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Cate Mackenzie

AccCOSRT | Psychosexual Therapist & Couples Counsellor

Specialisms: Couples Therapy, Couples Intensives, Psychosexual Therapy, Intimacy, Sexuality, Communication, Relationships, Sexual Difficulties, Desire, LGBTQ+, Internal Family Systems (IFS)

£130 per 50-minute Individual Session

£160 per 60-minute Couples Therapy Session

£480 per 3-hour Couples Intensive Session

Are you longing to feel more connected, either to yourself or to your partner?

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Perhaps you're feeling stuck in familiar patterns, finding intimacy difficult, or wondering why your relationships aren't quite how you'd like them to be. You may be carrying shame, anxiety or past experiences that are affecting how you feel about yourself or the people you love.

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I offer a warm, compassionate and confidential space where you can slow down, feel heard and begin to make sense of what's happening. Together we'll explore what's getting in the way, build on your strengths, and help you move towards the life and relationships you want.

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I am an integrative Psychosexual Therapist and Couples Counsellor with over 20 years' experience working with individuals and more than a decade supporting couples. I believe that every person and every relationship is unique, so therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all experience. My approach is collaborative, thoughtful and tailored to you.

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At the heart of my work is the belief that when we develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with ourselves, our relationships with others naturally begin to change too. Whether you're hoping to strengthen your relationship, reconnect with yourself, improve communication, explore your sexuality or simply understand yourself more deeply, I'll work alongside you with warmth, curiosity and respect.

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I work in an integrative way, drawing on attachment theory, differentiation theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS), alongside other evidence-informed approaches. Together we'll explore how your past experiences, relationships and emotional patterns have shaped the way you relate to yourself and others. As understanding grows, new possibilities begin to emerge, creating the foundations for meaningful and lasting change.

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Neurodivergent-affirming therapy

 

I work in a neurodivergent-affirming way and welcome ADHD, autistic and otherwise neurodivergent individuals and couples.

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Alongside my professional experience, I also have personal experience of being both ADHD and autistic. I understand that neurodivergence can influence how we communicate, experience intimacy, navigate relationships and make sense of ourselves. Rather than seeing these differences as something to overcome, we'll explore them with curiosity and compassion, helping you discover approaches that work with your brain, not against it.

 

My aim is to create a space where you can be fully yourself, without masking or feeling that you need to explain who you are.

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Couples therapy

 

Relationships naturally go through difficult times. You may find yourselves caught in the same conversations, feeling unheard, disconnected or unsure how to move forwards together.

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My role is not to take sides, but to help you understand the patterns between you and create new ways of relating that bring greater understanding, emotional closeness and intimacy. I integrate approaches including Encounter-Centred Couples Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems for Intimate Relationships (IFIO), Relational Life Therapy and The Couples Institute model, tailoring therapy to the unique needs of your relationship.

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Together we'll create a space where both of you feel heard, respected and understood, allowing you to move beyond conflict and towards a relationship that feels more connected, secure and fulfilling.

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Psychosexual therapy

 

Talking about sex and intimacy can feel difficult, but these are concerns that many people experience at some point in their lives.

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I offer a safe, professional and non-judgemental space where we can explore issues such as low desire, painful sex, vaginismus, anorgasmia, rapid ejaculation, sexual shame, pornography addiction, communication around intimacy and questions about sexuality.

 

Whether you're coming on your own or with your partner, therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, reconnect with your body, and develop a healthier, more satisfying relationship with your sexuality.

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I welcome individuals and couples from all backgrounds and offer a neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming space where everyone is respected and valued.

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Couples Intensives

 

Sometimes a weekly therapy session simply isn't enough. You have busy lives, or want the opportunity to focus more deeply on your relationship in a dedicated block of time.

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I offer Couples Intensives, extended sessions of three hours or more, designed to give us the time and space to explore your relationship in greater depth. Without feeling rushed, we can understand the patterns that keep you stuck, strengthen communication, rebuild intimacy and begin creating lasting change together.

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Many couples find that this extended format allows for deeper conversations, important breakthroughs and meaningful progress that can be difficult to achieve in shorter sessions. You'll leave with greater understanding of one another and practical ways to continue building your relationship beyond the therapy room.

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If you're interested in a Couples Intensive, I'd be happy to talk with you about whether this approach would be a good fit for your relationship.

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Whatever brings you here, I hope you'll find therapy to be a place where you feel accepted, understood and supported. My aim is to help you build a stronger relationship with yourself and with the people who matter most, so that you can move forwards with greater confidence, connection and hope.

“Cate is a very talented soul and helped me navigate through some very difficult times with a past love. I now find it easier to see the wood for the trees in the love department. These days the person I am truly in love with is myself! "
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VIVA Therapy and VIVA Counselling & Psychotherapy are trading names of Anne Lewis Therapy.
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