Oceanside Counselling is a professional counselling service in Sidmouth.
Hello & welcome to Oceanside. I’m Cathy, a fully qualified Counsellor, based in Sidmouth, & accredited by the National Counselling Society.
About Me
You will find me as a warm, friendly, and down to earth person. I question, as well as listen, and will work alongside you to explore exactly what can help you move forward. My style is gentle, working at your pace, yet always moving forward towards your goal.
About my work
I have experience of counselling adults and young people, with a range of issues, such as loss and change, abuse, trauma, anxiety, stress, the menopause, relationships, workplace issues, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
With a background in therapeutic bodywork, I view things in a holistic way - that the body and mind are connected - which is particularly useful for working to overcome physical symptoms of stress and anxiety.
As an integrative Counsellor, I can draw from different counselling theories during our work together, such as CBT, Gestalt, & Person Centered Awareness. I view each person as a unique individual so my approach will be bespoke to you.
Confidentiality is assured. I work within the guidelines & ethics of the NCS & BACP governing bodies.
I see my role as a guide, supporting you towards your own empowerment, as you begin to gain clarity, peace of mind, and bring about acceptance or change in your life.
In the process, you will get to know yourself better and be more able to live the life you really want.
Oceanside
I chose the name Oceanside as I love the imagery of the ocean waves, naturally rising & falling, just like the breath, but also symbolising the ups and downs we all experience at some point in our lives. With therapeutic counselling, we are better able to create a calmer sea or, at least, understand how to ride the waves!
Here in Sidmouth, we are fortunate to have the beautiful Jurassic coast right on our doorstep. I deeply value being by the sea, whether walking my dogs or paddle boarding. I am yet to join the wild swimmers although I can understand the therapeutic benefits! Studies have proven that simply being by the ocean brings multiple benefits to us which has led me to incorporate it into counselling.
Types of sessions
I offer three types of counselling sessions to suit you :
indoors in a private, comfortable room, right in the centre of Sidmouth, at the Essential Therapies Studio, on the High Street. This is recommended for the first session. Afterwards, why not take a stroll by yourself along the ocean?
online via zoom, from the comfort of your own home or office.
an outdoors ‘ocean side’ session, a private walking & talking, counselling session, usually right by the sea, with nature all around. This session can include mindfulness, as well as counselling.
“Cathy is approachable, calm and has helped me move forward in many areas of my life.”
What next?
Please drop me a message to arrange an introductory 15 minute chat over the telephone (no fee) to see if I am the right counsellor for you.
Therapy sessions are 55 minutes with a minimum course of 6 sessions recommended.
It’s not always easy to access support but you have already taken the first step by looking here. I look forward to hearing from you!