Catherine Leachman

I have availability on Saturday mornings at: 

10 - 10.50am 

11 - 11.50am

These are available online via teams

I am a BACP Registered Counsellor offering a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can explore what is happening in your life at your own pace.

I work with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, depression, low mood, stress, bereavement, grief, life transitions and difficulties with confidence, identity and relationships. I also have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent clients and bring both professional experience and personal understanding, having experienced dyslexia myself.

My approach is integrative, meaning I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on your individual needs. This includes person-centred therapy, CBT-informed approaches and solution-focused work. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and that feeling heard and understood is an important part of creating change.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked for many years supporting people through education, employment and personal challenges. This included working with young people, adults, families, schools, community services and higher education. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the different pressures people can face and the impact these can have on wellbeing.

Alongside my private practice, I have experience working in university mental health support and NHS Talking Therapies settings, supporting people experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, loss and periods of difficulty.

I aim to provide a safe space where you can make sense of your experiences, develop self-awareness and explore ways forward.

My practice is based on the belief that everyone’s experiences are unique and that therapy should be adapted to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Sessions provide space to explore thoughts, feelings, patterns and experiences that may be affecting your wellbeing. We can work together to understand what is happening, identify what you need, and explore helpful ways of moving forward.

I offer a calm and supportive environment where you can talk openly without fear of judgement. I work at your pace, while also gently supporting reflection, growth and change.

I have experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional overwhelm, confidence issues, life changes and neurodivergent experiences.

My background in mental health, counselling, careers guidance and education means I bring a broad understanding of how personal experiences, relationships, work, study and life transitions can affect mental wellbeing.

I offer online sessions and aim to make therapy accessible, thoughtful and collaborative.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet, talk about what has brought you to therapy and explore what you would like support with.

I will ask you about your current situation, your background and any experiences that feel important for us to understand. This helps us begin to build a picture of what you are going through and how therapy might best support you.

There is no expectation that you will have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Many people arrive feeling unsure about where to start, and we can work through this together.

We will also discuss how I work, confidentiality, boundaries and any practical arrangements. It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist, so the first session is also a chance for you to see whether my approach feels right for you.

I do not offer a different type of therapy in the first session; it is simply the beginning of building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.