Catherine Thomson , BACP

Catherine Thomson, who prefers to be called Kate, is a fully qualified counsellor and a member of the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, with five years of clinical experience. She works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, supporting people through changes in family dynamics, bereavement and other forms of loss, illness, accident or trauma, as well as common concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, isolation, loneliness, bullying and body image.

Kate practices from a person-centred foundation and integrates creative, solution-focused techniques to meet each client where they are. Her toolkit includes sand tray work, nested dolls, therapeutic letter writing, vision boards, mindfulness exercises, psychoeducation, narrative approaches and play therapy when appropriate. This variety allows her to adapt sessions to individual preferences and developmental needs, encouraging exploration and expression in ways that feel meaningful to each person.

Her therapeutic aim is to help clients manage negative thoughts and behaviours, regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, clarify goals, resolve problems, identify personal values and strengthen boundaries. Kate describes her style as non-judgemental, friendly and professional, offering guidance and support while leaving choices in the hands of the client.

Kate’s background includes roles with charitable organisations such as Mind and Action for Carers, as well as work in the private sector with BUPA and in private practice. She has supported people from diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations, both face-to-face and online, drawing on earlier professional experience in business, corporate roles and community leadership to inform a practical, empathetic approach.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Client-centred therapy places the client at the heart of the work, offering a respectful, non-judgemental presence that helps people explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. It is useful for improving self-understanding, building confidence and navigating life transitions.

Attachment-based therapy focuses on patterns of relating that often begin in early relationships. It helps people recognise how attachment styles affect current relationships, intimacy and responses to loss or abandonment, and supports steps toward more secure connections.

Catherine works collaboratively with clients to identify which approach or combination of approaches fits best for their goals and preferences. Determining the right therapeutic method is treated as part of the process - she listens to each person’s experience and adapts techniques so therapy feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility, allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain consistency, access support from varied locations, and choose the communication style that helps you engage most effectively with the therapeutic work.