Frances Carpenter

Name: Frances Carpenter
Price range: £75.00 per session

her/she

Anxiety, People pleasing, Relationship issues, Self-esteem

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Newquay TR7 & London SE3

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About me

Do you often feel like you're holding everything together on the outside, while inside you're overwhelmed by self-doubt? Perhaps you overthink conversations, find it difficult to say no, or put everyone else's needs before your own. You may have spent so long trying to keep the peace, avoid conflict or be the person everyone else needed, that you've lost sight of who you are.

Maybe you've experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control or emotionally unhealthy relationships. Or perhaps these struggles began much earlier, growing up in an environment where you didn't feel safe, seen, or good enough. Whatever brought you here, there's usually a reason these ways of thinking and relating developed, and understanding those reasons can be the first step towards lasting change.

I'm Fran, a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist, and I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma and major life changes.

But I'm also a human being. While my role is different from yours, I don't believe in perfection or pretending to have all the answers. I believe therapy works best when it feels genuine - where you can bring the parts of yourself you've hidden away, knowing they'll be met with warmth, curiosity and respect.

Who I Work With

Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling responsible for everyone else's happiness while quietly neglecting their own. They may struggle with low self-worth, people-pleasing, overthinking or setting boundaries, and often find themselves repeating the same painful relationship patterns. Some have experienced narcissistic abuse, coercive control or emotionally unhealthy relationships. Others are living with the lasting impact of childhood trauma, emotional neglect or growing up without feeling truly seen, safe or accepted.

I also work with clients navigating ADHD, identity, life transitions and relationship difficulties. Whatever brings you to therapy, my aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply, develop a stronger sense of self-worth and build relationships - with yourself and others - that feel healthier and more authentic.

I welcome clients from all backgrounds, cultures and identities. As a mixed-race woman, I understand that our experiences are shaped by many aspects of who we are, including culture, identity and belonging. I aim to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, respected and accepted, and where every part of your experience is welcome.

How I Work

I believe therapy should do more than help you understand yourself – it should help you create lasting change. Understanding why you think, feel and respond in certain ways is an important part of the process, but insight alone isn't enough. Together, we'll explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck and translate that understanding into new ways of thinking, feeling, behaving and relating.

Transactional Analysis (TA) is the foundation of my work because it helps people understand long-standing patterns and make meaningful, lasting changes. I also integrate trauma-informed practice, Cognitive Bahavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, tailoring therapy to your individual needs rather than following a fixed model.

We'll agree clear goals for therapy and review them regularly, ensuring our work remains focused on the changes that matter most to you. Some sessions may explore the past, while others will focus on developing practical skills, strengthening boundaries, challenging unhelpful beliefs or experimenting with different ways of thinking and relating. Understanding provides the foundation; change comes from putting it into practice.

I'll work alongside you with warmth, honesty and curiosity, offering support when you need it and gentle challenge when it will help you grow. My aim is that you leave therapy not only with a deeper understanding of yourself, but with the confidence, skills and freedom to continue creating positive change long after therapy has ended.

Next Steps

Deciding to start therapy takes courage, and it is normal to feel a little anxious; choosing a therapist is an important decision. If you would like to have a free of charge, 20 minute consultation to see whether we could work together, please feel free to book an intro call with me. You can also contact me if you have any questions. I usually respond within 24 hours. I look forward to meeting you.

Fees

Individuals: £75 per session (50 mins)

Trainee counsellors/psychotherapists: £50 per session (50 mins)

Training, qualifications & experience

UKCP Registered Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapist
Postgraduate Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (Middlesex University)
Level 7 Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling (The Berne Institute)
Certificate in Counselling Skills (The Berne Institute)
Foundation in Transactional Analysis (The Berne Institute)
Certificate in Counselling (Iron Mill College)
MSc. Evolutionary Psychology (University of Liverpool)
BSc. (Hons) Psychology (University of Plymouth)
Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) Training with Dr. Ramani Durvasula (PESI)
Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Certification Program: Mastering Specialised Trauma Care for Survivors (PESI)
Trauma Certification Training (PESI)