ABOUT ME
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Why I do this work
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I'm Catherine, a person-centred and Focusing-oriented counsellor based in Bristol, offering in-person and online sessions. I'm an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Earlier in my life I spent time living and working in Belgium, South Africa and Cambodia, experiences that taught me about solidarity. I learned the importance of being alongside others, rather than having answers. Those experiences stayed with me
I came to counselling because I wanted to share the experience of being truly listened to non-judgementally and with compassion. To offer an alternative to feeling someone's trying to fix you. Just genuine presence with whatever you're going through
I began my counselling career working with women who self-harm and saw the powerful change an empathic relationship can bring about, particularly for people who feel isolated or unseen. That early experience shaped everything that followed
My own life has also been a teacher. Navigating difficult relationships and life transitions has given me real insight into what it means to feel stuck, to feel unseen, and to find your way back to yourself. I don't take that lightly when I sit with clients
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What I'm drawn to
Alongside person-centred work, I'm inspired by Focusing, Mindfulness, Non-Violent Communication, the Enneagram, and Faith Traditions. These aren't techniques I apply, they're part of how I understand what it means to be human
I warmly welcome neurodivergent clients, LGBTQ+ people, and people of all racial and cultural backgrounds.
TESTIMONIALS
Training and Experience
I've been in private practice since 2021, and prior to that worked with Heart to Heart Counselling Bristol and Vine Counselling Services
I was accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) in 2021. My core training was a Foundation Degree with Distinction in Person-Centred Integrative Counselling at the University of Gloucester (2016–2019). I hold a BA Honours in Social Anthropology with Linguistics from the University of Sussex (1993–1996)
Additional Training
Focusing-Oriented Therapy (2025) · Certificate in Focusing (2020) · Certificate in Supervision (ongoing) · Trauma and PTSD (2022) · Non-Violent Communication Level 2 (2022) · Restorative Circles Level 2 (2022) · Cruse Bereavement (2019) · Self-Injury Support (2018)
