Catherine Winters

When you are experiencing difficult times and living with issues that are negatively impacting your life, finding the right support and someone safe to connect with is essential in helping you to make sense of the experiences that can cause difficult and complex feelings. 

I appreciate that it takes time to consider whether counselling is right for you; to begin in sharing the experiences and challenges that led you to reach out for support. My aim is to offer you a confidential space to talk through the issues that have led you to take the first step into feeling heard and making sense of your thoughts and the issues that trigger difficult emotions.

How I work:
I work from a Person-Centred theoretical framework, which means I do not direct the sessions but allow you to tell your story at your own pace, in a safe, confidential and un-interrupted space. The therapeutic aim is for you to develop autonomy, to talk through the issues that may feel too difficult sharing with those closest to you.

As a counsellor, I believe that the most important element to the therapeutic work is building a trusting relationship where you feel safe to share the experiences that have led you to seek counselling.

Qualifications:
BA (HONS) in Humanistic Counselling: University of Chichester.
Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People: Iron Mill College, Poole.
Mental Health First Aider.
Level 3 Safeguarding Children & Young People.
 
Specialisms:
I have extensive experience counselling individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and mental health difficulties, including depression, anxiety and challenging life changing events and I offer counselling support to a broad age range. 
 
I have detailed below particular areas of expertise. If you feel after reading through the information, that I would be the right counsellor for you, then please do not hesitate to email me.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Cathy
 
Relational difficulties:
I am experienced in supporting those who have encountered narcissistic and difficult relationships, particularly with parents.  As an adult you may be experiencing a sense of burdening responsibility and guilt for a primary care giver or parent, and you cannot seem to break free from the cycle of self-doubt and masking that are caused by the relentless exposure of emotional manipulation and gas lighting behaviour. These experiences are not restricted to primary care givers or parents but to other individuals in your life, such as a partner, Manager or friend. Please do contact me if you feel this is something you would like to explore. 

Neurodivergence:
I have over thirty years experience working with adults and young people who would consider themselves neurodivergent. I am noticing within my own counselling practice that an increasing number of adults, especially females, are recognising that many of the challenges they have been living are connected to undiagnosed or unsupported neurodivergence. 
I understand that some individuals with neurodivergence &/or learning difficulties may require a proactive approach to counselling and so I encourage opportunities to communicate creatively or in a way that is more suitable for the individual.

Young adults:
I have considerable experience counselling young adults who are going through the transitional stages of leaving higher education and making life changing decisions. This can be a particularly challenging life stage, where individuals can experience societal expectations which can create anxiety and issues around identity. 

Young people:
As well as holding a Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People, I also have extensive experience working within this age range, (Primary to Secondary) and provide a proactive approach to sessions. I have a good understanding of the developmental and social complexities of this life stage and aim to provide a supportive environment for the young person to express congruently and without judgement.
 
Creativity:
If you like to communicate through creativity, then I encourage you to do so with a view to enhance your therapeutic experience. I do not interpret creative work in the therapeutic process but provide space for you to find your own meaning. Sometimes a song or picture causes us to feel, think and remember and this can help us to make sense of complicated thoughts and feelings that are too difficult to put into words.

Mental Health:
As a qualified mental health first aider, I also have extensive experience supporting the mental health needs of adults and young people. This includes Supporting individuals with depression, anxiety, self-harm & other mental health issues. 

There is a small charge of £15 for the first session, which is 30 minutes long. This session is for you to have an opportunity to ask me questions and to learn a little more about how I work.

If after this session, you decide I am the right counsellor for you, then each session after this is 50 minutes long and at a charge of £50.