About me
In the book "The Warrior Within," Christiane Sanderson shares the story of the tethered elephant:
“Elephants are trained to stay where they are by tying a rope around one of their massive legs and attaching it to a peg in the ground. But can the peg and rope really hold back an elephant? Absolutely not. So why does it work? Because elephants grow up believing they cannot break free.”
This story is a powerful metaphor for the invisible restraints many of us carry. Early experiences, beliefs and past hurts can quietly shape how we see ourselves and our relationships. Over time, these internal “tethers” can leave us feeling stuck – repeating the same patterns, doubting ourselves, or feeling unable to move forward, even when part of us long for change.
Counselling offers a space to gently explore these patterns, understand where they come from, and begin to loosen what no longer serves you. Like the elephant, you may already have more strength and resilience than you realise.
You might be coming to therapy feeling overwhelmed by past experiences, noticing the same relationship difficulties repeating, struggling with self-worth, or feeling anxious, low or disconnected from yourself. Whatever brings you here, you do not have to face it alone. I offer a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where you can be heard, understood and supported at your own pace.
I am an integrative counsellor and trauma informed practitioner, working with adult individuals. This means I tailor therapy to you, drawing on different approaches to suit your needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model. My style is compassionate, grounded and collaborative, with an emphasis on safety, trust and empowerment.
With several years’ experience working in a practise specialising in trauma, particularly childhood trauma, I am now based in private practise in Storrington, West Sussex. I have a particular focus on trauma and complex trauma, including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, childhood sexual abuse and childhood sexual exploitation (CSE). I work with individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious or low, as well as those struggling with the lasting impact of trauma, bereavement and loss, anger, relationship difficulties or low self-esteem. In addition to individual therapy, I also work with couples who may be experiencing challenges in their relationship, communication difficulties or the impact of past experiences on their connection.
I offer both short-term and long-term counselling, depending on what feels most helpful for you. In our work together, you are always in control of the pace and focus of sessions. In the first session, we will move at a pace that feels safe for you, and there is no expectation to talk about anything you are not ready to explore.
I am BACP registered, an accredited member of the NCPS, fully insured, ICO registered, hold an enhanced DBS, and I am Pre-Trial trained. Concessionary rates are available where appropriate.
Reaching out for counselling can feel daunting, especially if you have been holding things inside for a long time. If you are considering taking that step, I aim to offer a calm, supportive and respectful space where you can begin to feel safer with yourself and start moving towards the life you want.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practise (Prof.Dip Psy C). Accredited NCPS
- BACP Registered
- Full Enhanced DBS
- Fully Insured
- ICO Registered
- Further courses and qualifications
- Carolyn Spring: Child Sexual Abuse - Hope for heeling
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Trauma in a time of Trauma.
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Shame
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Relational Therapy
- Carolyn Spring: Dealing with Distress (working with suicide and self harm)
- Carolyn Spring: Trauma and the Body (Dissociation and Somatisation)
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Trauma Memories
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Trauma Triggers & Flashbacks
- Carolyn Spring: Working with Trauma that has become stuck.
- Certificate: Safeguarding Vulnerable children and Adults
- Certificate: Pre Trial
- Certificate: Online Telephone Counselling
- Certificate: Integrative Sex & Couples Certificate Training Dr Tammy Nelson
- Certificate: Family relationship counselling
- Certificate: Trauma Informed Practitioner
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
- Standard Fee: £50.00 per session, Daytime
- Student Fee: £35.00 per session, Daytime
- Evening and Saturday sessions: £60.00-£75.00 per Session.
- Low income and/or claiming benefits fee: £25.00 per session, Daytime.
Depending on financial circumstances, I do offer concessionary fees, and for pensioners who are in receipt of pension credit. If you have any questions about my fees or if you would like to discuss them further, please get in touch. Please note that reduced fees must be agreed upon prior to our first session.
