Welcome
A supportive relationship to explore what you're going through and find your way forward.
When people come to me
there's usually an internal struggle going on,
which they feel at some level,
but is also to some extent unseen
Hidden under the overwhelm, anxiety and self criticism
that so often accompany suffering,
Is the part of you that's hurting
When we listen to as it is felt from the inside,
Something new emerges that feels like a relief,
and something coming alive
Together, we'll create a relationship
where you can turn toward all the parts of you that need attention,
so that change that actually feels good, can happen
Book a free introductory call to see about working together.
Catherine Lawrence She/Her
MBACP (Accred) BA Hons FDSc DA
Helping you stay with your feelings,
so they can change
"The change process we have discovered is natural to the body and it feels that way in the body...
The experience of something emerging from there feels like a relief and a coming alive" Gendlin 1978
You might be
dealing with...
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anxiety or overwhelm
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depression or low mood
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trauma or difficult past relationships
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relationship difficulties
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feeling stuck or lost in life
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work stress or burnout
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low self-esteem or self-criticism
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facing a life transition or loss
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neuro-diversity
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identity questions
Is this You?
When we're struggling with difficult feelings,
its understandable we might either avoid them or try to fix them,
scrolling, watching TV, listening to podcasts -
anything to drown out the noise in your head
and I get it, its noisy in there, isn't it?
You might have tried your best to work on yourself,
thinking if you could just understand why you're hurting,
you could make it go away...
But even when you know exactly why you are the way the you are, what then?
What if there's a kinder way
to be with this?
I can help you gently turn towards yourself
Not trying to fix it or work it out - just being with it
exactly as it is
We might start very simply by saying 'Hello' to what's there
Letting it know we are here with it
When something inside is met with this kind of attention,
it can open up, and show us what's needed next
The inner noise settles down
and how you experience the whole situation
- that's changed completely
How counselling can help
What makes therapy successful?
When Psychotherapists Eugene Gendlin and Carl Rogers looked into what makes therapy successful, they noticed it wasn't about what kind of therapy it was, or what the therapist was doing, but rather - how the client was relating to their own inner experience
When people checked inside and noticed how they were responding to what was being said... they got what they needed from therapy. Gendlin realised this kind of attention can be learned, and from there he developed Focusing; a way of listening inwardly
In counselling with me, we'll not only talk about problems, but also listen carefully to what's going on inside you as we talk
I can help you notice:
⦁ sensations and the 'felt sense' of situations
⦁ images or words
⦁ different parts of you that might have very different ideas about what you should do
Most of the time you'll be doing the talking and I'll be listening.
Gradually, you'll learn how to
⦁ slow down and give yourself attention inwardly
⦁ gently say 'hello' to what's there
⦁ find the right distance to keep yourself company
⦁ soothe and support yourself
⦁ listen for what's needed next
When you come alongside yourself like this, parts of you that were getting pushed away finally feel met and you feel relief.
What felt stuck can open up and give you a fresh sense of what needs to happen next...
To help us be in touch with your inner experience, we might incorporate embodied approaches such as;
⦁ Parts Work (similar to Internal Family Systems)
⦁ Inner Relationship Focusing
⦁ grounding techniques
⦁ trauma-informed approaches
⦁ Non-Violent Communication
⦁ mindfulness
About me
Hello, I'm Catherine. I'm an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy,
based in Bristol, offering in-person and online sessions
I have many years of experience supporting people through complex and difficult life experiences
My approach is person-centred and experiential
and I'm a Focusing-Oriented therapist and supervisor
My inspirations:
My life experience gives me insight into relationships, identity, and spirituality. I’m inspired by Faith Traditions, Mindfulness, Focusing, the Enneagram, Non-Violent Communication and Child-Led Education.
Diversity Welcome:
I warmly affirm diversity, including neurodivergence, LGBTQ+, and people of all racial or cultural backgrounds.
By offering you my warmth and presence, I can help you turn towards yourself, so that every part of you is welcomed and included - opening up new possibilities to move your life forwards
You don’t have to have it all worked out, we can start with whatever's happening now and go from there
What working together looks like
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We'll agree a regular time to meet, usually weekly
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Sessions last 50 minutes.
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Fees are from £60-£75 per session
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You can work with me in-person in Bristol BS5, online on Zoom, or by phone from anywhere in the UK
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I work from my home near St Marks Road in Easton. You'll find parking available in nearby streets, or we're just off the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path and Stapleton Road Train Station
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Opting for an online or phone appointment sometimes means you can take up an appointment sooner than face-to face
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Our sessions can be covered by the following insurance providers: Bupa Axa Aviva Vitality Wpa
In the first session we explore what brought you here and what you're hoping for from counselling. There's no pressure, just a chance to make a start together
APPOINTMENTS
Mondays
3.30pm - 8pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays,
Fridays
9am - 1.30pm