About me
Starting counselling can feel daunting. You might be wondering if your problems are big enough, worrying you'll be judged, or thinking you should have worked things out by now. You may have spent years putting on a brave face, been too busy looking after everyone else, or telling yourself you should "just get on with it".
If any of that feels familiar, you're not alone.
I'm Caroline, and I offer a warm, down-to-earth space where you don't have to have the right words or pretend that you're coping better than you are. You can cry, swear, laugh, sit quietly, or simply take your time. My role isn't to tell you what to do, or pretend to have all the answers. Instead, I'll walk alongside you as we gently make sense of what's been happening and what you need.
Many of the people I work with have never had someone truly listen to them without trying to fix, minimise or explain away what they're feeling. I've seen how powerful it can be when someone finally feels understood. Often, that's where change begins.
I work with people experiencing anxiety, low mood, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, childhood experiences that still affect them today, and times when life simply feels overwhelming.
My approach is person-centred, which means I believe you are the expert on your own life. I won't rush you or tell you what you should do. Together, we'll explore the patterns that have shaped you, understand the ways you've learnt to cope, and consider whether those ways are still serving you. I may gently challenge you when it feels helpful, but always with kindness and respect.
Starting counselling can feel like a big step. You don't need to know exactly what you want to say or have everything figured out. We'll begin wherever you are, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Some people find it easier to express themselves creatively than through conversation alone. If it feels right for you, we can use photographs, pictures, fairy tales, nesting dolls or sand tray work to explore experiences that can be difficult to put into words. You don't need to be artistic or have any previous experience. The focus isn't on producing artwork, but on using creativity as another way of expressing yourself and making sense of what you're going through.
Walk-and-talk therapy is also available in green spaces for those who may benefit from working side by side rather than face to face. This can be particularly helpful for anyone who has found traditional indoor, online, or telephone counselling difficult to engage with. Many people experience this approach as more natural and less intense, allowing thoughts and feelings to flow more freely. Being in nature can further support wellbeing by reducing stress, improving mood, and creating a calm, grounding environment.
Training, qualifications & experience
- First Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Counselling (University of Staffordshire)
- Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Safeguarding for Children
- BACP Registered member
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£45.00 per session
Additional information
Free 20 minute initial consultation.
Sessions are £45 for 1 hour.
When I work
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Further information
If you are unsure whether counselling may be helpful for your current situation, you are welcome to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation by phone or online to discuss how I can support you. This gives you the opportunity to share an overview of what has brought you to counselling, ask any questions, and decide whether you feel comfortable working with me before we begin.
I look forward to meeting you.
Kindest wishes,
Caroline
