Our Story
We believe in the inherent capacity of staff to change lives. We help them to recognise and value their contribution to an individual’s recovery.
Our training equips staff to do the good, but often difficult work that they are passionate about.
About US
At Learn with CATO, we’re committed to making Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) more accessible to health and social care professionals. We combine our clinical experience with strong relational values and contemporary teaching methods, blending in-person and digital delivery where appropriate. ​
​​
​
We offer a broad range of training to meet the needs of diverse learners and organisations. Our Trauma-Informed Care training supports all front-line staff, as well as those who may not typically access mental health training — such as midwives, reception staff, and occupational health professionals — across the NHS, private, third sector, social care, and education. For those beginning their CAT journey, our introductory courses, delivered online and on-demand, provide an accessible foundation for health and social care professionals, trainees, and assistants who may wish to progress to CAT Practitioner level. We also run an ACAT-accredited CAT Skills for Case Management programme, alongside a range of other CPD courses and bespoke training co-designed to meet the unique needs of organisations.
​
​
Our tutors are ACAT and UKCP-accredited therapists, regulated by the Professional Standards Agency, bringing extensive clinical and teaching experience to every course. Learn with CATO is also a fully insured training company, committed to providing safe, high-quality learning experiences.
​​​​
​
Our work is guided by three core values — Practical, Safe, and Hybrid:
​
-
Practical: Learning is designed to be directly applicable to your professional work. Our courses translate CAT theory into skills you can use every day.
​
-
Safe: Training is delivered by qualified and experienced CAT practitioners who create secure, reflective spaces for participants to explore experiences of supporting people affected by trauma.
​
-
Hybrid: We use delivery methods that are most appropriate and helpful for learners and organisations. Some courses are fully in-person, some online or on-demand, and others blend both approaches. This flexible model ensures that learning is accessible, engaging, and maximises opportunities to apply skills in practice.
​
​
At Learn with CATO, our goal is simple: to support those who support others, strengthening the relational skills, confidence, and capability of professionals who make a difference every day.
​
​
Where we began
Spring 2020
Cognitive Analytic Therapy Oxfordshire Ltd Incorporated
Cognitive Analytic Therapy Oxfordshire Ltd was originally incorporated by Hayden Stothard on the 10th March 2020, just a few weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown in the UK.
Development of the On-demand Introductory Course to CAT
In December 2021, Dawn Bagwell-Cox began meeting with Hayden remotely to start development of the On-demand Introductory Course to Cognitive Analytic Therapy for Health and Social Care professionals
Winter 2020
Autumn 2021
Development of "A Relational Approach for Trauma Informed Care"
Successful in our bid to provide trauma informed care training to Rhondda Cynon Taff, County Borough Council, we began co-designing the training programme for 190 staff.
Delivery started of
"A Relational Approach to Trauma Informed Care"
Delivery began in February 2022 to over 190 staff in Wales, who accessed their online learning modules in anticipation of the in-person training days.
Early Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Successful delivery of first large training contract completed (RCT Wales)
All in-person training was delivered to the staff of Rhondda Cynon Taff working with the homeless population.
All the way from bid, through to design and successful delivery within six months. You can read more about the case study here.
Learn with CATO incorporated
Fresh off of the success from Wales, Learn with CATO was incorporated with both Hayden Stothard and Dawn Bagwell-Cox as the directors.
April 2022
Autumn 2022
On-demand Introductory Course to Cognitive Analytic Therapy released
What had begun as a Covid-19 lockdown project back in December 2020, had actually been the catalyst for developing a whole new training business and with great pride, Learn with CATO finally released the On-demand introductory course of Cognitive Analytic Therapy.
Learn with CATO became a Skills for Care Endorsed Training Provider
Spring 2023
Learn with CATO was recognised by Skills For Care as a Quality Training Provider, after meeting their rigorous standards of training. Skills For Care oversees strategic development and planning for adult social care in England.
Summer 2024
Keynote at the National ACAT Conference and publication of My Cognitive Analytic Therapy Diary
We presented a keynote titled “Dropped Off at the Door: Who REALLY is Working with the Homeless?” at the 28th Annual ACAT Conference in Swansea, in which we shared key insights on improving care for the homeless, drawn from our collective experience and training across Wales.
We concluded the keynote by unveiling our new CAT resource, My Cognitive Analytic Therapy Diary, which you can learn more about here.
Delivery of in-person CAT introductory courses started
Alongside the delivery of our On-demand Introductory Course to CAT, Learn with CATO now also offered a live in-person version. To make an enquiry head over here.
Spring 2025
Autumn 2025
ACAT accredited CAT Skills for Case Management Qualification rolled out in Ireland
After six months of development, Learn with CATO launched the ACAT-accredited CAT Skills for Case Management qualification in Ireland — a comprehensive training programme designed to strengthen case manager's practice through greater relational awareness. [Read more about this project here.]
Continuing to grow and innovate
Learn with CATO continues to expand its reach, developing new training opportunities and partnerships to enhance CAT-informed practice across the UK and further afield.
Looking ahead to 2026
Find out more about our Trainers
Stay updated
Receive Learn with CATO alerts by email for news of developments,
upcoming training and special offers