Frequently Asked Questions

If you're struggling with your mental or emotional wellbeing — whether that's anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, or simply feeling stuck — therapy can help. You don't need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people come to therapy to better understand themselves, develop coping strategies, or work through a specific challenge. The best way to find out is a free 20-minute consultation with no obligation.

The first session is about getting to know each other. Carolyn will ask about what's brought you to therapy, your current situation, and what you're hoping to get from the work. It's also a chance for you to ask questions and see whether you feel comfortable. There's no pressure to share more than you're ready to — the pace is always led by you.

This varies widely depending on the person and the issues involved. Some people benefit from just 6–12 sessions; others find longer-term work more helpful. Carolyn will discuss this with you once she has a clearer picture of your situation. You're never locked into a set number — this is reviewed together as you go.

Carolyn aims to offer an initial consultation within a week of your enquiry. Ongoing session availability depends on her current schedule. Please get in touch and she'll do her best to find something that works for you.

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential. There are very limited exceptions to this — specifically, if Carolyn believed you or someone else was at serious risk of harm. Even then, she would discuss this with you first wherever possible. As a BACP accredited therapist, Carolyn adheres to the BACP Ethical Framework, which places confidentiality at its heart.

No. Your sessions are completely private. Carolyn does not contact your GP, employer, or anyone else without your explicit written consent — unless there was a serious safeguarding concern (see above). Many clients prefer to keep their therapy entirely to themselves, and that is entirely respected.

You're welcome to discuss concerns about a loved one. Carolyn can help you think through the situation, process your feelings, and explore what options might be available. She cannot contact or intervene with third parties directly, but supporting you in these situations is absolutely within the scope of therapy.

Carolyn is an integrative therapist, which means she draws on a range of evidence-based approaches rather than using a single rigid model. This includes Person-Centred Therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness techniques, and psychodynamic approaches. The method used is tailored to each individual client's needs and goals.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a NICE-recommended therapy originally developed for PTSD and trauma. It uses bilateral stimulation — often following a moving light or tapping — to help the brain process distressing memories that have become 'stuck'. It's highly effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety and phobias. Carolyn will discuss whether it's appropriate during your initial consultation.

No. You do not need a GP referral, a diagnosis, or any documentation to access therapy with Carolyn. Many people come without any formal diagnosis. If relevant, Carolyn can help you understand your experiences and, if appropriate, signpost towards formal assessment or diagnosis pathways.

Yes. Carolyn offers sessions face-to-face in Runcorn, via video call (online), and by telephone. Many clients find online or telephone therapy just as effective as in-person sessions, and it removes the need to travel. All three formats are equally confidential and therapeutic.

Individual sessions start from £65 per hour. EMDR is £80 per hour. ADHD assessment packages range from £180 to £750. A free 20-minute initial consultation is always offered first. See the Services page for a full breakdown of all fees. Carolyn offers a student supervision concession at a reduced rate.

Yes — Carolyn offers a free 20-minute consultation to all new clients. This is a relaxed, no-obligation conversation where you can ask questions, describe what you're looking for, and get a feel for whether working together might be a good fit. There is no pressure to commit.

Carolyn asks for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Sessions cancelled with less notice may be charged in full. This is standard practice in private therapy and helps ensure appointment slots are available to those who need them.

Please get in touch for specific directions and parking information for the Runcorn practice location. Online and telephone appointments are of course available from anywhere.

No. Only a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist is authorised to formally diagnose ADHD. Carolyn's ADHD assessments use validated clinical tools (including the DIVA-5) to provide a thorough professional evaluation of your ADHD profile. This assessment report is extremely useful for supporting workplace reasonable adjustments and for preparing for a formal diagnostic appointment with a diagnosing clinician.

A great starting point is Carolyn's Assessment Package 1 (£180, 90–120 minutes) which uses validated screening tools to build a picture of your experiences. If a more comprehensive report is needed for work or referral purposes, the comprehensive Package 2 (£750) includes the full DIVA-5 assessment and a detailed clinical report. A free 20-minute consultation first is always recommended.