In this episode I talk with psychotherapist Kat Cuthbert, a specialist in CBT and EMDR.
Kat shares how these therapies can help with anxiety, depression, and trauma, especially for those with endometriosis and fertility challenges. Kat discusses how chronic pain and past traumatic medical experiences common in endometriosis can impact mental and physical health, creating cycles of pain and anticipatory anxiety. She offers techniques like visualisation, stress management, and trauma-focused therapy to support healing and fertility. Kat also shares her own fertility journey, emphasising the importance of community and accessible mental health support, along with guidance on finding the right therapist if you need to work with one.
Kat Cuthbert (Psycotherapist)
Kat Cuthbert is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapist and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) practitioner, accredited by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP) and a member of the EMDR Association UK. With over 15 years of experience in various settings, including the NHS and prison service, she is dedicated to providing fast access to evidence-based therapy. Passionate about promoting positive mental health, Kat tailors her approach to meet individual needs, ensuring a collaborative environment that empowers clients at every stage of their journey.
Beginning her career in custodial settings, Kat later transitioned to clinical roles within the NHS and now engages in private practice as a virtual therapist. With a special interest in supporting individuals from military families, she draws on her personal experiences as a military spouse to connect with those facing challenges related to deployments and relocations. Currently supporting her husband on an international posting, Kat embraces the opportunity to reflect on diversity and inclusion while maintaining a flexible clinical practice that meets the needs of clients worldwide.
In this episode we talked about:
The role of CBT and EMDR in addressing anxiety, depression, and trauma.
How chronic pain from endometriosis can lead to anticipatory anxiety and create a feedback loop of tension and pain.
Techniques for interrupting negative cycles, including visualisation and cognitive restructuring.
The impact of trauma on mental and physical health, particularly in relation to endometriosis.
How unprocessed trauma is stored in the amygdala and its effects on emotional and physical responses.
The importance of nervous system regulation for fertility and helping the body deal with stress during the fertility journey.
Personal experiences with fertility, including challenges, miscarriage, and the societal silence surrounding these topics.
The significance of finding a compatible therapist and practical tips for selecting the right mental health support.
Kat referred to the simple CBT 5 Areas Formulation during the interview, which shows the interaction between cognitions, emotions and importantly, physical sensations. You can download this info sheet HERE.
Kat Cuthbert has also included an image of the brain to illustrate the two key components involved in PTSD and its processing. She has also provided information on soothing rhythm breathing techniques to help calm the nervous system – this is available in the Endo Fertility Podcast Goodie Bag. These practices can be beneficial in managing stress and promoting emotional regulation, ultimately supporting individuals on their journey toward healing.
Mentioned resources
EF #7 Using The Mind’s Visualisation Capabilities To Improve Your Fertility With Joanne Verkuilen
EF#11 Against the Odds: Mind-Body Awareness for Fertility with Dr Natalie Masson
Endo Fertility Podcast Goodie Bag 📦 > each week check this out for new goodie’s from Lizzie and her guests.
Kat's Contacts:
- Email: katcuthbert.cbttherapy@hotmail.com
- Whats app: +447878569343
- Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/kat-cuthbert-3490b7301
- Instagram: @katcuthbert.psychotherapy
If you want more information on how to work with Kat you will find more information HERE.
How to work with Lizzie:
One off 1:1 coaching sessions e.g. blood test reviews and fertility strategy sessions
Personalised 1:1 Endo Fertility coaching programs
>>Book your free 30 minutes 1:1 coaching session HERE<<
Upcoming affordable monthly Endo Fertility Mastery Coaching Membership [wait list open soon – be sure to join my mailing list not to miss the launch].
Get in touch / join my community:
This episode is sponsored by the Ultimate Endo Fertility Library – sign up HERE to get yourself on the mailing list and started with a Quick Start Endo Fertility E-book, a symptom tracker, delicious recipes, workbooks, guided meditations, and other helpful resources.
Email Lizzie at lizzie@endofertilityspecialist.com for feedback, questions and to organise your FREE 1:1 session.
Join my Endo Fertility community – find us in the Thrive and Conceive with Endometriosis Facebook Group.
SUBSCRIBE now to stay updated on all things related to endometriosis, fertility, and women’s health in Season 4 – episodes are out weekly on Wednesday’s.
Do you want more information? Check out the website, i.e. what exactly was discussed, mentioned podcast episodes, blogs and resources: 
Podcast – The Endo Fertility Specialist
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Music Credit: Intro/Outro music Optimistic Future
This podcast is for educational purposes only. As I do not know your personal circumstances, none of my podcast episodes, blogs, guidance in the Facebook group or any other materials available to you where I have not taken you on as a one to one client shall be construed as medical advice and I shall have no liability to you in any circumstances should you choose to rely on any of the materials I publish.
