Welcome

Welcome to my website, I'm Cath.

If you've found your way here, perhaps you're thinking about counselling, or maybe you're simply looking for some information before deciding what to do next. Whatever has brought you here, taking that first step can feel quite daunting.

I offer a warm, safe and confidential space where you can feel listened to, without judgement, and have the opportunity to explore whatever is bringing you to counselling.

I predominantly work with adults and have a particular interest in supporting women through the different stages and experiences of life. I also work with couples and young people aged 13–18, and offer EMDR therapy.

A little about me

I'm an experienced therapeutic counsellor and an Accredited Professional Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS (Acc.)).

I'm an integrative therapist, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches and tailor the way I work to you as an individual. I work in a trauma-informed way and use EMDR where it is appropriate.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a qualified nurse and then as a midwife, including within gynaecology. These experiences gave me a particular understanding of women's health, reproductive experiences and the many changes that can take place throughout a woman's life.

I've also spent many years working within education, supporting children and young people experiencing social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Alongside my private practice, I have worked with an organisation supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse, with both adults and young people. I've also volunteered as a counsellor within a sixth form college.

These experiences, together with my own personal experience of counselling, have shaped the way I work today. I understand that everyone who comes to counselling brings their own experiences, circumstances, relationships and way of making sense of the world.

I don't believe counselling is about telling you what to do or trying to fix you. It's about creating a space where you can begin to understand what is happening for you, explore what you need and, where you want to, consider what you would like to change.

How I work

I work collaboratively, at your pace.

Sometimes you may know exactly what has brought you to counselling. At other times, you may simply know that something doesn't feel right but not know where to begin.

You don't need to have everything worked out before you come.

Together, we can explore your experiences, thoughts, feelings and patterns, and consider what might help you move forward in a way that feels right for you.

I offer both face-to-face counselling in Knaresborough and online sessions, giving you the flexibility to choose the way of working that best suits your circumstances.

My professional commitments

As an Accredited Professional Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (PNCPS (Acc.)), I work in accordance with the NCPS Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and am subject to its Professional Conduct Procedure.

I maintain regular professional supervision and ongoing continuing professional development as part of my commitment to safe and ethical practice.

I hold professional indemnity and public liability insurance and an enhanced DBS check.

If you'd like to know more about me or how I work, please feel free to get in touch. You don't have to know exactly what you need before making contact, we can talk about what is bringing you here and whether counselling feels like the right fit for you.