Caroline Fernando

Taking the first step to finding the right therapist to work with, whether for the first time or returning to therapy, can feel daunting. I hope the following explains a bit about me and how I work 

I am a professional, well qualified, and experienced integrative therapist. I see each client as unique and use elements from a variety of therapeutic models to meet their individual needs.

The therapeutic relationship sits at the heart of my practice. My intention is to provide a safe, non-judgemental, respectful and private space in which to work, and reflect, on experiences, or difficulties, that affect you and your life.  It is a space where you will be accepted just as you are, without judgement. 

My aim is  to work in partnership with you and to help you gain a greater understanding of yourself and your challenges. We work togehter to explore your difficulties, understand them, take back control of your life and develop new ways of coping.   The work will be at your pace, and to your agenda.  

Beside my private practice, I volunteer at a low cost counselling agency as I believe therapy should be available to all.  

Whatever your reason for considering talking therapy, from dealing with recent changes in life or current difficulties, to coping with past experiences that still impact your life in a negative way, or feeling stuck and unable move forward in life, I would be happy to talk with you about how we could work together. 

Therapy can be hard work, but my experience is that it can also make a significant and positive difference.

I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist qualified to masters level:

MA Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (distinction)

PGDip Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy

My practice is founded on the therapeutic relationship; working together in a trusting, honest partnership to explore aspects of your life which cause you difficulties, to make sense of them and find ways of coping more easily.   

It is influenced by humanistic, psychodynamic, existential and CBT models of therapy.   I have worked for a number of years with people with a wide range of mental health issues and traumatic life experiences.  I am also trained in I-CBT, specifically for working with clients who have OCD. 

I work with clients 16 years of age and above. 

Testimonials:

(Please see more testimonials on my website)

“I brought so much baggage to Caroline I was wary at first as to whether anything could or would change. I could not have been more wrong: Caroline put me at my ease, she listened and remembered, she brought me back to things, she made me understand stuff in my family history for the very first time in my life. Through our conversations she guided me to see things differently, to bring out things I had never spoken of before, and to address them. I now truly feel like a new person: none of my history has changed but my perspective of it has, completely. For the first time in my life I accept things, and I feel in control. She was the most wonderful support and guide through this process, she has made all the difference to my life. I recommend therapy and above all I recommend Caroline for her warmth, her professional insight and her kindness. I like myself for the first time in my life and that is down to her help.” (Client feedback, shared with consent, 2023)

I offer an initial 20 minute on-line video appointment, for us to get a feel for each other and whether we could build a good therapeutic relationship. There is no charge for this. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. 

If, after this, we begin to work together, the first session will involve an assessment. I will ask you about yourself, for some background information, what brings you to therapy at this time, and what you hope to gain from it.  Once I have a this understanding the real work can begin.