Cath
Giles
Counsellor
Counselling & Psychotherapy in York
Counselling is a gift to yourself.
Your time, your space.
To be heard, understood, supported, seen.
No issue is too big or too small.
I can help.
I'll work hard with you, adapting to your needs, to help you find your own route through the difficulties you're experiencing.
Short term sessions for 6 weeks or longer term sessions.
Face to face, online or telephone.
Twilight sessions to suit school or college schedules.
About Cath
I’m a fully qualified, BACP-registered Humanistic Counsellor and have many years of experience working with young people and adults in distress. I have worked for a number of organisations, including Off The Record, 1-2-1 and MIND and I’ve been particularly effective with bereavement, grief and loss, meaningless and isolation, relationship and self-esteem issues, depression and low mood, adverse childhood experiences, parental alienation, life crisis or transition, separation and divorce and identity issues.
Before training as a counsellor, I worked in education and the film business for many years, so I have some real-world experience to bring to the table. I love crisp Autumn days and the anticipation of Spring. In my spare time, you'll usually find me outside in nature, walking, cycling and wild swimming – or curling up in the evening with a good book, film or box set.
You can find more info about me at Counselling Directory.
The space at 14 Shipton St
It's really important that you feel safe and secure in the counselling space. All in-person counselling sessions take place in my privately-owned ground floor office at 14 Shipton Street in central York. This is not shared with any other businesses or residents, so it's a comfortable, confidential and accessible space. It also has a driveway, so parking is provided too.
-
How will you know if I'm a "good fit" for you?I offer a free initial phone call, so we can talk through your needs and requirements. Following this initial consultation, you should come away with a feeling for how we might work effectively together. If you don't feel we're a good fit, no problem - there's no obligation to continue.
-
Can you tell my parents what I discuss with you?No. Counselling is confidential - what is discussed in the room, stays in the room. There are some exceptions - for example, I may need to disclose if a teenager is at imminent risk of harming themselves or others - or they disclose information about child abuse. We'd fully discuss confidentiality - and it's exceptions and limitations - before we start to work together. If you are a parent of a teenager, you may find the following BACP guidance useful: Confidentiality in relation to children and young people
-
Are you free to end your counselling at any point?Yes - of course. It can help to dedicate one final session to ending our work together.
-
What do you do next?It's not easy to make the next step - but you're in good hands. I offer a free initial phone call and you should come away with a clear idea of whether you think we're a good fit. Click the Contact Cath button. I aim to get back to you within a few hours.
-
What are my accessibility provisions?The office is easily accessible on the ground floor and there is disabled parking immediately outside.
-
Where will your sessions take place?I offer in-person, online and telephone sessions. In-person therapy sessions take place in my privately-owned ground floor office in central York, which provides an exclusive, confidential, safe, comfortable and accessible space. Parking is provided.
-
How many sessions will you need?This varies from person to person. Some clients may just need a few sessions to explore a specific issue, where others may benefit from longer term work. That’s one of the reasons why therapy can take time. Things unfold as and when you are ready.
-
How long are counselling sessions?Sessions last 50 minutes. If you think a longer or shorter session may work better for you, please let me know.
-
Who do I work with?I work with clients from all backgrounds - from young teens to late 80s. I have a particular interest in working with teenagers, students and young adults. Having worked as a secondary school teacher for over 20 years, I know first-hand how important young peoples' wellbeing is and how hard it can be for them to find a truly great fit with a counsellor to work through the difficulties they are experiencing. I can help with that.
-
What can you expect?Whether you need short-term, long-term, or open-ended support, I am here to help you. I work with what you bring into the counselling room. You can expect me to be curious, open minded and honest, regarding any difficulties or concerns you raise. Remember - no issue is too big or too small.
-
What is counselling?There's often a time in your life where you feel that support and understanding from another person could be beneficial to you. Counselling focuses on you and genuinely helps you to gain insight into the difficulties you face. My clients tell me our work together brings about real and meaningful change for them.
-
What can counselling help with?Counselling can help with any difficulties you face - past or present. It’s time and space to explore whatever it is you need to. Examples of issues that clients of mine have explored include: Distress and trauma Stress and anxiety School avoidance Feelings of being overwhelmed and unbalanced Coping with painful memories A life crisis or transition Relationships that have reached a ‘stuck’ point Alienation from parents Loss of meaning and purpose in life Feeling highly stressed, guilty, or lacking in motivation Feelings of confusion about who you are Problems with identity, loss, bereavement or relationship breakdown
-
Do I provide evening appointments?Yes - please contact me to discuss the options.
-
How much will it cost?From £65 per 50 minute session. Please note - all sessions must be paid 24 hours in advance.
-
What are my qualifications and experience?Qualifications: Post Graduate Diploma (Distinction) in Humanistic Counselling at York St John University Certificate in Therapeutic Skills and Studies - Metanoia Institute, London PGCE (11-18 years) BA (Hons) Recent training: Sand Tray Therapy Play Therapy Safeguarding Exploring Suicidal Risk with clients Trauma: Understanding and Recovery (working safely with trauma) Trauma & the body (Polyvagal) Child Sexual Abuse Mindfulness Equality, Diversion & Inclusion Online and Telephone Counselling
