About Me
About me
Hi I’m Cat, Psychotherapist and Founder at Expressive Self Psychotherapy. A warm welcome to you!
I am an Arts Psychotherapist (Dramatherapist) and a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (CBT). I offer these forms of therapy alongside an Integrative Approach. This means I am trained in, and can draw upon, different modalities in my therapeutic practice to fully support and embrace your individual journey and needs. My practice centres on therapy through a trauma-informed lens. I recognise how trauma can affect someone’s mental, physical, emotional, social or spiritual wellbeing.
I strongly believe in the importance of a good relationship match when finding a therapist. For therapy to be effective, you need to trust your therapist! I also believe therapy can be used for personal growth and is an important aspect of maintaining good mental health. I’m delighted you have taken that first step and found Expressive Self Psychotherapy, let’s embark on this next phase together.
A little bit about my experience, education and training
My previous experience as a therapist includes working in the NHS, in schools, with survivors of childhood sexual abuse and with survivors of domestic abuse. I have felt privileged to be alongside people on these journeys. I have worked with people who have experienced or are experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Social Anxiety
- Panic
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
- Health Anxiety
- Sexual Abuse
- Self-Harm
- Psychosis
- Domestic Abuse
- Childhood Trauma
- Phobias
- Low Self-Esteem
Certifications, Education, and Experience
Education
2021-2022
Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Merit) Lincoln University
2017-2019
Master of Arts in Dramatherapy (Distinction) Derby University
2007-2010
Bachelor of Arts in Performance (Distinction) Northumbria University
Recent Professional Development Training Undertaken:
Dramatherapy Conference (BADth 2024), Safeguarding Adults Level 3 (NHS: 2024), Safeguarding Children Level 3 (NHS: 2024), Neuro-Effective Touch for Emotional and Relational Trauma (Embodied Philosophy; Dr Aline LaPierre: 2024), Integrating Compassion Focussed Therapy in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: (BABCP: 2023), Traumatic Bereavement Training: (NHS:2022)
Professional Registrations:
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) State Registered Arts Therapist (AS16746)
British Association of Dramatherapists (BADth) Full Member
In my practice I draw upon:
- Drama Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Compassion Focussed Therapy
- Polyvagal Theory
- Attachment Theory
- Psychodynamic Theory
- Somatic and Embodied Healing