Clare Carter

Hello and welcome. I'm so glad you're here.

People can come to counselling for so many different reasons. It may be that you've spent so long trying to meet the needs or expectations of others that you've gradually lost touch with your own and feel unseen and unknown for who you really are.

 Perhaps you appear to be coping on the outside while inwardly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected and exhausted from carrying so much for so long.

You may think and feel very deeply, yet have learned to quieten parts of yourself in order to feel accepted. Perhaps you have developed ways of coping, such as people-pleasing, perfectionism or masking as an attempt to feel safe, valued or accepted.

Over time, these ways of coping can become exhausting, sometimes leading to anxiety, depression, burnout and a growing sense of disconnection from yourself and your own needs.

Neurodivergence: 
You may be beginning to understand yourself as autistic or highly sensitive. A diagnosis—or simply recognising yourself in these experiences—can bring relief and clarity, while also stirring grief, anger, confusion or sadness for what may have been missed.

 How counselling can help

Together, we can gently explore the experiences, relationships and beliefs that have shaped how you see yourself, relate to others and experience the world today.

As understanding deepens, we begin to notice what is happening not only in your thoughts and emotions, but also within your body and nervous system. This awareness can gradually soften self-criticism, helping you respond to yourself with greater compassion and opening up new possibilities for change.

We may also explore your needs, longings and parts of yourself that have been hidden, quietened or carry shame. At times this may include gently revisiting earlier experiences or reconnecting with younger parts of yourself, allowing them to be understood with greater compassion and integrated into a fuller sense of who you are.

From there, we can begin exploring ways of living that feel more sustainable, authentic and aligned with your values, gently rediscovering who you are beneath all 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 direct answers. Rather than giving you solutions, part of our work together is about gently reconnecting with your own wisdom — learning to notice, trust, and begin to draw on it in ways that feel right for you.

Where helpful for you, I can offer you psychoeducation and practical tools that help can you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself more deeply and support lasting change.

I recognise that some people find it helpful to understand more about the counselling process itself. If it feels useful, we can talk openly about what we're doing and why as our work unfolds, helping the process feel clearer, more collaborative, and easier to apply in everyday life.

Faith and spirituality:

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.

Neurodivergence:

My work is neuro-affirming, meaning I approach therapy with respect for neurological differences and curiosity about your unique experience. As someone who has received a late diagnosis of autism, I bring both professional knowledge and lived experience of some of the challenges that can arise. Whether you have a diagnosis, are questioning, or simply experience the world differently, I hope to offer a warm, thoughtful space where we can gently make sense of your experience. Together we can work with your needs, sensitivities, and strengths, supporting you to live in ways that feel more aligned, sustainable and life giving. 

All my work is informed by a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, including person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and 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. 

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 or even know what I’m feeling? 

Many people worry about this. You don’t need to have the right words or be able to know 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 and togther we can gently find a way that it right for you.

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? 
It can be stressful trying to choose a counsellor. This is why I offer a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation to answer any questions you may have. I can tell you a little more about how I work, and whether with time I may be someone you may feel safe and relaxed with.  There is no pressure or expectation for you to proceed with counselling after our call.

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 can also offer 90 minute sessions when additional processing time is beneficial for clients. This is charged at £75 per session. 

I practise from The Treatment Hub in central Basingstoke, a calm and welcoming space in the heart of Basingstoke that is easily accessible. 

Sessions are also available from my practice near Odiham, where you will find  ample off-street parking and ground floor facilities.

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