Who is Catriona Standingford MBACP MNCPS (Acc.) (she/her) and why should I choose her as my counsellor / therapist?
I am a registered counsellor / therapist with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), which are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Both the BACP and NCPS are professional bodies in the UK for whom only qualified and experienced counsellors and therapists can be registered. Find out why this matters for your safety.
Why did you choose to become a counsellor / therapist?
I’ve lived on this planet for half a century which has brought with it my own personal challenges and experiences including abuse, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, depression and menopause symptoms. Whilst my working background is very different – in IT and then financial services – later in life I realised that I wanted to help others in the same way that other counsellors and therapists had helped me, supporting me through some very difficult times in my life and helping me to understand why things had happened to me, and how to process and work through them. I know that without their help I would not be the person I am today, and helping others in the same way is something I am passionate about.
What people, issues or problems do you work with?
I work with adults living with trauma, survivors of abuse and violence, those experiencing family issues such as estrangement, individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are questioning of their identity, issues around life and death, and more generally issues such as anxiety and depression. If you’re not sure what you are feeling or why, take a look at the ‘Unsure?’ page.
In short, I work with a myriad of issues with the most important factor being whether you feel I am the right person for you in terms of how we connect and work together.
What kind of counselling and therapy do you provide?
The technical description (if you like a bit of jargon) is that I work in an integrative manner with the person-centred approach at the core. Without the jargon… that means we work together with you as the expert of yourself. I help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgement, allowing you the time and space that you need.
Where needed I use relevant skills, tools and various approaches, including (and here comes the jargon again) Gestalt, Psychodynamic, CBT and other approaches for which I am trained.
You may notice I am not a fan of jargon, so rest assured that I do not use jargon when we work together but will be happy to talk to you in more detail about the different approaches if that is of help to you.
What issues or problems do you work with?
Whether you’re coping with past experiences or current challenges, we can work together to make sense of what’s happening, help you cope, feel more grounded, heard, understood and supported.
Trauma
Are you struggling to cope with trauma or living with PTSD? Is your mental health, mood, relationships, sleep, confidence or daily life affected?
Abuse & Violence
Have you been affected by physical, emotional, sexual, financial or online abuse, coercive control, sexual assault or rape? Are you feeling scared, confused, overwhelmed or alone?
Family
Are you facing family estrangement, no contact or low contact, alienation, dysfunction or conflict with parents, siblings, children, partners or other family members?
LGBTQIA+
Are you navigating your gender identity, transition, sexuality, relationships or experiences of discrimination? Or perhaps you are supporting a loved one and finding it difficult?
Life & Death
Are you experiencing difficulties after a near death or spiritual experience, questioning your purpose, feeling scared or anxious about death, or coping with grief and loss?
Unsure?
Not sure why you are feeling down, depressed or anxious? Not sleeping and don’t know why? Feel generally confused, upset or hurt? Do you just need to vent?
What will our sessions be like?
A calm and confidential space
Whether online or in-person, I provide a space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind, in complete confidence.
We focus on what is most important to you
We begin by exploring what feels most important for you that day, noticing thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing.
I offer flexibility
Online (camera on or off) and/or in-person sessions. There is no set number of sessions and whilst they are usually week or bi-weekly, we can discuss what is best for you.
Sessions tailored to meet you where you are
You set the pace, with no expectation to arrive with answers or a clear story. Each session is collaborative, steady, and centred on helping you feel understood and supported.
You are kept safe
I’ll listen closely, ask gentle questions, and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. As a trauma-informed counsellor and therapist, I will ensure you are kept safe.
"Not every counsellor or therapist is right for everyone, so it's important to understand who they are and how they can help"
Qualifications, training and experience.
I continue to study but at the time of writing my relevant qualifications are:
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
- Trauma Informed Practice (CounsellingTutor)
- Professional Diploma, Coaching and Mentoring (Institute of Counselling)
- Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (Inspire 360)
- Certified Practitioner of Hypnotherapy (Inspire 360)
- Certified Practitioner of Time Line Therapy (Inspire 360)
My additional professional training has covered:
- Trauma
- Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse
- LGBTQ+ and GSRD
- Family Estrangement
- Menopause
- Substance Use
- Suicide
- Autism
- Attachment Theory
- Internal Family Systems
- Single Session Therapy
- Rewind Technique
Free 15 minute chat
Let's have a chat!
If you’re ready to talk, explore what’s going on, or simply take the first small step, I offer a free 15 minute phone or video call so you can get a feel for me, ask any questions, and see whether counselling / therapy with me feels like the right fit for you. This includes:
- Talking about what you’re looking for in counselling / therapy
- Giving you time to ask me anything you need such as who I am, my experience, how I work whether online or face-to-face in Chepstow, South East Wales (close to Newport, Bristol and South Gloucestershire)
- No pressure to continue afterwards
- If you are ready, we can discuss my availability to book your first session
- Referring you to someone else if I am not a good fit for you
To book your free 15 minute chat, you can fill in the form below, email me at , or send me a WhatsApp message or text message on 07564 069711. I will then contact you to arrange.
Free 15 minute chat
Let's have a chat!
If you’re ready to talk, explore what’s going on, or simply take the first small step, I offer a free 15 minute phone or video call so you can get a feel for me, ask any questions, and see whether counselling or therapy with me feels like the right fit for you. This includes
- Looking at what you’re looking for in counselling or therapy
- Giving you time to ask me anything about how I work, online or face to face
- No pressure to continue afterwards
- If you are ready, we can discuss my availability to book your first session
- Referring you to someone else if I am not a good fit for you
To book your free 15 minute chat, you can fill in the form below, email me at , or send me a WhatsApp voice or text message on 07564 069711. I will then contact you to arrange.
My latest blog posts
Workplace burnout is becoming one of the most significant wellbeing challenges facing employees today. Despite this, it remains something people...
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If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you’d be better off without a family member in your life, whether a...
My latest blog posts
Workplace burnout is becoming one of the most significant wellbeing challenges facing employees today. Despite this, it remains something people...
Family estrangement is rarely about a single blow-up event or one bad phone call. In most cases it's the result...
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you’d be better off without a family member in your life, whether a...
My professional accreditations and credentials
Are you in an emergency?
Are you currently experiencing an emergency or major crisis? Are you considering serious self-harm? Please seek immediate help from your GP, visiting your nearest A&E or dialing 999.
If you would like to have someone listen to you, you can also contact the Samaritans immediately on 116 123. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.