Catarina M. Rato MBACP (Accred) Individuals; Couples; Supervision

Training, qualifications & experience

I have been working in the field of addictions (drugs, alcohol, gambling) for several years and I have considerable experience in working with loss and bereavement as well as sexual abuse. I also have large experience in working with illness and disability, chronic pain, physical impairment and depression.

Professional experience:

• Avenue Counselling - Private practice  
• One Therapy Brighton - Clinical supervisor
• The Wilbury Clinic - Private practice
• Mankind - Counselling service for men who have been sexually abused
• Cruse Bereavement Care - Clinical supervisor
• BHT Mental Health & Wellbeing Services - Clinical supervisor    
• Gamcare - National support for problem gambling, frontline services adviser and clinical supervisor
• Breakeven - Counselling service for anyone affected by problem gambling
• The Sussex Multiple Sclerosis Centre - MS, ME and other chronic neurological conditions
• CRI - Drugs and alcohol counselling service

I work with a Person-Centred approach and I believe that every individual has a natural potential for growth, change and self-determination.

I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I abide by their Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I have had a long interest in body psychotherapy and in the fundamental relationship and interconnection between mind, body and spirit. I have over 17 years background in bodywork and I am a qualified Shiatsu practitioner.

I have also an interest in Ecotherapy and Ecopsychology, in our connection to the natural world and in the relationship between nature and our emotional and psychological wellbeing.

I am bilingual and can offer counselling sessions in Portuguese.

Further information

My work reflects the principles of the Person-Centred approach, that the individual is a person of worth and value with vast resources for growth, change, and self-determination.

Confidentiality is an essential part of the counselling relationship and everything that takes place in the sessions is confidential, treated with respect and discretion.

Sessions may be short-term or open-ended. The length of time a client stays in counselling depends on the needs of the individual. Deep rooted problems may require long term counselling, while specific issues can sometimes be addressed in a few sessions.

On our first session we can discuss and establish your needs and agree on the frequency and time of sessions, length of contract, fees and confidentiality. This may also be the time to explore your expectations about counselling and to ask any questions you may have about the counselling process.

Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes and normally take place on a regular basis once a week.

(Profile photo by www.lizaomalley.com)