Caroline Skelton

My usual availability is Monday to Friday until 7pm.  I can work occasional weekends by agreement.

Welcome. I’m a BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, and an EMDR therapist trained through EMDR Academy and working in accordance with EMDR Europe standards. I have over 25 years' experience supporting adults and young people in education, alongside over 8 years' experience as a counsellor and psychotherapist.

You may be looking for therapy because something from the past feels present, or because life has become difficult to manage. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, low confidence or a sense of being stuck. You may find emotions, memories or patterns will not shift. I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, understand yourself more fully and work towards meaningful change.

My approach is integrative and grounded in person-centred and Transactional Analysis (TA). We may work through talking therapy, EMDR, or a combination of both. I look at your life history and attachment style to help develop the therapeutic approach that's right for you. I also hold a coaching qualification which I  draw upon to help build confidence, clarify goals and make positive changes.

EMDR can be particularly helpful when distressing experiences continue to affect you in the present. It is a structured therapy that helps your brain reprocess emotionally charged or ‘stuck’memories. We begin with a careful assessment and preparation, and you remain in control throughout the process.

I work with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, low mood, stress, overwhelm and major life changes. My style is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I will listen without judgement and help you explore patterns with honesty and compassion.

I offer flexible sessions to suit you either in person, by phone or online. If you are unsure whether counselling or EMDR is right for you, you are welcome to contact me so we can consider what support may best fit your needs.

I am warm, down-to-earth and compassionate, while also being professional and focused. I will not judge you or tell you what to do. I will listen carefully, help you notice patterns and, when it is useful, gently challenge what may be keeping you stuck. The relationship between us matters, so we will review how the work is feeling and shape therapy around what you need.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, particularly if you are used to coping alone. You do not need to arrive with everything worked out. We can begin with what feels most important now and decide together whether counselling, EMDR or an integrated approach would be the best fit.

I offer 50, 60 or 90 minute sessions.  We can discuss the length of sessions, as well as whether you prefer online or face-to-face therapy, during a free initial consultation to see whether working together feels like a good fit.

I am also keen to support those who are currently in counselling training and can offer a reduced rate for trainee counsellors.

Before arranging your first appointment, I offer a free introductory telephone call. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to therapy, answer any questions you may have (including fees) and help you decide whether I'm the right therapist for you. If you would prefer to do this by email, that is perfectly fine.

Before your first appointment, I'll ask you to complete some basic registration and consent paperwork. There is no formal assessment questionnaire. Instead, I'll get to know you through our conversation, gaining an understanding of your experiences, your needs and how I can best support you. If you'd like to know more about the different therapeutic approaches I use, I'm happy to provide further information before we meet.

In our first session you'll have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the therapeutic environment. We'll explore what has brought you to counselling, address any pressing concerns and begin to build a therapeutic relationship. Together, we'll decide whether talking therapy, EMDR or a combination of both is the best approach for you. We may also begin to consider what might be preventing you from moving forward and explore some of the patterns, experiences or beliefs that may be influencing how you feel today. This first session is also an opportunity for you to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me, because feeling understood, safe and accepted is an important part of the counselling process.