Caroline Vidal

Building a better relationship with yourself means better external relationships. I know this to be true because I have witnessed it happen many times in my years of practice. I work with individuals and couples who want to achieve more satisfying and authentic relationships. You may want to relate in a more meaningful way with the people in your life, or be considering the painful decision to separate from a partner. Or perhaps you are seeking to develop a better relationship with yourself and to understand the life choices you make. 

My practice is based on an integrative approach which means that I draw from a number of therapeutic models and theories. I work in an interactive manner, being as fully engaged with the process as my clients. Much of my work is based in the here and now: we examine the personal expectations and values that shape perceptions and influence choices. Sometimes it is also useful to explore past experiences and how they inform current thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Whether the focus is on the present or past, we draw on the qualities of kindness, open enquiry, curiosity and a dash of humour to foster a greater capacity for self reflection and awareness. A compassionate approach is taken towards even the most challenging issues, for it is only from this non judgmental position that we can begin to have an honest dialogue about the very aspects that cause pain and confusion.

Couples Counselling

Communication When we are in a couple we can sometimes struggle to effectively communicate. In spite of our best efforts to find resolution we get entangled in the same unproductive cycle time and again. This pattern can become entrenched because it is not always easy to get an objective view of how the dialogue unfolds once we are ‘in the moment’. My role in our work together is to shift your couple dynamic in a way that reduces the need to maintain defences, and increases your confidence to speak with greater authenticity. Working with a professional also can give you an unbiased ‘external’ perspective that will help you identify the barriers to productive communication and build on the trust so that sensitive topics can be addressed. 

Attachment Attachment bonds that were formed with early care givers can shape our understanding of the relationships we make later in our adult life. Contrasting family experiences between couples can often give rise to differences in expectations, and sometimes misunderstandings. When each partner examines the meanings behind these experiences, self understanding grows, and the landscape of the relationship is seen from another perspective, with more depth and appreciation for the complexity that we all possess as human beings. 

I hold a Masters (with distinction) in Psychotherapy and Counselling  and am a Relate qualified counsellor with over fifteen years experience helping couples and individuals with their relationships. 

Individuals £65 per 60-75 min appointment

Couples £85 per 60-75 min appointment

Concession appointments are £50 (subject to availability)

Free initial 30 minute telephone session.