Hi, my name is Cathy. Thanks for visiting my website.
I am an experienced therapist offering a warm, confidential and safe space for people of all ages to explore their thoughts and emotions, to heal and grow.
We know that difficult things happen and sometimes we need support to overcome the challenges that life has thrown at us. We need space to gather ourselves and time to find our own truth and figure out how to move forward. Wherever you are right now, I can work with you to support your process of self understanding and development with curiosity and honesty.
I have worked in a range of settings; schools, private practice, agencies, NHS and WSCC children’s services.
My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, integrative & creative, and I work through a lens of Internal Family Systems.
I provide a confidential, therapeutic environment in which you can access sufficient psychological safety to experience and embrace your full experience - the positive and hopeful along with difficult feelings such as anger, fear, shame, weakness and uncertainty.
Extensive research by Brene Brown identifies that, rather than a weakness, safe vulnerability can be a source of connection, growth, and resilience. She calls this the power of vulnerability. Watch the TED Talk
My model of work is to offer an initial 15-minute phone conversation, free of charge, in which we check whether your referral is suitable to us both. We then move to an initial paid consultation through which we work out your needs and my offer in more detail.
We can proceed on a short-term, 6-session basis and develop into longer-term work if this feels appropriate.
It is very important to end well, and in the first 6-weeks, you can end just by letting me know. After that, I recommend at least one ending session following your notice to conclude the work and think about your way ahead.
I offer face to face and online therapy and consultation for adults, parents, and work face to face with young people and children in consulting rooms by Preston Park Station in Brighton. As a creative practitioner I may include art materials, small world objects and sensory toys as a route to accessing, understanding and processing your internal experience.
I use an IFS model of the person to increase internal awareness, compassion and self efficacy.
Therapy also involves both talking and silence.
My session rates for online private work are £70 and reviewed annually. A few low cost places are available. Cancellation policy is set out in my Terms and Conditions.
Accredited by the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Accredited by the BAPT (British Association of Play Therapists)
Member of the BPS (British Psychological Society)
Registered with ICO, DBS and fully insured
Requiring 30-hours per annum ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
A clear set of ethics are central to the safe practice of psychotherapy and I abide by the guidelines of BAPT and BACP. The BACP guidelines can be read here: BACP Ethical Guidelines
If you do have concerns about the work we do, I encourage you to raise this with me so that we can work together to understand and resolve any conflict. If things remain unresolved, you can contact my professional body.
“I felt like Cathy really got what I was saying. She really listened to me and was on my side. I got clarity with her and it made a difference to me.”
“Cathy provided face to face and online therapy to our students for nearly 4 years. Her work was welcomed and respected by the student body and the therapeutic outcomes were very positive. She was proactive in supporting the parents and made good relationships with them. Cathy was responsive to our staff and provided guidance and advice as needed. She liaised effectively with professional networks and attended meetings as required.”
“Catherine worked with a pupil in my year 3 class providing support around toileting, sensory feedback and anxiety around doctor appointments. In school, we have seen a huge reduction in anxiety, particularly around using the toilet. I am so pleased to see how play therapy has helped B to express his feelings and deal with situations that would have previously led to much anxiety. B always looked forward to his sessions with Catherine which shows the safe space that was created in the short space of time.”
“I have no hesitation in recommending Cathy to families who are in need of extra support and guidance. Cathy’s wealth of knowledge of the workings of CAMHS, SEN assessments and the schools system, and her years of experience supporting families navigating complex challenges, are frankly a bit of a god send. There are many therapists out there to choose from, but not many with Cathy’s unique positioning. What’s more she was warm and absolutely engaged with our family issues from the get go. Thank you, Cathy”
I value kindness, depth and integrity in my work and will adapt my approach to work sensitively with the difficulties of you or your child. I believe in the co-creation of a therapeutic alliance through which to explore the challenges and hopes that you bring. I will bring kindness, curiosity, warmth and humour to the work we do.
I have worked as a therapist and mental health practitioner for 10 years in both private and NHS clinics, social services, children’s centers, schools and privately. I have worked with both emotional and mental health presentations including:
When working with children or young people, the extent of my engagement with parents and the network around a child and family depends on the arrangements made during commissioning. I will refer on, or signpost to different services if this is required.
I trained as a therapist later in life. I first worked as an interior designer winning an award for my creative work. I then completed a BSc psychology degree studying in the evenings at University of London. During this time I worked in an occupational psychology practice running psychometric assessments for career guidance and offering consultations to adults and young people. I then worked as a researcher into human behaviour in government departments and presented findings at conference.
I have volunteered with Victim Support visiting victims of crime, and NACRO where I offered guidance to young people at risk of offending. I worked on the mental health help line for Rethink and as an administrator with the Mental Health Review Tribunal.
I have benefitted from personal therapy and bring kindness, humility and respect to the work along with a bit of grit.
These inlcude the following self-funded trainings, plus ongoing CPD:
IFS - Internal Family Systems
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) self help guides
Neurodevelopment
Online support for young people
Child development
Parenting
I work out of the Brighton Consulting Rooms, beside Preston Park Station.
If you have any questions or would like to have an introductory call, please email me.
