Catherine Nicholas

** ** UPDATE September 16, 2023.

Unfortunately my practice is temporarily closed for new intakes.

Returning clients or AXA clients may get in touch for future availability. This message gets updated regularly when the availability changes 

Messages or questions are still welcome and I will get to them asap ***

Hello and a very warm welcome

as a brief introduction before we meet I just want to reassure you that you have found a safe space to talk. I am a highly qualified and ethical practitioner registered with the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists. I have been working in the public sector and in private practice for over 14 years now and I have gained a lot of experience working with a variety of client issues.

Deciding to seek counselling is a positive step towards making a change happen in your life however looking for a counsellor may be an unfamiliar and perhaps daunting experience. I appreciate that it can take courage to make the first call or email to contact me and so I would like to reassure you that whatever your personal issue, you can be assured of my respect, my empathy and a non judgmental response. I absolutely never discriminate on working with any clients gender, age, race, sexuality or religious belief and all are welcome.

You are welcome to call, email or text me with any questions you may have. The next step is to come along to an initial assessment to see how it feels! The first assessment session lasts an hour and hopefully helps you decide whether I might be the right person for you..

Research shows that one of the major keys to therapeutic success is the relationship between client and counsellor. This is why I positively encourage clients to try out a few counsellors before you decide whom you feel most comfortable. In a nutshell..once you have done the initial safety check of the necessary training, experience and professional registration ultimately just trust your gut feeling!

My clients are perhaps the best people to tell you about me & my practice. In an anonymous client survey clients were asked whether their counselling had made a positive impact on their mental or physical well being, 100% said yes and 100% also said they would recommend me to others. A great deal of my current clients come from personal recommendations and other counsellor's regularly refer to me also. I also counsel and clinically supervise other working counsellors and psychotherapists so I guess that’s a good sign! 

What is Counselling & Psychotherapy?

Talking therapy is an effective and proven method of coping with difficult emotions or relieving emotional distress which may stem from a huge range of causes. It has a great body of research to support it which is why it is now used widely within the NHS. Unfortunately the waiting lists on the NHS are becoming very long and often clients are reporting up to five months waiting times. Even then, they are sometimes only initially given access to brief telephone support and CBT is often offered but not necessarily suitable for everyone or their situation.

When we are suffering emotional difficulties it is usually best to get some help sooner rather than later and seeing a real person face to face who genuinely cares can really start to turn things around quite quickly.

You may be suffering from stress, depression, anxiety or panic. Or perhaps you have suffered a bereavement or been involved in a traumatic situation. You may be going through a separation or divorce or struggling in any kind of relationship at home or work. You might even just feel low and be unsure of the reasons for it. Counselling can help you to explore your feelings in a safe and confidential environment that is free from distraction. Longer term Psychotherapy work is also available for anyone wishing to work more in depth. 

Clients report that they not only feel emotionally supported by me, but some also notice that counselling and psychotherapy has lead them to thinking differently, feeling differently and depending on circumstances some people choose to make some quite important and positive changes.

You don't need to be in a dire crisis to be here with me. You might just be curious about some of your thoughts or behaviour's or wish to have a place to reflect on your future direction in life. Counselling is an excellent method of self development or a life restructure! You can gain a great amount of self awareness and new insight into yourself through the process. Some people find this can be helpful as it can lead to living the life you really want to and improving relationships at home and at work.

How will I work with you?

If after the assessment you decide to work with me then we would usually agree to meet for one hour weekly but only for as long as you feel it is helpful.

For consistency the session would ideally be at the same time each week but I can offer flexibility under certain circumstances if needed. This is your hour and the topic is you and any issues that you choose to bring. You do not need to discuss anything that you do not want to.

I work in a very engaged and relational way and I am happy to answer any questions you may have as honestly as I can. I am passionate about the people I work with and my aim is always to help you get what you need from therapy. You will not find me a traditionally aloof therapist or entirely neutral because I care deeply about the people I work with and this usually shows.

Feedback received from clients and colleagues suggest that I am not only found to be a professional practitioner but I am also warm, kind and empathic. I hope these qualities will help you to feel at ease, safe and supported, during what is perhaps a difficult or challenging time in your life.

Brief Therapy and Long Term Therapy - How much is enough?

The choice is yours and naturally everyone's needs and circumstances are different.

You may choose to meet with me for brief counselling (usually considered as anything up to six to twelve sessions) or you may decide to settle in to a deeper exploration of your self,  family history and current relationships in some longer term Psychotherapy work. Long term work is often quite a life changing experience and whilst it can be challenging it’s also highly rewarding. 

Many clients work with me in an open ended way and we simply review the process together on a regular basis to asses whether the process is helpful. You are not tied in to any specific number and it is always your choice as to how many sessions you come for.

We can discuss what you may be likely to want/need in the assessment meeting. 

Where are you?

I am currently working in central Odiham, within the local community Odiham Cottage Hospital.

Buryfields,
Odiham,
RG29 1NE

The Counselling Space

Odiham Cottage Hospital is currently being used as a community space. My therapy room is based upstairs in the main building in a very private, warm and comfortable space, furnished with soft armchairs to offer a more homely and relaxed experience.

First Meeting

It is really important that you feel at ease with the counselling space and the counsellor you eventually choose.  An initial meeting can help us both to decide together whether counselling or working with me could be helpful for you. There is no obligation for you to continue beyond our first meeting and I am happy to refer you to colleagues or other specialist agencies if it appears this might be more helpful. A good therapy fit is important and a brief phone call isn’t usually enough time to decide that. 

Contact Me

If you feel that at this stage you just want some brief information then the fastest route for a response may be to text or you can use the counselling directory contact form or a direct email. 

Alternatively we can also arrange a brief telephone call but we would still need to arrange an assessment session before we formally agree to start sessions.  I may be in session when you contact me so please do leave a message with your name number and a convenient time to call back and if possible I will get back as soon as possible, usually this will be the same day.


I love people. I love what I do and I am really looking forward to meeting with you!

** Please note that whilst I am able to work with clients on their relationship issues on a one to one basis I am not able to offer couples counselling. I would refer you to Relate as specialists in this field **

£60 Initial Assessment Session (Anytime) (online or face to face) 

£60 per one hour session online or face to face at Odiham Cottage Hospital (Main Building not Annexe) day times 9-5pm

£65 for any evening or Saturday online or face to face session at Odiham Cottage Hospital (Main Building not Annexe)  (after 5) 

Depending on availability concessions are sometimes available for trainee counselling students. I only hold two low cost spaces so asking well in advance of course starting is advised but obviously things can change at anytime so always welcome to enquire . 

Employer referrals and EAP work regularly undertaken & GP Referrals welcome. Contact for terms & rates.

Previous Corporate & Government Working with:

Hampshire Fire and Rescue

RAF

AXA PPP Healthcare

Health Assured

Compsych

I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) and I am bound by their ethical code and practice. For more information please see www.bacp.co.uk

I am fully insured and my practice is professionally and confidentially supervised.