Holly Carter

I am currently unable to take on new clients.

I have enjoyed over a decade’s experience working as a relationship counsellor and therapist. I work with couples and individuals. I also work as a clinical supervisor. Alongside my private practice, I have worked for Relate for many years.

When working with clients, I offer a flexible approach which allows for weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions. Appointments can be arranged for a regular fixed day and time, or be more casually set up to fit in with other commitments.

I also offer the opportunity for intensive counselling – which may be appropriate in a time of unexpected family or personal crisis, or when there are geographical challenges which make intensive sessions a more manageable option. Such work might comprise extended morning and afternoon meetings over two or three consecutive days.

I very much value the opportunities provided when seeing clients face to face, but I also work remotely, by telephone and internet (zoom, skype). 'Remote' counselling is not always a safe or effective way of working, and I will always discuss the possible advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

My post graduate training includes a Masters Degree in Relationship Therapy. I am a registered member of the BACP. Prior to re-training in this field I worked for twenty years in London as a barrister, practising family law.

The essence of my practice from home is to offer a safe, peaceful and very private space in which to talk and think about the things which are causing unhappiness, grief or anxiety, or simply preoccupying one’s everyday thoughts.

I work in a tranquil detached annex, with a view of an orchard, and fields beyond. It is a calm and gentle place in which to discuss the private and the personal.

There is no ‘usual’ or ‘common’ issue brought by clients, since we are all different, and respond to, and experience, life’s events in unique ways. I will encourage you to think in depth about what concerns or upsets you, and I will help you to identify what might need to change, or what might benefit from being understood differently, in order to provide some relief. I find that it is often helpful to understand how it came to be that a particular issue, person or theme, has come to have so much power or influence over us.

My work with couples has looked at multiple and various experiences. A relentless and exhausting pattern of conflict can result in two very lonely, sad, and sometimes angry, people. If the conflict can be understood, and managed, differently then the relationship may start to recover. Particular events can similarly stress a relationship to breaking point – for example: an affair, debt, addiction, bereavement, any breach of trust. A relationship will need time and attention in order to repair itself.

When working with a couple I may suggest separate meetings from time to time.

If you think that I might be useful to you, please do get in touch by email or telephone. I will generally be able to respond within a few hours.  A first meeting is an opportunity to find out whether you feel comfortable talking with me, and whether I can actually be useful and helpful to you. I will always try to arrange a first meeting within days if required.

I very much enjoy supervision with other counsellors and therapists, and it is has made up a significant part of my work over several years.

My supervisory practice includes newly qualified and well established practitioners. It is important to me that my supervisees find me accessible, and I work on a very flexible and approachable basis.

I am ever mindful of the ethical dilemmas which face us from time to time, and also of the balance to be established in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries alongside maintaining a 'real' and authentic relationship with our clients.

Alongside my private practice, I have worked for Relate for many years, both as a counsellor working with couples, individuals and families, and also as a clinical supervisor.

As you would expect, I endeavour to create a relationship with my supervisees which allows for vulnerability, exploration, and growth. I also expect there to be plenty of good humour and laughter (when appropriate!)

At home I work from a very private and tranquil annex on the smallholding where I live. 

A first meeting is always free.

You can read more about my clinical practice in my 'therapist' profile.