Catherine Thomson , BACP

Catherine Thomson, who prefers to be called Kate, is a fully qualified counsellor and a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. With five years of practice, she works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families to address a wide range of concerns including changes in family dynamics, bereavement and other losses, illness, accident or trauma, depression, anxiety, stress about the past or future, isolation and loneliness, social difficulties, bullying and body image challenges.

Kate practices from a person-centred perspective and combines creative, solution-focused tools to tailor sessions to each person's needs. Her repertoire includes sand tray work, Russian dolls, letter writing, vision boards, mindfulness, psychoeducation, narrative techniques and play therapy, chosen to match the client’s preferences and developmental stage. That flexible approach supports work on managing negative thoughts and behaviours, regulating feelings, reducing anxiety, clarifying values, asserting boundaries and setting meaningful goals.

Her experience spans charitable organisations such as Mind and Action for Carers as well as the private sector with BUPA and an independent practice, offering both face-to-face and online support. Before training as a counsellor, Catherine ran her own businesses, worked in corporate settings and served as chairperson of a school parent-teacher association, experiences that inform her practical, non-judgemental and professionally friendly style. She aims to listen, support and guide clients as they gain insight, challenge unhelpful patterns and move forward with increased confidence and wellbeing.

Integrating Therapeutic Approaches in Online Practice

Catherine blends client-centred practice with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy to support clients in an online setting. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the client’s own experience, offering empathic listening and unconditional positive regard to help build self-understanding, self-esteem and confidence when facing life changes or relationship challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while helping people clarify personal values and take committed action, which can be helpful for managing anxiety, stress and unhelpful patterns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationship experiences shape current connections and emotional responses, making it useful for intimacy issues, abandonment concerns and family dynamics.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is done collaboratively. Catherine will work with each person to identify which methods best match their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses to ensure the best fit.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling and access across locations. These formats make it easier for people with busy lives, caregiving responsibilities or mobility constraints to engage with therapists and continue consistent, ongoing care.