Cathy Crammer Counselling

29/01/2026

Today I graduated with my Masters of Science in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. 🎓

It’s been a powerful reminder that meaningful growth is hard work. It’s rarely a straight line; it’s messy, it’s up and down, and there are days when it feels nearly impossible. But persistence proves that change is always within reach.

I’m looking forward to bringing these new insights to my work at Cathy Crammer Counselling and to my future teaching. Here’s to the "up and down" journey of growth. 🌿

27/06/2025

26/06/2025

✋ I'm seeking the contributions of just four more men aged 30-75 with a partner in menopause to inform research on male perspectives and the support men may need, a much-overlooked area of psychology research. Can you help? Please feel free to contact me to schedule a 30-45 minute interview via Teams or Zoom. All contributions appreciated 🙏

25/06/2025

A current intelligence stream indicates an increase in local teenagers using ketamine. Our information streams specifically indicate some of the teenagers attending weekend gatherings in Bournemouth Gardens and around the Pier, are consuming ketamine and sharing amongst friends.

Ketamine is a horse tranquilizer and anaesthetic used in medicine. Currently Class B drug in the UK, but likely to increase (to Class A) given the significant life long health impacts it causes and a recent jump nationally in medical admissions surrounding its use.

Taking it just a handful of times recreationally can have significant and life altering impacts on a persons bladder. Around half of medical admissions nationally (aged 16-24) required surgery. Further complications present in terms of liver failure, damage to the urethra, incontinence and impotence. National concerns around teenagers consuming ketamine was well documented by the BBC in February this year. These articles are available to read online.

Given current incoming intelligence indicating its use by teenagers attending Bournemouth Town Centre on Friday and Saturday evenings, it is important we raise awareness of this, for parents to undertake their own research on the significant and life altering bladder complications it can cause (ketamine cystitis) and a request to pass education and awareness of risks onto their teenagers.

The website is an invaluable digestible resource for parents and teenagers to increase their understanding around ketamine https://orlo.uk/UyXJm

Police are using a range of tactics to address this concerning information, particularly during foot patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings in Bournemouth Town Centre. Nevertheless, a key part of prevention is education and it is critical parents have an understanding of ketamine and the risks of consuming it recreationally.

11/06/2025

Would you like to share your views on menopause and contribute to existing research? As part of my MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing, I'm looking to conduct interviews with men over Zoom or Teams to discuss their experiences of how menopause affects their sense of belonging. Get in touch to book interviews from now until mid-July.

24/03/2025

So I’m joining in with the dance school I go to on a Tapathon!!! This is anxiety inducing for me as a novice tapper, so I will be practicing many techniques like deep breathing and shaking out the adrenaline before hand🤞

Any donations appreciated in meeting our team target of £720 ❤️💃

Help Alison May raise money to support Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

12/03/2025

Can you help us at AGE UK Bournemouth, Poole & East Dorset.

We are looking for volunteers to provide assistance at our Seated Exercise sessions in Canford Cliffs.

We run two sessions every Wednesday and need cover for the following times:

Class 1) From 1pm to 2.15pm
Class 2) From 2.45pm to 4pm

Help required to set up the room and clear down at the end of the sessions and to be there to watch the clients so they can exercise safely.

You are more than welcome to participate in the class whilst offering assistance.

Help make a difference and apply today.

Thank you

Please contact AGE UK Bournemouth, Poole and East Dorset
Telephone 01202 530530
Monday to Thursday 09.45am to 3.45pm

24/02/2025

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. As I work with clients with eating disorders, I am keen to promote awareness that this mental health condition can affect ANYONE. 1 in 50 is the stat, but in my experience, I would guess that it's more like 10% of the population.

What does having an eating disorder mean? Well, it means having to survive life in the confines of A LOT of SAFETY BEHAVIOURS. This might include;

no food freedom
only eating a minimal range of foods
restricted choices
calorie counting
pre-occupation with smartwatches or Apps like My Fitness Pal, Strava, e.g. closing rings, must achieve step targets
being pre-occupied by the % of protein, sugar, fat or carbs
having loads of rules like no carbs twice in a day
researching recipes
a social media feed full of recipes, food, and links to body image
mirror and reflection checking
feeling fat
obsessions about a thin (underweight) body
weighing frequently
body checking, e.g. squeezing in, touching perceived fat parts
obsessing about restaurant menus
a workout schedule that includes NO REST
compulsions to exercise

and finally, a lot of OVERTHINKING

If you tick a few of the above, please consider reaching out for support BEFORE the list gets bigger and bigger and leaves you unable to live freely. Help is out there, and it can be highly effective. It will also go at whatever pace is helpful to you; you get to retain your autonomy and choice, not the therapist.

26/11/2024

Working with clients often involves exploring their childhood experiences. This might include exploring feelings of emotional deprivation.

I just watched this video as part of my studies for a Master's in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. What a fantastic example of technology, AI, and mental health support coming together to help children learn about emotions and develop emotional intelligence.

I adore Moxie!

Moxie is the revolutionary companion for social emotional learning and child development. This robot for kids age 5-10 helps promote essential life skills su...

12/11/2024

Some helpful advice for those affected by ARFID.

11/11/2024

Referral: anyone with availability 530pm or later Mon-Thurs, in person only, poole based to work with a client with anxiety issues. I've no evening availability so looking to pass this enquiry on. Thanks