Carla Cowling

I offer face-to-face counselling from my practice in Congleton, as well as online and telephone sessions. Appointment times are flexible and include a range of daytime and evening appointments.

I offer a free 15-minute introductory call if you’d like to have a chat before deciding whether to book a first session.

Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you’re used to coping on your own. My aim is to offer a warm, down-to-earth and confidential space where you can talk openly, without judgement or pressure.

I’m an experienced integrative counsellor and have been working therapeutically since 2011. I work with adults and couples experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, relationship problems, stress, grief and loss, low self-esteem and times when life simply feels overwhelming.

Being an integrative counsellor means I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. My work is grounded in person-centred therapy, while also drawing on CBT and other approaches where they may be helpful. We can explore what is happening for you, understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck and, where appropriate, look at practical ways of creating change.

I believe the relationship between counsellor and client is an important part of therapy. I’m not here to tell you what to do or judge the choices you’ve made. I’ll work alongside you with warmth, honesty and curiosity, at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I offer counselling face-to-face in Congleton, as well as online and by telephone. I also work with couples and welcome clients from a wide range of backgrounds, identities and experiences.

If you’re unsure whether counselling — or whether I’m the right counsellor for you — I offer a free 15-minute introductory call so we can have a chat before you decide.

I offer a relaxed and welcoming counselling environment where you can talk openly about whatever has brought you to therapy. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what you want to say or where to begin – we can work that out together.

Our first session gives us an opportunity to explore what is happening for you, what you would like from counselling and whether working together feels right. From there, sessions are shaped around you rather than following a rigid programme.

Some people come to counselling with a particular difficulty they want to work through, while others simply know that something doesn’t feel right. We might explore current difficulties, past experiences, relationships or patterns in thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Where useful, I can also introduce practical CBT-based strategies and tools that you can use outside our sessions.

I work with both individuals and couples and offer short-term and longer-term counselling depending on your needs.

Face-to-face sessions take place in Congleton. I also offer online and telephone counselling for clients who prefer to work remotely.

Sessions are confidential and conducted in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.

Our first session gives us the opportunity to get to know one another and for you to tell me what has brought you to counselling, in your own way and at your own pace.

At the beginning of the session, we will talk through the counselling agreement together, including confidentiality and the circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken. I will also take some basic personal and contact information.

We will then spend time exploring what has brought you to therapy, what you are currently experiencing and what you might hope to gain from counselling. You don’t need to arrive with everything worked out – part of our first session is simply beginning to understand what you need and how we might work together.

There is no pressure to disclose anything before you feel ready, and you’ll also have the opportunity to ask me any questions about counselling or how I work.