Catherine Hutchins

As human beings our lives cannot be untouched by suffering. sometimes the suffering can feel so great that we begin to have difficulty living our everyday lives, and we may find all tasks a struggle. Counselling involves being able to share difficult issues, thoughts and feelings in a safe, secure environment. It is not always easy to talk to those we love as we often don't want to hurt them, and do not want them to think badly of us, so working with a non- judgmental, empathetic counsellor can enable a person to explore issues openly. I abide by the BACP code of ethics and collectively have a wide range of experience.

Diploma in CBT ( Cognitive Behavourial Therapy)- 2009 Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling- 2008 Training & experience in Interpersonal therapy Certificate in Solution focused therapy As an experienced and qualified Counsellor I am able to offer a variety of different counselling methods. The methods of counselling I work with are: Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) - the main focus of IPT is on relationship problems and on helping the person to identify how they are feeling and behaving in their relationships. This type of counselling often benefits individuals who are suffering with depression, Person Centred Counselling - This method offers an open forum to explore any issues causing an individual distress or anxiety and supports the individual to identify how they can move forward in their life. This counselling style works well for many who prefer a more holistic approach. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Techniques (CBT- Style Counselling) - CBT techniques used within counselling help to support an individual to focus on a key issue or issues and identify negative patterns and offer solutions. These techniques often benefit individuals who are suffering with anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive behaviours and negative thinking. Sometimes people can find themselves in cycles of negative behaviours and this style of counselling can help to interrupt that cycle and support a person to change those behaviours. Stress Control - Within the counselling environment there are emotional and thought focused tools and techniques that may be introduced to support with stress control on a day to day basis. These counselling techniques are generally incorporated with one of the previously mentioned methods of counselling and are found to be of benefit to individuals suffering with all types of stress. General Counselling - I am able to work with individuals experiencing emotional difficulties with any aspect of their lives whether the issue be current or historically based. Compassionate focused therapy Compassion focused therapy (CFT) was developed by Dr Paul Gilbert for people who are high in shame and self-criticism. The main drive of CFT is to help a person develop a capacity for self-compassion and self-kindness. On a personal note, I am an approachable, genuine and open person. I do not judge and have a natural ability to support and empathise with others. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at all regarding counselling and/or psychotherapy or if you would simply like more information.

I have specialist experience inc: Young peoples counselling Counselling for depression Compassion focused personal development group work Compassion focused therapy Smoking cessation Solution focused therapy Gambling addiction

Catherine Hutchins Hello there! My name is Catherine and I am an integratively trained Counselling Therapist and Group Facilitator and Trainer. I spent many years as an Apothecary Dispensing Technician and it was through this valuable experience I came to realise that I had intuitive skills to work with people However, 10 years ago I began to feel stuck! My stressful, full-time job was no longer rewarding. Working long hours and constantly feeling tired and disempowered made it hard to enjoy quality time with my precious children. My self-confidence was waning and I didn't have the self-belief to even imagine that I could do something different and more worthwhile. Then, with the help of a 10-week counselling introductory course, I discovered aspects of me that I didn't even know existed and this for me was the beginning of a very exciting journey. Within a couple of years I gained my counselling diploma and from there have gone on to study many more ways of working with and empowering people, including helping people to become aware of the often negative thinking and behaviour patterns that can lead to distress or lack of self-belief and confidence. My approach has evolved over the years and I now work in a very bespoke way, but always based in the Compassion Focused approach. This approach enables me to use many skills including mindfulness and visualisation.