Kimberlee Bass

Cognitive analytic therapy is a relational therapy that is curious about how our formative experiences of care may play a contributing role in the continued way we experience and relate to both ourselves and others. These early relationships, often with our parents or caregivers provide the original blueprint for both our understanding of relationships and how to be within them. Adverse developmental experiences can impact our experience of relationships and often as children we are required to find a way to adapt to this adversity to get our basic needs met. An example could be having experienced a critical parent growing up. In response we may feel criticised and therefore not good enough or we learn than care and approval is conditional, so we strive to please. Often, we are continuing to play out these early roles in our current relationships, but rather than these patterns working for us, they may hinder us e.g. we may notice an internalised version of early critical care playing out within our own relationship (the part of ourselves that may berate or judge our actions harshly) or we may anticipate criticism from others if we don’t meet certain standards. Similarly, we may unconsciously act in ways that elicits criticism from others which may compound or confirm the original belief of not being good enough. Cognitive Analytic Therapy seeks to help individuals identify these patterns of relating, and like other relational therapies anticipates that such interpersonal and intrapersonal processes will present themselves within the therapeutic relationship. It is perhaps within the safety of the therapy relationship that these moments can be attended to with curiosity, inviting us to consider what may be occurring within you around you or between us, whilst opening up opportunities for change and healing. CAT is a time limited therapy normally offered as either 16 or 24 sessions, I also offered CAT informed work that can be more open ended. In order to practice privately I attend regular clinical supervision and have personal indemnity insurance.

I have a professional background as a mental health nurse and later worked in the creative industries after completing a design degree. I continually seek to bring creativity into my clinical work, and it is the meeting of these two disciplines that guides my practice and analytical curiosity. Outside of my private practice I work as a CAT therapist with an NHS psychotherapy service.