Cathy Orchard

As an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist, I offer a safe, non-judgemental place where you can make sense of where you are, find solutions, and work out a way to move more comfortably into your future, and build the life you want to live.

I am an Integrative Therapist. This enables me to draw on a range of approaches to tailor the therapy to each individual client. I use the therapeutic relationship with you to explore what troubles you, and to change behavioural patterns and heal past trauma. This way of working enables us to transform our own processes, as well as how we relate with others, and find emotional freedom.

I have extensive experience of working long-term in private practice, in NHS Secondary Care, and in low-cost community settings. I have significant experience of working short-term in University counselling and community NHS primary care settings. I work with anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, depression, sadness, trauma, relationship and family difficulties, childhood relational trauma, issues of identity, sense of self, self-esteem and self-compassion, obsessional thinking, and loss and bereavement.

My approach is tailored to each individual client, drawing on a range of modalities to enable us to work deeply and relationally to build understanding and awareness, and shift patterns of relating to self and others, and to life situations and challenges. We can learn to use our bodies as well as our minds to support this self-discovery and growth. I draw on theory and technique from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Attachment Based Psychotherapy, Body Psychotherapy and CBT and Mindfulness techniques. In line with Humanistic Principles I recognise, value and work with the whole person, in the belief that each person contains within them the potential for growth and transformation, which I facilitate by creating a nurturing, supportive therapeutic environment. I believe strongly in the healing power of compassion.

As a registered member of the BACP, I abide by the principles of their Ethical Framework. My practice is a short walk from Folkestone West station, with free parking. I offer face to face or remote therapy, via Zoom or telephone. Confidential messages can be left on the phone number provided, or you can email me. 

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, get to know each other, and discover how we can work together. It provides space for you to tell me about yourself, and what you hope to gain from therapy. I will ask you to tell me a bit about your family history and your current situation, as well as your hopes and fears about your past, present and future. In this session you can ask me about how I work and what you can expect from me. Together we can decide our way forward.