Creative and integrative counselling providing space to explore and process bereavement grief and trauma.

Oak Tree Counselling

a purple bouquet rests on warm brown soil at the base of an oak tree. the bouquet is tied with flaxen thread.
A sunflower bouquet lies on green grass in bright sunshine
A purple and orange bouquet lies sernely on green grass
A young caucasian hand reaches out to the left with four acorns. The acorns are green at the base with rough brown tops.
the sun shines through the leaf laden branches of a tall oak tree

Cathy Gilpin

A white woman in her fifties with warm blonde hair is wearing a blue an turquoise top. She smiles so broadly at the camera that her eyes almost disappear. She wears gold earings with a matching necklace. This is Cathy Giplin, counsellor.

With over a decade of experience in providing bereavement support, I am passionate about guiding people through their grief journey, often using creativity and art.

I am accredited by BACP and ACC, and hold both a DipHE in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Professional Practice.

I offer both online sessions and face-to-face counselling in the Bristol area, with the option to walk in nature as we talk together.

To learn more, send me a message using the form below, and I will contact you to arrange a complimentary 15-minute call to explore working together. I look forward to hearing from you.

Bristol suspension bridge at sunset. the clouds are orange and the bridge is in the distance with the city of Bristol to the right
White, orange and purple flowers are arranged together on a carpet of bright green grass
Bristol canal walk with the colourful houses of Clifton. the canal is in the foreground with boats.

Contact Cathy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you approach counselling?

I love the quote that says, "If you feel like you're losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year and still Stand Tall, waiting for better days to come" - Mindful Christianity

It can be hard sometimes to navigate changes and losses in life. I am here to listen and support whatever circumstances you are going through, and when you need someone to help you deal with those difficult times, I will help you remember that this is just one chapter of your very special and unique book.

Our sessions together may also include creative work with art, sand trays, shells, pictures, clay, etc. These techniques use the creative part of the brain, and by thinking about something completely different, this helps to reveal and process forgotten pain and loss that we have buried deep in our unconscious mind.

I love nature and the outdoors, and also offer Walk and Talk sessions in a local park. Being in a calming, green space has many benefits and can help to regulate emotions, whether that be during grief and loss or following a trauma.

What are your accreditations and experience?

As a counsellor, I hold a DipHE in Counselling. I am a registered member of the BACP and the ACC.

I trained at Waverley Abbey College, and I am an integrative counsellor using a person-centred approach, adapting to my client's unique needs, incorporating various theory models and information to help deal with trauma, anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss.

I worked for many years in corporate finance and understand the stresses of busy working life, and can help you navigate through work-related problems. I also previously worked as the Head of Operations for Mosaic, a charity supporting bereaved children and young people, after a period of long-term volunteering.

I have personally also experienced several losses and bereavements in life and can empathise that it is sometimes hard to navigate this difficult journey, especially as the process is very different for each person, as we are all unique.

How would we begin working together?

We would start with a free 15-minute phone call to see if I would be the right counsellor for you. I offer face-to-face, outdoor, and online counselling sessions or a mixture of both, depending on what is best for you and I offer a range of appointment times. If you want to move forward together, we would complete a small amount of paperwork, and agree on a regular time and place.

What counselling options do you offer?

Face-to-Face Session - Local to Bristol - £45

Online Session - UK Based - £40

Walk and Talk Therapy - Page Park, Staple Hill, Oldbury Court Park, Fishponds - £40

Individual Grief and Loss Course - 6 Weeks - £150 Total

Group Grief and Loss Course (4 persons) - 6 weeks - £90 Each

It is important to find the right choice for you. I am happy to guide you in our initial 15-minute phone call at no cost. Use the form above to request a call back.