Cat Reid Therapy
Explore what is, to enliven and recover
Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Trainee Psychotherapist BA hons, PG Dip, MUKCP
My name is Cat Reid and I am a relational Gestalt practitioner, working in person in Ealing, Acton and Soho in London, as well as online. I am psychotherapeutic counsellor and trainee psychotherapist. I also work for the NHS helping adults to overcome a range of emotional challenges. I believe that by focusing on the present and becoming aware of how the past has shaped it. We can work together for you to find peace, insight and healing.
What I Offer
I offer a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where you can feel heard, understood and accepted. You will receive support and evidence-based interventions tailored to your unique needs to help you grow, heal, and live a more fulfilling life.
My approach, as a relational Gestalt therapist, means that we might do more than talk to feel relief. We may explore your breathing or ways in which you hold your body, draw or write. As well as delving into the past, we’ll pay attention to the present, in order to build a better future. Above all, the process is tailored around what works for you. The space creates the opportunity for growth, support, and new insights.
I have over a decade of experience working in NHS settings, supporting staff and patients with their well-being needs. I am currently working for the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as a staff counsellor. I am a member of the UK Council of Psychotherapy and I abide by their code of ethics, professional conduct and practice. I have full professional indemnity.
Who I help?
Relational Gestalt Therapy has been proven to work effectively with a variety of issues people face. I work from a strength-based approach, which means finding out about your particular resiliences and supports, to help you build on them. Combined with my professional experience of over two decades, it means I can effectively work with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, bereavement, loneliness, stress and anger management. I have particular experience with fertility and perinatal support, and ongoing parenting issues. Neurodiverse and LGBTQAI+ affirming. I also see a number of clients from the creative and medical industries working with career support and burn out.
How it works
The amount of sessions depends on you. They could be weekly sessions for over a year, or if you have a specific focus, it’s suitable for short-term therapy, where I offer 6 to 12 sessions. It depends on what you want. In every case, we will have regular reviews and check on progress.
What's the first step?
If you want to find out more send me an email so that I can answer any questions you may have and then we can arrange a 20 minute call. If you want to proceed further, then we would have an initial assessment session which will be time for us to meet and get to know each other, work through any questions you may have and also discuss your expectations for the counselling. During the session I will also ask you for information on what has brought you to counselling and some other questions to help me identify the most appropriate way for us to work together.
FAQs
What is Gestalt Therapy?
Gestalt therapy can help to fulfil your potential, to explore yourself and fully embrace life. The focus pays attention to the present, to raise awareness, so we can take responsibility for the choices we make for ourselves. It supports greater self – expression through body awareness and creative exploration. As a result we can live fully, find more acceptance, freedom and meaning in our lives.
How long do I need for counselling?
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward. Other problems may require more of an open-ended approach. Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
What will a therapy session look like?
My approach, as a relational Gestalt therapist, means that we might do more than talk to feel relief. We may explore your breathing, or ways in which you hold your body, draw, write or play. As well as delving into the past, we’ll pay attention to the present, in order to build a better future. Above all, the process is tailored around what works for you. You will be supported and you won’t be told what to do, but you may be challenged. I work from a strength-based approach, which means finding out about your existing resilience and supports, and building on these. You may feel that some issues can be changed, others accepted, all can be understood more fully. This is a lifelong process of discovery.
Will everything I say kept confidential?
Everything that is said within the session is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note that there are some situations where you may be a risk to yourself or others, and there the law requires that I notify an authority; in these cases I may not be able to keep total confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is very rare though, and only happens after the person concerned has been informed.
Individual sessions and fees
50 minutes, £75 payable face to face, £60 online, 24hrs in advance. Usually taking place on a weekly basis. I have some discounted slots available for students, low income, key workers, unemployed and refugees. I have only face to face evening slots available at the moment. I accept payment by bank transfer.