Clare Carter

Hello and thank you for visiting my profile.

Life can be challenging and at times it can feel overwhelming - whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues or simply feeling stuck. Perhaps you are facing a time of transition, bereavement or coping with loss. Whatever has brought you here, please know you that you don't have to face it alone.

I am a qualified counsellor offering a warm. non-judgemental and compassionate space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace you feel comfortable with. My approach is grounded in empathy and respect, and I will walk alongside you as you begin to understand yourself more deeply. 

How might counselling help me?

Counselling can help you make sense of difficult emotions, explore the roots of patterns of behaviours that no longer serve you, and begin to connect with what truly matters to you. Through the process, you may find clarity, relief and the confidence to move forward in a way that feels more aligned with your needs and values.   

What might my sessions involve?

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a blend of different therapeutic approaches to suit your individual needs, hopes and requirements. 

In our sessions, we will initially explore what is going on for you right now, noticing the whole person: mind, the body and spirit.

By doing so, we start to gradually expand your self-awareness which can be the first step towards understanding yourself and subsequently towards growth and change.

Part of your counselling process will also include starting to notice deep, often unmet needs and learning to meet them with the understanding and compassion you deserve. We will take time to explore and reflect on your past experiences, noticing how these may have affected and be continuing to affect the present. 

From this place of greater self-awareness I will support you in making any changes you choose, aligning with what is important to you and honouring the unique person that you are.

It is so normal to have many questions about counselling. Below are just a few common questions and answers, but please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Do I need to be good at talking about my feelings?

Not at all. We all have different ways of processing and expressing ourselves and finding the right words may not always seem easy. In our sessions we can use a variety of different creative and exploratory techniques to gently support emotional expression and insight. This can include guided imagery, inner child work, drawing, sand play and using pictures.

You do not need to be artistic or creative - just open to being curious. Together we can gently explore and expand your awareness in a way that feels comfortable, with the aim of deepening understanding and opening up the possibility of change. 

Do I need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from counselling?

No. Counselling can be helpful whether you're facing a crisis, feeling stuck or simply seeking greater self-awareness and personal growth. You may want space to reflect on life's direction, work through a decision or come to terms with something difficult.

The safe space we create is yours to bring as much or as little as you feel ready to.

How many sessions might I need?

This is a difficult question because everyone is different. Our work may be short-term (anywhere from 6 - 12 sessions), or have no set end date and finish whenever you feel is right for you. The first month is usually enough time to get a sense of whether you feel therapy with me is right for you, and whether you would prefer a short-term focus or to work together on an open-ended basis. In the third session we discuss how it’s been so far - what you feel is useful and what might not be working or missing, and whether you want to continue - either on an open-ended basis or for between 6 - 12 sessions. 

For however long you chose to continue with counselling we will have frequent reviews throughout our sessions to see how you are feeling and whether you feel we are moving towards your goals. This will give us the opportunity to adapt our sessions to meet your unique needs and preferences. 

Are the sessions confidential?

Yes. As a member of the BACP, all your sessions will be confidential. This is in accordance with the BACP’s Ethical Framework for Counselling Professions. There will be a number of exceptions that I may need to break confidentiality but these will be discussed fully with you during our introductory call.

What might be my next step?

If you have read this far, and are wondering if we may be a good fit to work together, I would be delighted to offer you a 30 minute Zoom session or phone call to answer any questions you may have. This will be free of charge with no obligation to proceed with counselling. 

During our call, I would love to learn a little more about you, what has led you to counselling and what you would you hope for from counselling. I will also tell you about how I work and provide you with some information about session length, frequency, confidentiality and cancellation policy. This will give you the chance to decide whether counselling is right for you and whether you feel comfortable with me. We can also make sure that I am the best person to help you achieve your goals from counselling.

If you would like to continue, we can then discuss arranging your sessions on a regular basis.

If you're considering taking the next step, I encourage you to reach out. 

Spirituality: Having trained at Waverley Abbey College, I have additional training when incorporating faith and spirituality. If you wish to explore the spiritual aspects of your life, I offer a safe space for that too. Spirituality can be a powerful source of strength, connection, and meaning, and we can explore these aspects as they are relevant to you, integrating them into your personal growth and healing process.

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 from my practise in North Warnborough where you will find a discrete, safe and comfortable counselling room. There is ample off street parking and toilet facilities.

On Tuesday mornings, I offer counselling from my practise in central Farnham. 

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