About Dr. Catherine Barnes

Catherine Barnes - Clinical Psychotherapist

Hello! I’m Catherine

Principal Psychologist and Clinical Director

“I completed my training for the past 10 years to become a Doctor of Psychology – a psychologist.

I have throughout this time been working with a range of different presenting issues in both out- patient NHS services, secure in-patient units as well as in private practice. I have an interest in the human condition and have been researching different approaches to working with psychological disorders including the incorporation of eastern philosophies, giving me a unique view, and understanding of different cultures, human personality and psychology. I have worked in many different settings giving me a diverse knowledge base allowing me to draw upon multiple perspectives to tailor approaches to each specific client’s needs.”

Catherine provides an empathetic safe space where clients can process difficult or painful thoughts and explore their feelings without fear of judgement. Experienced with CBT techniques she helps to identify negative thought patterns and help clients to find a new way of viewing situations. Existential therapeutic techniques are also used to help her clients explore thoughts on their current and future life stages and goals. Catherine also uses theories of transactional analysis to offer clients a different perspective on relationships, as well as working psycho-dynamically to find links between client’s childhood experiences and current behavioural patterns.

She is also a member of the BPS and conducted doctoral research into the treatment of depression. She continues to apply research and evidence-based techniques with short- and long-term therapies within both inpatient and outpatient NHS services as well as in private practice.

My Approach & Values

​While therapy can be a place to talk about difficult things, she believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship as well as positive psychology. Catherine helps clients achieve goals by focusing on individual strengths and realising their true potential by discovering their hidden resources. Catherine’s aim in therapy is to support clients in every way through their journey in life. Growing up internationally with diverse heritage Catherine brings a unique perspective to her work as a therapist; she holds a BSc (Hons), and MSc in clinical psychology from Kingston University London. She has worked with clients presenting with difficulties including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. She focuses on short term therapies as well as long term exploratory approaches for the treatment of both adults and children. Further gaining a PGDip in psychology and psychotherapy and researching philosophers such as Sartre, Heidegger and Nietzsche, Catherine has a unique therapeutic approach combining divergent approaches to treatment, uniquely targeting treatments to the individual client’s needs.

Publications

Vandrevala, T., Samsi, K., Rose, C., Adenrele, C., Barnes, C. and Manthorpe, J., 2017. Perceived needs for support among care home staff providing end of life care for people with dementia: a qualitative study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 32(2), pp.155-163.

(2021) Manuscript: Barnes, C. What is The Meaning And Essence of the Lived Experience of Existential Therapy for Depression.

My Experience

  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family Estrangement
  • Jungian Analysis
  • Dream Analysis
  • Emotional weight loss
  • Time-limited practice
  • Captivity
  • Trauma
  • Self-harm
  • Neuropsychology

My Education

  • DPsych – Professional Doctorate in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy – New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling/Middlesex University
  • PGDip – Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy – New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling/Middlesex University
  • Person-centred experiential Counselling for Depression (PCE-CfD)- Metanoia
  • MSc. Clinical Psychology – Kingston University London
  • BSc.(Hons) Psychology – Kingston University London

I work with Individuals, Couples, Families and Groups

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy provides personalized support, healing, and growth. With a one-on-one approach, you can discover new coping mechanisms and reach your goals.

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy can help improve communication, build trust, and strengthen relationships. Invest in your partnership today for a brighter future.

Group Therapy

Experience the power of Group Therapy - a safe, supportive space for personal growth and healing with like-minded individuals guided by qualified therapists.

"I am very satisfied with the experience and will happily recommend to friends and family. Everything was confidential and I can definitely see an improvement in my overall mental state"

Name – Couple: Age 34 & 38

"I wasn't sure if this was something that could help me at first but learning about my psychology and what I can change has given me hope for the future and I feel I can see a way out."

Name: Age 27

“Catherine helped me gain a greater understanding of my thoughts and feelings though her calm manner of questioning and exploring. She made me feel at ease to talk about difficult subjects, and her support and insights have helped my mental health in a profound way."

Name – Mother: Age 36

“I have found my sessions with Catherine to be invaluable. Having had to revisit therapy due to bereavement throughout my teenage years and adult life, I have not always been able to develop supportive relationships with therapists, however, with Catherine I felt understood, able to grow and listened to. With the consistent practical advice that was given during our sessions, I now feel like I have a toolbox to deal with more difficult periods independently but also know, with Catherine's open-door policy, that, if need be, I can return to our sessions."

Name – Mother: Age 36