Clare Carter

Hello and welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

Perhaps you have found yourself feeling unseen, misunderstood, or exhausted from carrying so much for so long. You may appear to be coping on the outside, while inwardly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of who you really are beneath the roles you have had to carry.

Perhaps you think and feel deeply, yet have learned to quieten parts of yourself in order to meet the needs or expectations of others.

Over time, suppressing who we are can be painful, sometimes leading to anxiety, burnout, a loss of self-worth, and a growing sense of disconnection. For some, this can also impact physical wellbeing.

You may have developed ways of coping, such as people-pleasing or perfectionism, often as attempts to feel safe, valued, or accepted. While these patterns may once have helped, they may have left you feeling increasingly overwhelmed and disconnected from your own needs.

It may be that you are beginning to understand yourself as autistic or highly sensitive,  recognising years spent masking or trying to fit in.  A new diagnosis or growing self awareness can bring relief and clarity, while also stirring confusion, anger, grief, or sadness for what may have been missed.

 
How counselling can help

Together, we can gently explore the experiences, patterns, and beliefs that have shaped how you relate to yourself and others.

As understanding deepens, we begin to make sense of what is happening within you - in your thoughts, your body, and your emotions. This awareness can open the door to relating to yourself with greater compassion, rather than self-criticism, and to gently beginning to let go of patterns of coping that may once have helped, but no longer feel supportive or sustainable.

Counselling can also help you to notice the needs and longings that may have been suppressed, and to begin to honour and respond to them in ways that feel more supportive, sustainable, and aligned with who you are.

This may also include reconnecting with parts of yourself that have been quietened or carry shame, allowing these to be understood and integrated into a fuller sense of who you are.

From here, we can begin to explore ways of living and making choices that feel more life-giving, steady, and true to you — gently rediscovering who you are beneath what you’ve had to carry.

How I work:

I work holistically with body, mind, and spirit, recognising that our emotional experiences are often held not only in our thoughts, but also within the body and our deeper sense of self. 

Some experiences can feel beyond words. When helpful, we may use gentle creative approaches — including imagery, objects, drawing, or metaphor — to explore emotions or experiences that are difficult to articulate. This can offer fresh insight and deeper understanding, especially when feelings have been suppressed for a long time or are hard to express.

We often come to counselling hoping for answers. Rather than giving you solutions, part of our work together is about gently reconnecting with your own wisdom — learning to notice it, trust it, and begin to draw on it in ways that feel right for you. I offer a steady, compassionate presence as you do this.

I welcome clients from all backgrounds and beliefs, and recognise that faith or spirituality can play a meaningful role in how we make sense of life, including our sense of purpose. If this is important to you, it would be warmly welcomed as part of our work together.

My work is informed by a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, including person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and gentle parts-informed work such as IFS and inner child work. I draw on these flexibly to meet your individual needs, preferences, and unique way of being. 

My work is neuro-affirming, meaning I approach therapy with respect for neurological differences and curiosity about your own unique experience. I work with your needs, sensitivities, and strengths, supporting you to live in ways that feel more aligned, sustainable and life giving. 

It is so common to have questions about counselling. Below are some questions and answers you may find helpful.

What if I find it hard to talk about my feelings?
Many people worry about this. You don’t need to have the right words or be able to explain how you feel. We will work in ways that suit you, and we can go at a pace that feels comfortable. There are many gentle ways of exploring experience, not all of which rely on talking.

What if I’m not sure where to start?
That’s very common. You don’t need to arrive with a clear plan or know exactly what you want to talk about. We can begin wherever feels easiest for you, and allow things to unfold gradually as we work together.

How long might counselling last?
There’s no single answer to this, as everyone’s needs are different. Some people choose to work short-term, while others prefer to continue on an open-ended basis. We’ll regularly check in together about how things are feeling and what feels most helpful for you.

Will what I share be confidential?
Yes. As a registered member of the BACP, I work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. Confidentiality and its limits will be explained clearly during our first session so you know what to expect.

What might be my next step? 
If you are wondering whether we might be a good fit to work together, I offer a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation to answer any questions you may have and help you decide whether counselling with me feels right with no obligation to proceed. 

Pet Bereavement: I fully understand how devastating it can be to lose a dearly loved pet. I offer a safe space in which to come alongside you as you process the loss of your loved one. 

I offer online and face-to-face sessions in calm, safe and welcoming spaces designed to support your comfort and privacy.

I work from The Treatment Hub in central Basingstoke, which is easily accessible and also offer sessions from my practice near Odiham, where there is ample off-street parking.

I am a fully insured, registered member of the BACP and ACC. I abide at all times by the BACP Ethical Framework.