Relationship Counselling

People often seek counselling when they are in the midst of a crisis in terms of how they are feeling in themselves or because of a dilemma they are finding difficult to manage. It is quite usual to experience a kind of ‘stuckness’, when whatever we might do to resolve the difficulty, doesn’t’ appear to make any difference.

At these times it may be difficult to talk things over with a family member or a friend. You may feel you don’t want to burden them with your problem. Worse still, you may have tried talking to them but it hasn’t helped or it has simply made things worse.
It is at these times you might find talking to an experienced counsellor who can support you to turn things around in a confidential and safe environment.

Counselling offers you an opportunity to take some time and space in a relaxed and confidential setting to identify the cause of the ‘stuckness’, explore alternative ways of dealing with the problem or issue, identify strategies and solutions and enabling you to find some resolve. Further, helping you to regain a sense of control in how you approach and manage things.

Psychotherapy is a longer-term process, which enables a deeper exploration of the emotional issues you face. It looks at the background to your current problems and difficulties as well as any entrenched patterns of behaviour that might be preventing you from moving on with your life.

Psychotherapy is not a quick fix and you won’t be told what to do. Through exploration you will be supported to develop a way forward that is right for you.

You may find yourself discussing upsetting emotions and painful memories that have built up over a period of time. This can often feel very difficult to start with, but through exploration you will be supported to develop a way forward that is right for you. At times you may feel like you get more out of some sessions than others and some sessions may feel more challenging than others, but it is important to remember that is this is quite normal in the process of psychotherapy and feeling this way is a very natural response to uncomfortable feelings. Eventually you will gain a deeper insight and clarity into the way you feel, think and behave and any confusion experienced will lessen, enabling you move forward and start to feel better.

The outcome of psychotherapy is often determined by a strong therapeutic relationship and by making a commitment to self to attend your sessions regularly and consistently.

Online & Telephone Sessions: During this period of COVID19 all sessions are being offered online using whichever platform works best for the client. Alternatively telephone sessions are also an option. Cathy will support you to determine the best option mindful of your individual personal circumstances.

Face to Face: For individuals, couples, families and organisations. I work with children, teenagers and adults.

Walk & Talk: Ideal for those people who find it difficult to talk in the therapy room. It has long been understood that being out in the open air can improve ones psychological and mental well-being and that in the act of physically moving the body’s physiologocal response is to release endorphins which inevitably enable us to experience ourselves differently. Using this approach will be discussed during the first session or at such a time as my be deemed useful during the therapeutic process.

Cathy specialises in working with clients who face difficulty within relationships, with either partners, children, friends or colleagues and more particularly where they experience control, coercion, bullying, intimidation and trauma within that relationship.

Fees are provided on request and all fees are subject to VAT.

What happens if I need to cancel my session?

Life does not always run to plan and at times you may need to cancel or rearrange a session. It would be much appreciated if you do need to cancel, that it is done in advance of your appointment so that your time can be made available to another person if needed. Notice of cancellation is required 48 hours prior to a booked appointment or full fee payable.

There is no set time for the duration of therapy and it will very much depend on the individual and the nature of the problem, but the following factors will be considered:

• the length of time you have been dealing with the issue
• the degree of change you would like to achieve
• your level of confidence to manage change

Each of us is different and the number of sessions you may needed will differ from one person to another. However, as a guide Counselling may be between 6 and 12 sessions and Psychotherapy from 8 sessions and for as long as is needed.

No matter how many sessions you have, I believe in providing all clients with an engaging dialogue, to ensure we work towards fulfilling the greatest potential possible, creating a satisfying and successful outcome.

There are many approaches to counselling and therefore choosing a therapist that suits you and the issues you bring is important. Further information about further types of therapy please visit www.bacp.co.uk

Before choosing a therapist be sure to check that the therapist has the relevant qualifications and experience and is registered with an appropriate body such as the as the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

It is a requirement for all counsellors/psychotherapists to take regular supervision so check with your therapist that they are. During supervision the therapist may talk about a client’s problem, issue or story but will not use identifying information. Supervision is entirely confidential to the therapist and their supervisor and is in place to ensure that counsellor and client form the very best of working alliances.

Sessions  are generally 50 minutes..

Before choosing a therapist be sure to check that the therapist has the relevant qualifications and experience and is registered with an appropriate body such as the as the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

It is a requirement for all counsellors/psychotherapists to take regular supervision so check with your therapist that they are. During supervision the therapist may talk about a client’s problem, issue or story but will not use identifying information. Supervision is entirely confidential to the therapist and their supervisor and is in place to ensure that counsellor and client form the very best of working alliances.

Cathy Press is based in Private Practice in Sudbury, Suffolk. For those seeking counselling, psychotherapy or counselling supervision, Sudbury is conveniently located to those living in and around Bury St. Edmunds, Colchester, Halstead, Braintree and Ipswich. However, Cathy also works online with clients from further afield using a mutually agreed online platform.

• BSc (Hons) Counselling Anglia Ruskin University
• Diploma in Counselling Anglia Ruskin University
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level l & ll  Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute
• Certificate in Adoption Therapy LINK Adoption Agency
• Certificate in Attachment Focussed Therapy LINK Adoption Agency

Since qualifying as a therapist in 1999, Cathy has managed various specialist counselling and therapeutic services for those experiencing abuse related issues. Cathy maintains a private practice in Sudbury providing counselling and psychotherapy for self-referring clients as well as commissioned client work with Barnardos, various County Councils and EAP.

Before choosing a therapist be sure to check that the therapist has the relevant qualifications and experience and is registered with an appropriate body such as the as the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.

It is a requirement for all counsellors/psychotherapists to take regular supervision so check with your therapist that they are. During supervision the therapist may talk about a client’s problem, issue or story but will not use identifying information. Supervision is entirely confidential to the therapist and their supervisor and is in place to ensure that counsellor and client form the very best of working alliances.

Yes. I have indemnity insurance.

Cathy is an accredited member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and adheres to the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

BACP Registration No: 539434
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

As a client, you have rights to: 

To dignity as a human being. You have the right to equal consideration and treatment, regardless of your sex, race, colour, economic status, age, sexual preference or beliefs.

To be provided with professional and respectful care by your counsellor.

To be accepted as you are, and to be listened to in a non-judgemental way.

To know your counsellor’s assessment of the problem or concerns that you are presenting.

To refuse to comply with recommendations, even though your counsellor may strongly suggest you take some form of action or seek some other form of help. You may choose not to follow the counsellor’s guidance. Alternative resources may be available and you have the right to know what these are.

To confidentiality within counselling, providing that what you tell your counsellor does not put them in the position of breaking the law or may make them aware that you are contemplating causing serious harm to yourself or to others. You should also know that your counsellor is bound to comply with the regulations and codes of behaviour which are laid down in the Code of Ethics and Practice of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Along with these rights are certain responsibilities which you have. These are:

To be honest, open and willing to share your concerns with your counsellor.

To ask questions when you don’t understand or when you need clarification.

To discuss any reservations you have about your future options with your counsellor.

To report changes or unexpected events with your counsellor as related to your problem.

To keep appointments or give at least 24 hours advance notice when you need to cancel or re-arrange an appointment and to pay the agreed fees to the counsellor.