I’m
Hello, I am Catherine, thank you for stopping by.
I was born in Northern Ireland at the beginning of the Troubles.
A period that shaped the early years of my life. My family left Belfast when I was young, but the influence of my Irish roots runs deep. That cultural heritage planted early seeds of compassion, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to understanding others—and myself.
Both the place of my birth and the place I now call home have profoundly shaped my life and my work.
Parenting & Being Human
Parenting, in my view, is like weaving a complex and ever-changing tapestry. Each thread adds its own colour and meaning, though we can’t always see the full pattern as we go. Some days, the weaving flows with ease; other days, it’s messy, tiring, or painful. Like all of us, I’ve had moments of doubt and exhaustion—and moments of unexpected beauty and connection. I’ve made mistakes, and so has my family, but we’ve grown stronger through them. Our bond, though imperfect, is vibrant and real. I’ve also been on the other side of the therapy room—as a client—which has given me an even deeper appreciation for the vulnerability and courage it takes to seek support. Additionally it is the relationship that counts.
My Intention
I believe meaningful change begins at home, in small, everyday choices. Even in difficult times, we can grow, find connection, and move forward.
I know one person can not change the world, and I am not unique. However, I believe we are all here to find meaning and purpose and make a difference. We may not feel we have the “power”; however, we can all be empowered to choose a moment to a moment. “Home” can be the place to practice. If our intentions come from a place of presence, awareness, and understanding, the ripples of action will continue to benefit our children and the whole.
My Experience
I’ve worked as a clinician for 35 years. I have dedicated 31 years to the NHS, with 26 of those years spent as a Specialist Clinician in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). I founded Bristol Child Parent Support some years ago and it became my sole role seven years ago. Throughout my career, I have gained extensive knowledge in providing extensive assessment and treatment of complex emotional behavioural difficulties and disorders.
The parents and children who let me into their lives during my 31 years have been some of my greatest teachers. I feel honoured by the trust given by parents and children in my work. I know there is ALWAYS something to learn. However, I am happy to share the little I know so far.
For you:
“I am not what happened to me, and I am what I choose to become”. C.G. Jung
“Who looks outside, Dream. Who looks inside, Awake”. – Carl Jung
A Few Personal Things
Outside of work, I’m endlessly curious. I love the arts, nature, wandering through galleries, getting lost in books, and escaping into independent films. These small joys keep me grounded and inspired.
Training:
I remain licensed as a Mental Health Nurse. My professional registration is with the NMC and adheres to the code of ethics of this organisation. I have completed many other Post-Graduate Pieces of Training and shorter Pieces of Training, such as CBT, advanced child protection, mindfulness, trauma work, and two evidence-based parenting programmes, the Incredible Years and Solihull Parenting:
- Post-Graduate Training in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy
- Post-Graduate training in Systemic Family Therapy
- Advanced-level Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Advanced Counselling Skills and Theory
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