Clare Carter

I aim to work in a way that feels sustainable and well-paced, so that I can be fully present with each client. This means I keep a smaller caseload, with some flexibility where possible.

I currently offer sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with occasional availability on Monday afternoons or Friday mornings.

Sessions last 60 minutes.

I also take regular breaks throughout the year and will always give plenty of notice in advance.

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

Perhaps you have found yourself feeling unseen, misunderstood, or exhausted from carrying so much for so long. You may appear to be coping on the outside, while inwardly feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of who you are beneath the roles you have had to carry.

You might recognise yourself as someone who thinks and feels deeply, yet have learned to quiet parts of yourself in order to meet the needs or expectations of others. Perhaps you have developed admirable ways of coping such as people pleasing or perfectionism, yet over time, this can come at a cost, often leading to a gradual loss of connection with your own needs.

This can become deeply tiring, sometimes contributing to burnout, chronic illness, or a growing sense of overwhelm.

There may be a growing sense of alignment with autism, or you may have received a diagnosis, bringing an awareness of years spent masking or trying to fit in. This can bring both relief and deeper self-understanding, while also stirring confusion, grief, anger, or sadness for what may have been missed.

How counselling can help

Together, we can gently explore the experiences, patterns, and beliefs that have shaped how you relate to yourself and others. With compassionate understanding, it becomes possible to begin loosening what no longer serves you, and to reconnect with your needs, values, and sense of self.

We may also gently uncover deeper longings that have been held beneath years of coping or adapting, and explore how these might be honoured in ways that feel realistic, nourishing, and true to you.

Where important emotional needs have gone unmet, counselling can support you in beginning to relate to yourself differently — with greater compassion, steadiness, and care. Over time, this can help you build a stronger sense of self-trust, feel more confident in setting boundaries, and make choices that feel more sustainable, life-giving, and aligned with who you are.

How I work

I work holistically with body, mind, and spirit, recognising that our emotional experiences are held not only in our thoughts, but also within the body and our deeper sense of self.

Part of our work together is supporting you in gently reconnecting with your own inner wisdom — learning to notice it, trust it, and begin to draw on it in ways that feel right for you.

Some experiences can feel beyond words. You don’t need to have the right language or know where to begin — we can go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. When helpful, we may use gentle creative approaches such as imagery, objects, drawing, or metaphor to explore emotions that are difficult to articulate.

My work is informed by a range of approaches, including person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and gentle parts-informed work such as IFS and inner child work. I draw on these flexibly to meet your individual needs and preferences.

I also have additional training in working with faith and spirituality, which can be included in our sessions if this is something you would like to explore.

My work is neuro-affirming, meaning I approach therapy with respect for neurological differences and curiosity about your unique experience. I work with your needs, sensitivities, and strengths, supporting you to live in ways that feel more aligned, sustainable, and life-giving.

Next steps

If you are wondering whether we might be a good fit to work together, I offer a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and get a sense of how I work, helping you decide whether counselling with me feels right for you, with no obligation to proceed.

I offer a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation before beginning counselling. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions, get a sense of how I work, and decide whether it feels like a good fit for you, with no obligation to continue.

If you choose to go ahead, our first full session is a gentle starting point. There is no pressure to share everything straight away — we will go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

We will spend some time exploring what has brought you to counselling, what you might be hoping for, and any questions or concerns you may have. I may also ask a few background questions to help me understand your experiences more fully.

I will explain how I work, including confidentiality and its limits, so that you feel clear and informed. This is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether you feel safe and comfortable working with me.

There is no formal assessment process. The focus is on beginning to build a sense of trust and creating a space where you feel able to be yourself.