Meet the team

I have worked my whole career at Manchester foundation Trust and joined the Carmichael clinic in 2007 becoming a partner in 2015.

I treat all joints but since 2012 my passion has been treating legs! I work as a lower limb specialist in Manchester working alongside orthopaedic surgeons in their clinics. I also do a triaging role in primary care. I specialise in diagnosing and treating hip and knee complaints and knowing what further investigations these problems may require and when surgical input is required. I enjoy treating sports injuries and doing post operative and post fracture rehab and I also have an interest in treating teenagers with sporting injuries or growth related pains.

I have 2 young children and a chocolate Labrador so life is busy!! I enjoy running for exercise, skiing, travel, and despite not being their physio I continue to support Manchester United.

After working in Liverpool for a couple of years I moved to Boston, USA working with an orthopaedic team for 18 months.

On returning to England I re-joined the NHS building on my musculoskeletal knowledge and have remained there ever since. I then joined the clinic in 2000 becoming a partner in 2003.

After 30 years of being qualified I feel so lucky to say I still love my job! I continue to get a buzz from working out how best to help people and to get them back to doing what they want to do. I build on my knowledge attending courses but also working with a variety of clinicians to deepen my understanding of musculoskeletal conditions. Combining NHS and private practice I see a huge variety of musculoskeletal patients which puts me in the best place to help anyone/more complex patients.

I am a member of the Acupuncture Association of Physiotherapists (AACP) and Physio First The professional organisation for physiotherapists in private practice.

Outside of work I try to keep fit running, going to the gym and walking the dog.

My career has given me this and so much more – I still LOVE my work, I love to try to solve the problems that are causing people pain or disability, whether that is being unable to tie their shoe laces or complete a triathlon.

My career has allowed me to travel – As well as the UK, I have worked in Saudi Arabia, Australia and New Zealand, gaining experience from working with therapists trained in many different countries, in a huge variety of specialities. This background gives a depth of exposure to so many problems people face in their lives.

My determination to train as an acupuncturist came from personal experience of having treatment for eczema in my early 20’s – the results were amazing. I realised this ambition when I reached my early 30’s and as well as using acupuncture to treat a large variety of conditions, I have since specialised in the treatment of fertility with acupuncture, again following personal experience.

As well as loving my work, I also love my free time and am happiest when either climbing up a mountain or skiing down one (preferably off piste!)

Cathy has worked across a specialist team and within an acquired brain injury unit providing assessment and treatment within a variety of settings including, hospital, clinic and community

Cathy is a member of ATCAP (Aquatic therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and serves on the Manchester ACIPN (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists Interested in Neurology) committee.  When not busy working Cathy has a family with two young boys and enjoys a range of sports and spending time outdoors

Outside of work Fiona enjoys spending time with her young family at the weekends, being chased round the local Park Runs or out on the byways of around Cheshire on any form of bike.

I have worked extensively with substance misuse, addiction, anxiety and abuse. I also have experience delivering therapy for bereavement and loss, family/relationship issues, low self esteem/confidence, assertiveness, trauma, terminal illness and work related stress.

Feedback:
“Things are now making sense after years of confusion”

“Therapy has helped me see that I do have options where I thought I had none”

“I now realise I am not alone, nor am I going “mad”….what I’ve experienced is a product of entrenched beliefs that I have finally been able to start to change”

FAQ:
“How long will counselling take”?
I cannot give a time limit on individual process of issues as each is unique. It completely depends upon each set of circumstances. However I review therapy every 6 weeks.

“Will anyone find out what I talk about?”
I cover all exceptions to confidentiality in my initial assessment session and contract.

“What happens in a counselling session”
There is no typical therapy session as everyone has different issues and expectations. The first session is generally about gathering information and discussing the presenting issue and expectations around counselling.

“Can you help me with a diagnosis?”
Counsellors are not medically qualified to prescribe or diagnose medical conditions.

“How do I find the right therapist for me?”
There are a number of recognised and accredited organisations who ensure the therapists associated with their directories are fully qualified and insured. The directories also offer specialisms for each therapist. It is also important that you feel comfortable with your chosen counsellor so have in mind your expectations of what you hope to achieve from therapy beforehand.

British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling (BACP) – www.bacp.co.uk

UK Counselling Directory (www.counselling-directory.org.uk)

National Counselling Society (www.national counselling society.org)

Counselling – NHS (www.nhs.uk)