Alexis Caught

I am a masters level qualified, BACP registered, psychotherapist & counsellor. My approach is integrative, meaning that I believe in recognising each person I work with is an individual, existing within a unique set of circumstances and pressures. As such, I draw from a wide range of theoretical and philosophical schools of therapeutic thought to provide a personalised and multi-disciplinary approach. Importantly, I see therapy as a process of co-creation. I may know theory, questions to ask and have seen a wide range of presentations, but you are the expert in your life. By working together, we do the work of therapy.

With a background in an NHS psychological services team, based within a world leading sexual health centre, I aim to create a non-judgemental space where we can examine parts of yourself, your history, wants, needs and identities not always so easily spoken about.

I am a multi-disciplinary, NHS trained, integrative psychotherapist & counsellor, experienced in both working in a hyper-focused, short term, time limited approach where we work together to find a solution to a particular issue which may be presenting (for example, compulsive sexual behaviours), or, through a more expansive, open-ended exploration of what sometimes may present as distress, or sometimes, a lingering feeling that "something's just off".

I bring an existential & systemic approach (meaning, I consider the societal, familial, political and cultural pressures at play) to explore themes of sexuality & gender, sex and relationships, compulsive sexual behaviours, anxiety, body image, as well as the big existential questions of who we are, what life we want to live and what our purpose is.

As a specialist interest, my research thesis explored the application of Compassion Focused Therapy for chronic minority stress (a pre-cursor to PTSD) and compulsive sexual behaviours.

I hold;

• Masters (Distinction) Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy (Leeds Beckett)

• The Dean's Prize for Psychological Therapies & Mental Health (PG, Leeds Beckett)

• Diploma in Compulsive Sexual Behaviours (Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology)

• Certificate in Psychotherapy & Counselling (Regent's University)

Our initial contact, will be a short (15 minute) conversation where we can talk a little about the challenges which have brought you to therapy, and to ask any questions you may have about my way of working (including how I may understand/approach what you've brought). The purpose of this conversation is a little "chemistry test" to see if you can see yourself working with me, as the most important factor in the efficacy of therapy is what we call "the psychotherapeutic bond"...which is just a fancy way of saying "how well we get along".

If we then decide it's a good fit progress to working together, our first session will largely look at establishing our way of working together (for example, what you do/don't like in therapy), and importantly, understand what your goals for therapy are. Depending on what's brought you to the virtual therapy room, the session may also include clinical assessments, for example, for anxiety, burn out or compulsive sexual behaviours symptom assessment.