
- Compassion Fatigue and burnout
- Vicarious trauma
- Low self-esteem
- Self-harm
- Suicidal ideation
- Loss and bereavement
- Loneliness
- Relationship difficulties
This list is not exhaustive - if you have any questions about whether I am able to support you please get in touch.
If I feel that my service and skills will not meet your requirements I will discuss this with you and work with you to find a suitable alternative.
Fees & Availability
I offer short and long-term, face-to-face and online therapy via a secure platform. Sessions are held weekly and are 50 minutes long. I am also able to offer fortnightly sessions.
I offer a free 15-minute phone call which provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and decide if how I work meets your needs. Following this there is no obligation to continue.
The cost of each session is £45 and payment is via bank transfer. I reserve a number of spaces at a reduced cost, so please enquire if cost is a concern. I politely request 24hrs notice for cancellation of sessions or the full fee will be charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is difficult for me to commit to a time each week - can I still have counselling?
I recognise that it can be difficult to attend counselling each week when we have busy working lives. However, to be effective, counselling does require regular commitment and it is preferable to have time set aside weekly to meet.
Will our sessions be confidential?
I am professionally committed to protecting your confidentiality and privacy and adhere to the ethical framework of the BACP. I would never disclose any details of our sessions outside of my professional responsibilities.
How long will I need to have counselling for?
This will vary from person-to-person and depends on a number of factors such as whether you are attending to address a specific problem or coming to explore long standing issues. We will discuss your reasons for coming to counselling during our first session and consider how long it may take for therapy to be effective. I work on an open-ended basis, but we will review how things are going on a regular basis. Once we commence working together you are not tied in and are free to end counselling at any time.
I know you, can you still be my counsellor?
It would be unethical for me to be in a dual relationship with my clients so if I know you personally I am unable to be your counsellor. If you would like to discuss this with me then please do not hesitate to get in touch. In the event that I am unable to be your counsellor I will work with you to try to find a suitable alternative.
Can a friend or relative accompany me in my sessions?
Counselling usually takes place within a one-to-one relationship. If you feel that you would need someone to accompany you please get in touch to discuss this further.
I live abroad, can I still engage with online therapy?
I am unable to provide online therapy if you live outside of the UK.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
Carl Rogers
“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely. Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes.”
Carl Jung
“To be of assistance to you I will put aside myself….and enter into your world of perception as completely as I am able. I will become, in a sense, another self for you – an alter ego of your own attitudes and feelings – a safe opportunity for you to discern yourself more clearly, to experience yourself more truly and deeply, to choose more significantly.”
Carl Rogers
Get in Touch
Please contact me if you would like to arrange a free 15-minute phone call to have a chat and answer any questions you may have. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are seeking therapy and whether it could be helpful for you.
I endeavour to answer all enquires within two working days and all contact is strictly confidential.
I will carry out an initial assessment during our first session to help ensure that I am the right therapist to meet your needs and following this we will decide together whether to continue meeting.
If you need urgent support with your mental health please contact NHS mental health services (111 or 999 or go to your nearest A & E department) or call the Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) on 116 123.
