Hello my name is Catherine.
I'm so glad you found me, welcome to my little corner of the internet.
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she/her
My journey into counselling began as a way to understand myself, my relationships and my interactions with others. That journey developed into a new career path.
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First and foremost I am uniquely me but I have many parts. I am a mother, wife, friend, daughter, auntie and dog mum and I have a passion for creativity, having started my career, many moons ago, as a photographer.
My family includes an autistic teen, my creative partner where we run his business together. And last bust not least a lively miniature Jack Russell. While I once thrived on outdoor adventures and travel, the COVID era has shifted my focus towards cherished moments with close family and friends. Connecting over shared pleasures has become a source of joy, providing a meaningful and fulfilling backdrop to our lives.
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MY STORY(in brief)
Being diagnosed as autistic as an adult marked a pivotal moment in my personal and professional journey, especially with it co-occurring through my counselling training. This revelation brought clarity to aspects of my life that had long puzzled me, fostering a deeper understanding of my unique perspective and strengths.
Armed with this newfound self-awareness, I discovered a profound passion for working with both autistic and non-autistic clients. Drawing from my personal experiences, I approach counselling with a heightened sensitivity to the diverse ways individuals perceive and navigate the world.
My diagnosis not only enriched my empathy but also enhanced my ability to create an inclusive and understanding therapeutic space. I am committed to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can embrace their differences, explore their identities, and navigate their challenges, irrespective of neurodiversity. This dual perspective fuels my dedication to promoting acceptance, empowerment, and growth in both autistic and non-autistic individuals as they embark on their own unique journeys of self-discovery and healing.
WHAT'S IN A NAME... Why The Unfolding?
The name 'The Unfolding Therapy' holds a deeply personal and symbolic significance, reflecting both a passion of my child and my own transformative journey. My child's love for the art of paper folding, or origami, has been a source of joy and connection within our family. His intricate creations, fashioned from colored and patterned paper, have served as tangible expressions of his affection. When contemplating a name for my practice, it became apparent that incorporating a part of my child's essence would be a meaningful choice.
The term "Unfolding" takes on a dual meaning in this context. On one hand, it pays homage to my son's pleasure for origami, where paper is carefully folded to reveal intricate designs. On the other hand, it encapsulates my personal journey after being diagnosed autistic. The journey through counselling and diagnosis acted as a catalyst for self-discovery, akin to the unfolding of a hidden truth. As I navigated the complexities of autism, I found myself metaphorically unfurling, peeling back layers to uncover the authentic self that had long been concealed. 'The Unfolding Therapy' becomes a poignant representation of both my child's artistic passion and my transformative experience, merging the worlds of creativity and personal growth within the name of my practice.
The science of psychotherapy is knowing what to say, the art is knowing when to say it.
JONATHAN KELLERMAN
Counselling Services
Person Centred Counselling
In my practice, I am dedicated to providing a person-centered approach to counselling, placing my clients at the forefront of the therapeutic process. I prioritize creating a safe and empathetic space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
By actively listening and tuning into the unique perspectives of each client, I aim to foster a genuine connection and understanding. This approach involves recognizing and respecting your autonomy and agency in the decision-making process. Through consistent support, validation, and encouragement, I strive to empower you on your journey of self-discovery and growth, promoting a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Autism & Neurodivergence Counselling
As a counsellor with my own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic, I bring my own unique and valuable perspective to my work with neurodivergent clients. My own journey provides me with a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths associated with being neurodivergent and I can offer genuine empathy to my clients, knowing firsthand the intricacies of navigating a world that may not always align with neurodivergent experiences. I fully acknowledge that each person's journey is unique. I draw on both my lived experience and training to understand the diverse ways neurodivergent traits can present.
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Many neurodivergent individuals face a long and often challenging path to diagnosis and my own late-diagnosis experience allows me to validate and normalise the diverse ways neurodivergence can manifest, helping my clients feel understood and accepted. This includes helping you recognise your unique strengths, challenges, and the impact of neurodivergence on various aspects of your life.
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Coming to the realisation that I was likely autistic and getting my diagnosis at 50 I work with late realised or diagnosed neurodivergent clients. I help them explore their possible neurodivergence in a neuro-affirming way, providing a supportive space for self-discovery. By offering compassionate guidance and validating their experiences, I empower my clients to gain a clearer understanding of themselves and make informed decisions about their next steps.
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Training & Experience
CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
To help develop my practice and as part of my ongoing commitment to continued professional development, I regularly attend in-person and online training. This helps me keep my knowledge and skills up to date as well as delving into topics of interest related to counselling.
As well as my private practice I continue to volunteer as a counsellor, where I completed part of my placement hours, at a local charity, Cedar House in Preston. My motivation to engage in this work stems from a sincere desire to give back to my local community by providing support to those grappling with a myriad of life issues. In addition to my role there, I also conduct assessments for new clients.
I also work on a contract basis at a local neurological center, counselling both staff and patients. Beyond that, I have taken on temporary responsibilities at the local university, where I observe counselling and psychology students with their skills work, and offer constructive feedback. My diverse involvements reflect my commitment to making a positive impact in various spheres of the community.
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Professional member of the BACP
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Bachelor of Arts
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Autistic Advocate training programme
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Cruse Bereavement Care training
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Working with suicide
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Exploring Relational Depth with Mick Cooper
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Telephone & Online training
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Trauma with Carolyn Spring
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Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy with Autism & ADHD
My Commitment
I adhere to the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework
I keep up to date professional indemnity insurance & hold an up to date DBS certificate
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I work in accordance with UK GDPR
and ICO
I attend regular supervision as per my BACP membership body requirements
I actively participate in CPD courses to ensure my continued development and learning​
Get in Touch
Making the first step can feel difficult so I will always aim to explain everything and go at your pace.
Feel free to contact me for an informal chat to see if I'm the right counsellor for you.
Preston, Lancashire. UK
07903737363
