Trainee Counsellor – Cathy

Qualifications & Training

• Level 5 Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (in progress, Year 3 of 3)
• Level 4 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory
• Level 3 Diploma in Hypnotherapy
• BA (Hons) Psychology and Public Media — University of Leeds
• Safeguarding trained to DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) level
• BEAT SPOT training for school professionals
• Fit to practise certificate held

Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice (Year 3, in progress)

Cathy brings a thoughtful, grounded presence to her counselling work — shaped by years of supporting people through some of life’s most challenging moments, and a deep personal commitment to equity, inclusion and human dignity.

About Cathy

Cathy is a Trainee Psychotherapeutic Counsellor currently in her third and final year of a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice. Her training is pluralistic in orientation, with a particular warmth towards person-centred ways of working, and she draws thoughtfully on psychodynamic and CBT approaches where these serve the person she is supporting.

Before entering counselling training, Cathy built a rich professional background in wellbeing support within education. For several years she has worked at a grammar school, providing dedicated pastoral provision — monitoring students’ wellbeing, offering positive strategies and guidance, keeping careful records, and working closely with families and external agencies. This means she arrives in counselling practice with real, sustained experience of holding complex and sensitive material with care and professionalism.

Cathy also oversees her school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), liaising with and supporting students who are navigating questions of gender identity and sexuality. This lived professional experience — supporting young people who are gender questioning and working alongside LGBTQIA+ students — informs a practice that is genuinely affirmative and non-judgemental. She is also an active member of her school’s staff wellbeing team, reflecting her belief that caring for others begins with caring for oneself.

Cathy’s Philosophy

“I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, accepted and understood — exactly as they are. My role is to offer a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore what matters to you, at your own pace, without having to edit yourself. Change often grows quietly in soil like that.”

Cathy’s approach is warm, steady and deeply respectful of each person’s own knowledge of themselves. She is curious rather than directive and holds a genuine belief in people’s capacity for growth — even when that feels hard to see. Her pluralistic training means she adapts her approach to what works for you, rather than applying a single framework to everyone.

What Cathy Can Help With

Mental health & emotional wellbeing

• Anxiety and worry
• Low mood and depression
• Stress and overwhelm
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Self-harm (historical)

Identity & relationships

• Gender identity and sexuality
• LGBTQIA+ experiences
• Relationship difficulties
• Family dynamics
• Belonging and identity

Life challenges

• Life transitions and change
• School refusal and avoidance patterns
• Personal development
• Finding meaning and direction

Trauma & difficult experiences

• Experiences of abuse (historical)
• Sexual trauma
• Processing difficult life events
• Building safety and resilience

Cathy is particularly attuned to the experiences of people exploring questions of gender and identity, and to those navigating difficult family relationships. Her commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirmative practice is grounded in genuine professional experience and personal conviction.

Working with a Trainee Counsellor

As a trainee counsellor, Cathy works under regular clinical supervision provided by Hope Therapy & Counselling Services. This means her work is closely supported and guided by experienced professionals. Cathy’s extensive background supporting young people and families through complex and sensitive challenges means she brings genuine relational skill, composure under pressure and real-world pastoral experience to her developing counselling practice. All trainee counsellors at Hope Therapy follow the same high standards of ethical practice, confidentiality and safeguarding as our qualified team members.

Format Options

Online sessions via secure videoconferencing. Online therapy can be particularly helpful for those with busy schedules, mobility concerns, or who simply prefer the privacy and convenience of connecting from their own space. Cathy offers sessions from wherever you are in England.