Carolyn Varney

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

Within a safe space, we’ll explore your inner world, seek to understand your struggles, and find the best way forward for you. Meaningful change starts with permission to acknowledge the issues and by starting to develop insight into the underlying emotions.

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, helping them find clarity over the issues and a way forward. 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.

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

Your first session will be chance for us to explore what's on your mind and clarify 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 tailored to your needs. It gives us the opportunity to begin working together and decide if this is the right approach for you. 

What you can expect from sessions:

• A warm, supportive environment where you feel heard and understood

• Space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace

• Help identifying unhelpful patterns and developing healthier coping strategies

• Increased self-awareness and clarity about your relationships and life choices

• Practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions and improve resilience