Catherine Brothwell

My name is Cate (she/her) and I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I am DBS checked and fully insured.

I offer an online counselling service to vets, veterinary nurses and all other practice team members. I have worked as a veterinary surgeon for over twenty years, so have personal experience of the many challenges of working in practice. I am also an experienced Vetlife volunteer. I have good awareness and understanding of the more common difficulties faced by the veterinary profession.

I also offer therapeutic support to people who are grieving the loss of a pet, having completed the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Training. I am a registered member of the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors.

I provide a professional, non-judgemental and confidential space where you can be empowered to find your own solutions in your own time.

Since undertaking my own personal therapy I understand how important it is to be held in a relationship that feels safe, compassionate and trusted. 

I use Zoom video software to offer online counselling providing an effective and secure way for us to connect. Sessions are 50 minutes in length.

Whether you are concerned about something specific or just find yourself struggling and feeling stuck, we can explore your situation, leading to new perspectives and better understanding of your problems. Counselling can help when we are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, identity, relationship difficulties, and bereavement for example. It can offer a safe space to explore past experiences of trauma and abuse, helping to improve self-esteem and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

I work with a humanistic, person-centred modality, but as an integrative therapist, I can incorporate aspects of different therapeutic models to best suit your needs.

As a person-centred counsellor I believe that we each possess the ability to work towards fulfilment of our unique potential. My approach is non-directive, allowing you to take the lead in our sessions, and I hold the belief that the strength of our therapeutic relationship is key to success. 

Counselling is not about offering advice but creates greater self-awareness, allowing you to discover and connect with your true self. Everyone’s counselling journey is unique but I hope that you will feel safe to freely express your thoughts and feelings and in return feel heard and accepted.

I am trauma informed and have experience in working with stress and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, compassion fatigue and burnout, vicarious trauma, low self-esteem, self-harm, grief and loss, loneliness and relationship difficulties. I provide a safe and accessible space for members of the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities.

This list is not exhaustive - if you have any questions about whether I am able to support you please get in touch. If I feel that my service and skills will not meet your requirements I will discuss this with you and work with you to find a suitable alternative. 

Our first session will last around half an hour and is free of charge. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your needs and decide if I am the right person to support you. 

During this session I will ask more questions than I usually would and I may take notes. 

Following this there is no obligation to continue and you are free to leave counselling whenever you wish if you decide it is not right for you.