Clare Carter Integrative Therapist MBACP ACC

Hello and thank you for stopping to read a little more.

I work with autistic adults, including those who are newly diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or exploring the possibility of autism.

Many of the people I work with describe feeling exhausted from years of masking, adapting, or trying to meet expectations that haven’t felt natural or sustainable. You may be experiencing burnout, anxiety, low mood, or a sense of disconnection from yourself, and may be beginning to question what you need and who you are beneath those adaptations.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You are welcome to come exactly as you are.

🌿 How I work

Working together, we can gently explore the experiences and beliefs that have shaped how you see yourself — holding them with compassion, and beginning to develop a more grounded and authentic sense of who you are.

Over time, counselling can support a growing sense of self-worth and self-trust. As this develops, you may begin to feel more able to listen to yourself, honour your needs, and make choices that feel life-giving and more aligned with who you truly are.

This is a space where you can slow down, be yourself, and feel safely heard and understood — a place for gentle growth, where with the right support and conditions, you can begin to flourish in your own way and at your own pace.

I work holistically with body, mind, and spirit, recognising that our emotional experiences are often held not only in our thoughts, but also within the body and our deeper sense of self.

Some experiences can feel beyond words. When helpful, we may use gentle creative approaches — including imagery, objects, drawing, or metaphor — to explore emotions or experiences that are difficult to articulate. This can offer fresh insight and deeper understanding, especially when feelings have been suppressed for a long time or are hard to express.

We often come to counselling hoping for answers. Rather than giving you solutions, part of our work together is about gently reconnecting with your own inner wisdom — learning to notice it, trust it, and begin to draw on it in ways that feel right for you. I offer a steady, compassionate presence as you do this.

My work is informed by a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches, including person-centred and psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and gentle parts-informed work such as IFS and inner child work. I draw on these flexibly to meet your individual needs, preferences, and unique way of being.

I also have additional training in working with faith and spirituality, which can be woven into our sessions if this is something you wish to explore.

My work is neuro-affirming, meaning I approach therapy with respect for neurological differences and curiosity about your unique experience. I work with your needs, sensitivities, and strengths, supporting you to live in ways that feel more aligned, sustainable, and life-giving.

🌿 Frequently asked questions

What if I find it hard to talk about my feelings?
Many people worry about this. You don’t need to have the right words or be able to explain how you feel. We will work in ways that suit you, and we can go at a pace that feels comfortable. There are many gentle ways of exploring experience, not all of which rely on talking.

What if I’m not sure where to start?
That’s very common. You don’t need to arrive with a clear plan or know exactly what you want to talk about. We can begin wherever feels easiest for you, and allow things to unfold gradually as we work together.

How long might counselling last?
There’s no single answer to this, as everyone’s needs are different. Some people choose to work short-term, while others prefer to continue on an open-ended basis. We’ll regularly check in together about how things are feeling and what feels most helpful for you.

Will what I share be confidential?
Yes. As a registered member of the BACP, I work in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. Confidentiality and its limits will be explained clearly during our first session so you know what to expect.

🌿 What might be my next step?

If you are wondering whether we might be a good fit to work together, I offer a free 30-minute phone or Zoom conversation to answer any questions you may have and help you decide whether counselling with me feels right — with no obligation to proceed.