Catherine Winters
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
My name is Cathy and I am a qualified counsellor and member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). I offer person-centred counselling and have extensive experience counselling individuals with a diverse range of backgrounds and mental health difficulties, including depression and anxiety.
I also have experience supporting those who have encountered life-changing events, such as, divorce, bereavement, or transitioning into or from the next stage of education.
Location
My practice, where I offer face-to-face sessions, is based in Chichester city centre, with easy access to public parking as well as other travel links within a walking distance.
My Practice
The counselling room I have created is a warm and welcoming environment, where individuals can feel physically and emotionally at ease. With comfortable seating and resources to support your therapy, you can feel secure to explore the issues that led you to seek counselling support.
I work from a Person-Centred theoretical framework, which means you direct the sessions to process your experiences at your own pace, in a safe, confidential and uninterrupted space. The therapeutic aim is for you to find your voice, to talk through issues that are difficult to share with those closest to you.
How I work
As a counsellor, I believe that the most important element to the therapeutic work is building a trusting relationship with the hope that this will allow you to feel safe & free to talk about your experiences without fear of judgement or shame.
With a view to enhance your therapeutic journey, I encourage you to express yourself creatively, if appropriate. 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. I can offer space in sessions to work creatively, or for you to bring materials from home.
Training and Experience
I have a BA (Hons) in Humanistic Counselling and a Post Qualifying Diploma in Counselling Children and Young people. Additionally, I hold a qualification in Mental Health First Aid and a Level 3 Certificate in Safeguarding Children and Young People. As a registered counsellor, I regularly continue my professional development and thus remain up to date with information and principles that enhance my understanding of maintaining a therapeutic practice .
In addition, I have extensive experience working with adults and young people who experience mental health issues. These include, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation.
I have also operated in a leadership capacity for a registered counselling charity, managing a team of counsellors. As well as this, I also work as an associate counsellor for Positive Routes to Wellbeing counselling service. I therefore have an excellent understanding of the emotional and safeguarding needs of individuals with mental health and well-being issues.
Areas of specialism and experience:
Although I have listed some specialisms below, they are not exclusive to my experience and understanding of the broad range of issues that affect mental-wellbeing and mental health.
Relational difficulties: I am practised in supporting those who have encountered narcissistic and difficult relationships, particularly with parents and partners. You may be struggling to break free from the cycle of self-doubt that is caused by the relentless exposure of emotional manipulation and gas lighting behaviour.
Neurodivergence: I have over thirty years experience working with adults and young people who would consider themselves to be neurodivergent. I understand that some individuals who are neurodivergent, may require a proactive approach to counselling, so I encourage opportunities to communicate creatively or in a way that is more suitable for the individual.
Young people (16+) and Young Adults (18+): I have extensive experience counselling young people and young adults. I offer a proactive approach to sessions, meaning that I invite individuals to engage creatively, using resources available. The aim is to encourage a creative approach to communication and offer a less formal environment.
Spirituality and faith-based challenges: If you have been connected with a faith-based community that has caused you to feel conflicted with your identity, which may have resulted in feelings of shame or guilt, then I would like to offer you a safe space to explore your faith and spirituality from a Person-Centred therapeutic perspective.
You may have experienced coercive control or perhaps you are coming to terms with the idea that you have encountered spiritual abuse, which has left you feeling confused and conflicted in your spirituality and faith.
Parents, guardians and Carers: I understand that being a parent, guardian or carer of someone who requires significant additional support can create a number of difficult emotions, including guilt and worry. Whether you are looking after a child, adult child or maybe another family member, it can be exhausting. When you are a carer for someone with complex needs, it is easy to put your own well-being aside. I would love to hear from you and offer you a space where you feel heard and validated in your experience.
Teachers and pastoral staff in education: I have over twenty five years of experience working with students who have additional needs, including mental health issues, disabilities and neurodivergence. I have also held the position of Designated Safe Guarding Lead and have experience of working within multidisciplinary teams. I understand the emotional pressure that working in education, can have on staff members. Whether you are a teacher or a member of the well-being team, it is vital that you have a confidential space to talk through your work related experiences.
If you feel I might be the right counsellor for you, then please send me an email and we can arrange an initial session.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cathy
Training, qualifications & experience
- BA (HONS) in Humanistic Counselling: University of Chichester
- Post Qualifying Diploma Counselling Children and Young People: Iron Mill College.
- Mental Health First Aid
- Registered member of the BACP (MBACP)
- Register with PAT (Pets As Therapy) ID: PAT-2245060
- FAA Level 3 safeguarding & protecting children, young people or vulnerable adults. Qualification code:601/8471/1 Nuco Training Ltd
- FAA Level 3 emergency First Aid. Qualification code: 603/2080/1 Nuco Training Ltd
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Free initial in-person or online session
Additional information
I offer a free 30 minute initial assessment so have an opportunity to ensure that I am the right counsellor for you.
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 £50.00
When I work
Please contact me with your availability and I will aim to fit in with your schedule wherever possible.
Sessions should run at the same time and on the same day on a weekly basis.
