My Approach
Person-centred counselling is about meeting a genuine person who's present with you. I'll help you turn toward your inner experience, so that every part of you is welcomed. Most of the time you'll be doing the talking and I'll be listening
I'm also a Focusing-oriented therapist. Focusing is a gentle way of tuning into your body’s knowing about what’s wrong in your life. This “felt sense” is a vague, hard-to-put-into-words quality that holds more than just thoughts or feelings. I will help you notice and stay with this
When something inside is met with this kind of gentle attention, it tends to open up. We might notice different parts of you with conflicting needs e.g. a harsh inner critic and a part that feels small or unseen. I'll support you to hear what each part wants - often bringing relief
Because this work can be moving, I'll also help you find ways to steady and soothe yourself when needed. We always go at your pace, and you're free to say no to anything I suggest
"Catherine instantly made me feel comfortable...its hard to build relationships that intimate with strangers and I felt a bond forming straight away" KB 2022
What changes over time
Clients start to befriend themselves; giving themselves a kind of inner companionship they didn't have before. They take actions and make choices that feel more true to them. They notice change happening, not because they forced it, but because something inside finally felt met
I also draw on approaches including Parts Work, somatic and trauma-informed practice, Mindfulness and Non-Violent communication - woven in where they're useful
"Catherine is accepting, understanding, and knowledgeable. She offers a warm and safe counselling experience" JM 2022
