Carolyn Varney

I currently have availability on Monday and Tuesday - daytime only (up to 6.30 pm) 

In times of difficulty it's normal to need a bit of help. Within a safe space, we’ll explore what's on your mind and causing unrest within you. We will identify and reflect on how you are feeling and develop insight into the meaning of these underlying emotions. Together, we will seek to better understand your inner world and find the best way forward for you. Meaningful change starts with permission to acknowledge the issues and start addressing them. 

I am a fully qualified psychodynamic psychotherapist and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). With over 15 years of experience, gained from my own private practice, work in a NHS secondary care setting, as a senior school counsellor, the voluntary sector, and as a Specialist Mentor for university students. I am also a qualified clinical Supervisor for both trainee and qualified counsellors.

My work spans the everyday challenges we all face together with more enduring complex mental health issues. My years of experience has equipped me to assess and support individuals with a wide range of difficulties. I help you make sense of what you are going through, find clarity over the issues and insight into the best possible way ahead. I offer both long-term and time-limited counselling, including solution-focused approaches, tailored to your needs.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

• MA in Psychodynamic Counselling – Birkbeck College, University of London (2010)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Working with Adolescents – Westminster Pastoral Foundation (2013)

• Mentalization-Based Therapy Training – Maudsley Hospital (18-month programme, 2013)

• Diploma in Supervision – Society of Analytical Psychologists (2023–2025)

My training enables me to work effectively with emotional and cognitive challenges, helping clients make sense of overwhelming feelings and develop healthier coping strategies.

I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore what matters most—whether that’s anxiety, relationship difficulties, past experiences, or feeling stuck. Together, we will reflect on patterns that may be holding you back and work towards meaningful change.

My approach is collaborative and paced to suit your needs. I draw on psychodynamic principles and mentalization-based techniques to increase self-awareness, strengthen your ability to think clearly under stress, and improve your relationships.

During a session, you can expect a warm and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood. There will be space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. And together we will work on identifying unhelpful patterns and developing healthier coping strategies. We will also explore unconscious processes, which leads to an increased self-awareness and clarity about your relationships and life choices. In addition, I provide practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions and improve resilience

Taking the first step can feel daunting. I offer a free initial phone or email consultation to help you decide if you would like to arrange a first meeting.

Your first session will be chance for us to explore what's on your mind and clarify the issues. It helps you to verbalise what you might be looking to get out of therapy. In addition, it gives us the chance to understand what matters most to you and think about how the therapy can best be suited to your needs. It gives us the opportunity to have a taste of working together and decide if this approach feels right for you.