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 and so my aim is to offer you a confidential space to talk through the issues that have led you to take the first steps in exploring your experiences. 

How I work:

My aim is to provide a comforting and safe environment for you to make sense of the experiences that have contributed to you developing challenging thoughts, feelings and behaviours that affect your life.

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. It is important to offer a safe, confidential and un-interrupted space for you to talk through the issues that may feel too difficult to share with those closest to you.

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 personal challenges including depression, anxiety and difficult life changing events. I offer counselling support to a broad age range, including children from eight years old.

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. If you feel I might be the right counsellor for you, then drop me an email and we will arrange a good day and time for you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Catherine

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.

Young adults:

I am particularly passionate and 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.

Neurodivergence:

I have over twenty years of experience working with adults and young people who would consider themselves neurodivergent.

I understand that individuals with neurodivergence & learning difficulties require a proactive approach to counselling and so I encourage opportunities to communicate creatively.

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.

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 no charge for the first session, so can ensure I am the right counsellor for you. The first session is 30 minutes long.

If you decide I am the right counsellor for you, then each session after this is 50 minutes long.