About me
Hi I'm Cath, and I offer therapeutic counselling in Reading and online to people aged 18+.
It takes bravery making the first step to talk to someone, and to struggle with our mood and feelings. I offer empathy, warmth and sensitivity to make that initial step feel as easy as possible for you.
Sometimes we can struggle - we may not know exactly how we feel, or have many conflicting feelings we may feel anxious, depressed, confused and overwhelmed or sometimes just numb. We may not always want to share our deepest, most painful, private feelings and thoughts with friends and family.
Clients have shared a wide range of issues, domestic abuse, addictions, anxiety, low mood, low confidence and self esteem, they may have lived through sexual abuse and trauma,
We will explore sensitively and at your pace. I am warm and empathic - together we will develop a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to explore whatever you want to at your pace.
I won't advise or tell you what to do - believing you hold your solutions and together we can explore your feelings and thoughts, enabling you to feel better and to find a way forward.
Practice description
I am a BACP accredited Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor, I work 'integratively' by combining Person-Centred and Psychodynamic therapy and other approaches including CBT to best suit each person.
I also offer Rewind Therapy to process trauma memories. Rewind is a gentle, non intrusive approach designed to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic or distressing memories. Unlike some traditional trauma therapies, it does not require you to retell your story in detail or relive painful experiences. Instead, it works by helping your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers the same overwhelming response.
I can offer a package of up to 3 stand alone Rewind sessions for £200 - this includes an assessment session ,the Rewind session and a review and further Rewind session if needed. Most people find improvement after 1-2 sessions.
We can also blend Rewind with ongoing sessions.
I am led by you and we will explore what you want to each time we meet, usually what you are feeling and struggling with now. Sometimes it can help to look back at what has happened in your past, and past relationships to help understand the present and how it may be replaying in the present - and to work towards the future that you would like.
I offer face to face counselling from a comfortable and tranquil centre in Reading town centre, close to parking and good public transport links. I can also offer online counselling sessions either via Google Meet or Whatsapp - or a combination if you prefer.
I can offer long term or short term counselling, you decide what is best for you and when you would like to end sessions.
Initial free first session
I offer a free 20 minute consultation session either online or over the phone - whatever works best for you.
This gives us time to get to know each other a little, to explore a little about how you've been feeling and the situation you are in, and what you may want from our sessions.
It's a chance to ask any questions that you may have about what sessions will be like, especially if counselling is new to you.
Most importantly you can see if you feel comfortable talking with me. If you do decide to go ahead, we can agree on a time and day that suits you to meet for our sessions - we can also mix and match face to face or online to suit you.
Please do get in touch - If you have questions, or just want to find out more you can contact me via the directory and we can set up a call.
Training, qualifications & experience
Qualifications & Training
- Registered member of the BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Rewind training with IARTT
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
- CPCAB Level 3 Counselling Studies Certificate
- CPCAB Level 2 Counselling Skills Certificate
- I have completed Open University Online Counselling training (BACP approved) so I can work safely and effectively online and on the telephone
- Trauma Model to support survivors of sexual abuse
- I am a qualified Mental Health First Aider with MHFA England.
Experience
I work with young people (18+) and adults who are experiencing a variety of issues in private practice.
I have been a counsellor at a local charity with people aged 18+ with a variety of issues and experiences.
I have also been a counsellor at a local charity offering services to survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
I have worked for a variety of charities in my career, including supporting women experiencing domestic abuse for Women's Aid, supporting young people in the care system and homeless single people with a variety of support needs including substance misuse, physical health, mental health and offending. I've also worked in social housing and for the NHS.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer a free initial 20 minute session which can be either by telephone or online to best suit you. This gives you a chance to see if we feel like a good fit and to find out what sessions may be like, and to ask any questions.
I offer cheaper rates for trainee counsellors.
Do you work in advertising, marketing or media? I've partnered with NABS. NABS are a charity who focus on improving mental wellbeing in the industry, they also offer free support services.
You can find out more about how NABS may be able to support you via their website https://nabs.org.uk or via their helpline below:
0800 707 6607
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
I work from quiet rooms in central Reading, close to parking and a few minutes walk from the train station and close to other public transport.
I work at SPACES in Reading which is a few minutes walk from Reading train station and in the town centre.
I can also offer online counselling or a blend that works for you.
I offer Rewind to process trauma memories. Rewind is a gentle, non intrusive approach designed to reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic or distressing memories. Unlike some traditional trauma therapies, it does not require you to retell your story in detail or relive painful experiences. Instead, it works by helping your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer triggers the same overwhelming response.
I can offer a package of up to 3 stand alone Rewind sessions for £200 - this includes an assessment session ,the Rewind session and a review and further Rewind session if needed. Most people find improvement after 1-2 sessions.
We can blend Rewind in with longer term counselling sessions as well.
