Catherine Johnston, BACP

Catherine Johnston uses a client-focused approach to help people facing stress, anxiety and depression. She works from a belief that each person knows their life best and can build on their own strengths. Catherine is identified as BACP which denotes membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She draws on Client-Centred Therapy to offer a listening space where people can talk things through without judgement. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is used to help spot and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep problems going. Existential Therapy can help people explore values, meaning and how to cope with life changes. Her five years of professional experience include supporting people dealing with trauma and abuse, addictions, eating difficulties and anger. She also helps with relationship concerns, family problems, isolation and social anxiety. Other areas she addresses are grief, career worries, pregnancy and childbirth related issues, and ADHD. Catherine aims for practical sessions that focus on small, doable changes. She listens for what matters to each person and adapts techniques accordingly. Sessions can include talking, practical exercises and strategies to try between appointments. For people who are nervous about starting therapy, Catherine acknowledges that first steps take courage and she aims to make the process straightforward. She provides care within the United Kingdom and works in English.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on creating a respectful space where the person leads the conversation and feels heard; it helps when someone needs acceptance and a chance to make their own choices. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and is useful for anxiety, depression and unhelpful habits. Existential Therapy invites people to consider values, meaning and how to respond to big life changes or uncertainty.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will explore your goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try together. This is a collaborative process and choices can be adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions offer flexibility and practical benefits. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation when travel is difficult. Phone sessions can be easier if internet bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging suit people who prefer writing or who want support between longer sessions. Registered or accredited professionals can use these formats to make therapy fit around work, family and other commitments.