A little about me…

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I’m Catherine (or Cat). After spending the start of my career teaching children and then adults in higher education, I decided that the most rewarding part of my role at the university was the 1-1 tutorials, where I often helped students work through their issues with confidence when writing or presenting. At this point I decided to study cognitive behavioural therapy. Although CBT has some extremely useful theories and tools, it felt to me like (on its own) it was too restrictive, so I moved into Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. This just means that I take a range of approaches in therapy. I have an Adv. Dip in Cognitive Behavioural Counselling Skills, and a MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Whilst studying I volunteered at Head High, First Steps ED and Green Lane Counselling. I continue to work at First Steps ED working with eating disorders, including bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating disorder, and at Green Lane working with a range of issues.

Areas I have worked with:

  • Addiction

  • Affairs

  • Anxiety

  • Bereavement/Grief

  • Depression

  • Eating Disorders

  • Low self esteem

  • Low self confidence

  • Relationship issues

  • Stress

  • Work related stress

  • Chronic illness

  • Low mood

  • Panic attacks

Not only have I worked with these areas with others, I myself have experienced a range of the above, including grief, panic attacks and chronic illness. We will all experience these in our own unique way, but my aim is to help people feel heard, understood, be kinder to themselves and develop coping strategies that work for them.

However, really, the most important thing you should know about me is that I absolutely love animals. I have a dog, Elton, who is my World, and have previously spent time volunteering with various animals. Like humans, they have unique characters and there is something special about each one.