About Me
Hello, my name is Caroline.
I know that it takes courage to reach out for help and support and that it can be a big step to seek counselling. Speaking from my own experience as a client, I understand how it feels and how important it is to find the right counsellor who "gets us". My aim is to walk alongside you, supporting you and providing you with the tools to help you make the changes you wish to see in your life.
I originally trained as a special needs teacher and taught for 12 years in various special schools and units. During this time, I also became a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England, in which I still play an active role.
In 2014, following a stressful period and major surgery, I left teaching to pursue a growing interest in chaplaincy work. Having experienced periods of anxiety and depression, I wanted to be alongside people also struggling with their mental health, and worked for 7 years as a volunteer and NHS bank chaplain in a local hospital. During this time I also completed the course: "Introduction to Mental Health Issues in Spiritual and Pastoral Care" run by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
In 2015, I began counselling training and after 4 years, I qualified in 2019 with a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
Over the last 3 years, I worked as a therapist for a local counselling service, both face-to-face and online since the start of the pandemic. In addition, I volunteered as an NHS COVID 19 Staff Support Line Counsellor, which was set up in my local hospital.
I am now a registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) and abide by their Ethical Framework, which means that I am committed to on-going supervision for my work and continuing professional development. I am also a registered member of the ACC (Association of Christian Counsellors).
Qualifications:
Professional:
- B.Ed Hons. Religious Studies with Special Needs in Education, University of Winchester
- Advanced Diploma for Special Needs in Education, Open University
- Diploma in Ministry Studies, University of Bangor*
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
- National Counselling Society (ACTO) Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
* I am a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England
Approaches I work with:
I trained as an integrative counsellor and work with the following approaches, according to the needs of the client:
- Person-centred
- Psychodynamic
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- TA (Transactional Analysis)
- Existential
I also work with creative therapies, such as drawing, pictures and objects, where this might be helpful for the client.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me at: morningstarcounselling@protonmail.com if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a free 30 minute initial consultation, by Zoom or telephone. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07519830721 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services. Find out more by reading my Privacy Policy.
“There, peeping among the cloud-wrack above a dark tor high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the forsaken land, and hope returned to him."
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of The King
