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Kate Ward PerkinsKate Ward Perkins

Profile

Qualification:   Cognitive Analytic Therapist

Registration Body:   BACP; ACAT

Therapy Provided:

  • Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
  • Face to Face and Online

Welcome

I am an experienced CAT therapist, with over 15 years’ experience of working in the NHS and in University Counselling Services, as well as in private practice. My first career was as a university teacher and my interest in mental health grew out of my experience of witnessing talented individuals struggle to fulfil their potential at university. My experience enables me to work with a wide range psychological difficulties. I offer time limited and open-ended therapy, according to individual needs. I enjoy working with adults of all ages, and I have particular interests in working with adolescents and young adults, women juggling the multiple demands of work and family life, and people with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Dyslexia.

My approach

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) focuses on exploring unhelpful patterns of feeling, thinking and doing which often develop as ways of coping with difficult relationships and experiences. As a CAT therapist my aim is to work collaboratively and compassionately with you, to make sense of how things you struggle with now may have their origins in your early relationships and experiences, and most importantly to find ways to lessen the impact of the past and develop more satisfying relationships and rewarding experiences in the present. Making sense of the patterns which cause us suffering, helps us to become compassionate observers of ourselves, and to make changes which can enable us to live happier and more fulfilled lives.

Thinking about starting therapy can feel daunting; the idea of opening up and sharing difficulties with a therapist may seem scary and exposing. The actual experience of therapy is generally very different; offering a safe place where there is space for you to reflect and be curious about yourself and the changes you would like to make in your life. Being listened to carefully and non-judgementally develops our ability to listen to ourselves in the same way, and to begin to discover feelings and needs that we may have spent a lifetime being deaf to. The experience of feeling understood, which therapy can offer us, helps to lessen our sense of isolation and to realise that we do not have to struggle alone.

Referral process

You are welcome to refer yourself by contacting me directly. A GP, Psychiatrist or other Health Care Professional can also refer you. As the therapeutic relationship is a critical part of the healing process, it is important to feel that your therapist is right for you. I suggest we have an initial session to explore what you are looking for and decide if we are right to work together.  Please contact me by phone or email. If phoning, you may get my Voicemail; please leave your contact details and a convenient time to call you and I will respond as soon as possible.

Location

Oxford (off Iffley Road; 10 minutes from A34 and A4074; 20 minutes from Junction 8 on the M40))


ACAT

Proffesional Standard Authority