Dr Catherine Bavister
Clinical Psychologist; HCPC
I am a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working across NHS and private mental health services. My work has primarily focused on supporting adults in secondary care settings with complex and long-standing psychological difficulties, including trauma, dissociation, anxiety, depression, and attachment-related issues.
I understand that starting therapy can be a daunting step, and I aim to create a warm, supportive environment where individuals feel safe, respected, and understood. I value the importance of developing a collaborative relationship with clients and believe in taking the time to explore your experiences so that we can build a shared understanding of what’s contributing to your distress.
Areas of Expertise
Throughout my career, I have worked with people facing a wide range of psychological difficulties. I have a particular interest in complex trauma, dissociation, and attachment difficulties, and I also have experience supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental differences, particularly Autism Spectrum Conditions.
I work closely with clients to co-create a psychological formulation — a shared understanding of the challenges they face — which informs the therapeutic process and helps guide meaningful change. I believe in meeting clients where they are and supporting them to move at their own pace towards greater self-awareness, resilience, and well-being.
Therapeutic Approaches
My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing from a range of evidence-based models to ensure that therapy is responsive to the needs and preferences of each individual. My core therapeutic models include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helping individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – Supporting individuals in developing self-compassion and managing self-criticism.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – Processing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact.
I also incorporate ideas and techniques from additional approaches where appropriate, including:
Narrative Therapy – Helping individuals re-author their personal stories in ways that are empowering and affirming.
Systemic Therapy – Exploring relational patterns and family dynamics.
Attachment Theory – Understanding how early relationships may influence current emotions and relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Encouraging psychological flexibility, emotion regulation, and values-based living.
I believe in adapting therapy to suit the unique individual, offering flexibility and creativity in our work together. My aim is to provide a compassionate and grounded therapeutic experience that supports real and lasting change.
Professional Background & Qualifications
I have worked across both primary and secondary care NHS services, specialising in adult mental health and complex needs. In my NHS roles, I have provided individual therapy, group-based interventions, supervision, consultation, and teaching to a wide range of professionals.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), University of Leicester
Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Therapies, University of Nottingham
BSc (Hons) in Psychology, University of Derby
Psychologist in Reading
Therapy can be a powerful way to gain clarity, understand yourself more deeply, and find new ways to cope and thrive. If you are considering therapy, I would be glad to support you in that journey.
Here at Oak Grove Psychology, we offer compassionate, professional psychological support tailored to your individual needs. Please get in touch to arrange an appointment or to find out more about how we can help.
Arrange a Consultation
Contact us today using the form to arrange an initial consultation, call us on 07359 577 510, or email us at drannanorris@oakgrovepsychology.co.uk.

