Catherine McCloskey

I offer counselling and psychotherapy in-person in the City of London, or online via zoom, skype and microsoft Teams.  

Sessions can be open-ended or time-limited, something that we normally decide together based on your unique circumstances.

Please contact me to check my availability.

I am a BACP accredited counsellor/psychotherapist with a London practice in the heart of the City (EC1).  I have many years of experience working in different settings in the NHS and in private practice with individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds and areas of difficulty.  I have particular expertise in working with people with eating disorders and problems with body image.

Trained in the psychodynamic approach, I work with individuals on a once-weekly basis. Psychodynamic therapy has developed from psychoanalytic theory and practice and is concerned with exploring how current patterns of relating to ourselves, others and the world in general are shaped by our personal history and by conflicts that have been playing out at an unconscious level.  I am also trained in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy and Mentalization Based Therapy both of which have an interpersonal focus with the aim of helping you to develop more fulfilling ways of relating to yourself and others.

Working in a confidential and containing space my role is to listen, and to explore with you how past experience continues to affect you, to identify patterns of relating and uncover defenses and  conflicts which hold you back. Psychodynamic therapy is based on the premise that through greater awareness and understanding of how we have come to be as we are, and a growing ability to think and reflect on our experience, we develop the potential for greater choice in our lives.

I do not offer solutions, but in our work together help you to find your own. Nor do I promise quick fixes or overnight cures. Talking therapy is a gradual process involving a commitment by both therapist and client to regular, weekly sessions at the same place, same time and same day of the week. Sessions last 50 minutes and the ‘frame’ provided by the setting, time and frequency of appointments constitute a crucial element of the work.

My private practice is located at The House on Snow Hill in the City of London, just walking distance from St Pauls, Barbican and Farringdon Underground stations.  

It offers a peaceful and confidential space to explore and develop a deeper understanding of your difficulties and patterns of relating.

I also offer online sessions.

The first session gives us a chance to meet and think about how I might help.  In an unpressurised and non-judgmental space I will ask you what has brought you to therapy at this time and about your current difficulties.  I shall also ask about your early experience so we can begin to make some links between past and present and think about your place within the family and wider community.  You will be able to get an idea of how I work and to ask questions you may have about the process.  We will then discuss some of the practicalities of therapy sessions, should you decide you wish to continue on a regular basis.

Supervision is usually offered online, but I will consider in-person sessions on a weekly basis.

Please contact me to enquire about my availability.

I offer clinical supervision to psychotherapists, counsellors and trainees.

Through supervision I offer support with:

• setting and maintaining clear boundaries; 
• engaging the client and building the therapeutic relationship;
• exploring the meaning of the symptoms and behaviours of the client 
• working with the transference and countertransference
• exploring co-morbidities
• practical and safety considerations; and not least 
• exploring ways to care for yourself in this challenging work.
  

My clinical experience working once weekly in different NHS settings, a not for profit community counselling service and private practice has brought me into contact with diverse individuals presenting with a wide range of difficulties.  Alongside my private practice, I worked for eleven years in the St Ann's Eating Disorders Service in North London and have specialised expertise in this area.  I am currently employed by the East London Foundation Trust in the City & Hackney Specialist Psychotherapy Service which delivers psychotherapy for complex care.  My work has included short-term, time-limited and open-ended psychotherapy and counselling, and I have worked with individuals and groups.

I have trained in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and am accredited by the BACP.   I have further trainings in Mentalisation Based Therapy and Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy.  

I offer a safe, non-judgmental and reflective space to explore your client work.

The first session gives us a chance to meet and become acquainted with each other's ways of working.

We will think about some of your case work to give you an idea of the supervision style I offer and whether you find it helpful to work this way.

We will also discuss the supervision and decide on a suitable day and time to meet should you decide to continue working with me.