Ian Catterall – Experienced BACP Counsellor for Anxiety, Relationships & Life Challenges

Ian Catterall

Counsellor

Pronouns: He/Him

Ian is a highly experienced therapist with over 25 years’ background in social work and more than 15 years working specifically within mental health services. He has held senior and statutory roles, including work as an Approved Social Worker under the Mental Health Act, and has extensive experience across adult mental health, child care, learning disability services, and the public sector.

Alongside his private practice, Ian has worked with charities, schools, sports organisations, physical health services, insurance providers and EAPs. He offers therapy both online and in person, working with clients across the UK and internationally. His broad professional background means he brings a calm, knowledgeable, and practical perspective to therapy — particularly valued by people working in demanding roles such as teaching, nursing, social work, and healthcare.

Ian works in a person-centred way, supported by practical mindfulness techniques that clients can use in everyday life. He describes his approach as honest, down-to-earth, and focused on what actually helps — no jargon, no pressure, and no unnecessary labels. Therapy with Ian is about creating space to understand what’s really going on for you, noticing patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and finding realistic ways forward that fit your life.

As Ian puts it: “No flowery language or scented candles — just relatable, supportive work that makes sense and makes a difference.”

Areas of Special Interest

Anxiety

• Anxiety – Generalised (GAD)

• Anxiety – Social

• Anxiety – Health

• Anxiety – Performance

• Anxiety – Separation

• Anxiety – Death

• Anxiety – Stress

  Depression & Low Mood

• Depression – Low Mood

  Relationships & Family

• Relationship issues

• Family Issues – Conflict

• Family Issues – Blended families

  Life, Work & Direction

• Employment and life decisions

• Life transitions

• Existential choice and decision-making

• Goal setting and coaching issues

  Loss, Health & Wellbeing

• Grief / Bereavement / Loss

• Physical illness

• Health Condition – Cancer

  Other Areas of Support

• Loneliness

• Spiritual work

• General existential fear and anxiety

Additional Areas of Support

• Addictions - Substance

• Addictions - Gaming / Gambling / Other

• ADHD

• ADHD Assessment / Diagnostics

• Anxiety - Agoraphobia

• Anxiety - Panic / Panic Attacks

• Anxiety - Fears of abandonment

• Anxiety - Phobias

• Emetophobia (Specific Fear of Vomit)

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Alexithymia - difficulty identifying/ expressing  emotions

• Bi-Polar Disorder

• Body Image Problems

• Chronic Fatigue / ME

• Dementia

• Depression - Major

• Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

• Depression - Seasonal Affective Disorder

• Self Harm

• Eating Disorders - Anorexia & Bulimia

• Eating Disorders - Over Eating & Weight Loss

• Emotional Regulation

• Family Issues - Adoption

• Parenting Issues

• Menopause

• Carer Problems

• Miscarriage

• Infertility

• Hoarding

• LGBTQI+ Related Issues

• Gender Identity Issues

• Low Self-Esteem

• Narcissistic personality disorder

• Personality Disorders

• Problem with telling lies

• Pain management

• Health conditions - Acute / Long Term

• Perfectionism

• Procrastination

• Skin/Hair picking (tricotillomania / dermatillomania)

• Sleep - Problems

• Sleep - Insomnia

• Tinnitus

• Relationship - Attachment issues

• Relationship - Codependency

• Relationship - Communication difficulties

• Relationship - Doubt in relationship

• Relationship - Infidelity, affairs & betrayals

• Relationship - Intimacy

• Relationship - Separation & Divorce

• Sexual dysfunction

• Career Coaching

• Work - Bullying

• Work - General Problems

• Work - Redundancy

• Work - Stress

• Long COVID

• Psychosis

• Anger

• Menstrual Health

• Trauma - Childhood Trauma

• Trauma - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Trauma - Complex PTSD

• Trauma - Dissasociation

• Trauma - Road Traffic Accidents

• Trauma - Rape / sexual assalt

• Trauma - Childhood sexual abuse

LGBTQI+ Competency

Since qualifying as a counsellor I have worked and continue to work with people in transition, during their transition period and post transition life. I have worked with people who are reflecting on what the right choice for them is in transitioning too. I have found this work rewarding and have received positive feedback from those I have worked with both in the UK and internationally with these issues. While I make no claim to lived experience of these matters I believe myself and my practice to be non-judgemental and that I provide a safe and calm environment to talk about these matters as they arise and at the pace of the people I work with.

I work with people with from the LGBTQIplus community either directly regarding their sexuality and equally as often, in terms of other matters in their lives when their gender or sexuality might not be the direct reason for seeking therapy. I am conscious of the discrimination such communities experience and the impact this can have while at the same time acknowledging it may not be the issue that brings clients to therapy. As a person centred therapist I am non-directive generally and will work with whatever issues those I work with feel comfortable talking about.

Its important in my practice that the client decide what the issues are that they initially feel they want to talk about but that is not a final commitment - the therapy can freely connect with all issues at the pace those I work with feel comfortable going at.

Therapeutic Approaches & Models

• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness

• Person-centred therapy

• Solution Focused Therapy

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Integrative Therapy          

• Interpersonal therapy          
  
  

Insurance companies Ian is registered with

• BUPA, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Allianz

Ian works with:

• Adults (19-65+ Years)

• Adolescents (10 - 15 Years)                   

• Adolescents (16 - 18 Years)                   

               

Client Testimonials

"I have had many therapists over the years but Ian is the best one..." (AD)

"Ian skilfully and effectively helped me navigate several life challenges..." (HS)

" I recommend him (Ian) to everyone looking to make a positive change in their lives..." (KM)

"What I love about Ian's approach is that I don't feel judged by and I feels safe to share everything on my mind" (L, Berlin)

"I have been seeing Ian for just over a year now and he has drastically helped me manage my mental health (N, Australia)

"Very helpful and made me realise I would like to address the way I view relationships. Incredibly lucky to have you as a therapist.! (J)

Professional Training & Accreditations

• Post Graduate Diploma in Psychological wellbeing (BACP approved) Aberdeen University - July 2021

• Certificate in Clinical supervision - 6 month course

• Accredited member of BACP - accreditation