Claire McCartan

Flexible availability - please get in touch.

As a registered counsellor, I offer a safe, supportive space to explore life’s challenges and find a path towards healing and growth. My approach is shaped by more than 30 years of lived and professional experience — as a mother, survivor of abuse, person in recovery, neurodivergent individual, solicitor, recovery worker, and carer.

I understand that change can feel overwhelming, whether it’s navigating relationships, identity, addiction, trauma, loss, or simply finding direction in life. Together, we can make sense of your experiences, process the past, and build a future that feels authentic and fulfilling.

My work is holistic and person-centred. I draw from my varied background to offer wraparound support — including guidance, coaching, referrals, and help mapping out practical next steps. I believe in partnership: you bring your story, and I bring a compassionate, informed perspective to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re seeking therapy, recovery support, or simply space to rediscover who you are, I will walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and reclaim your sense of self.

My Therapeutic Approach

My practice is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each person’s unique journey. I draw on a range of evidence-based techniques and lived experience to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

I offer an online counselling service, allowing you to meet from the comfort and safety of your chosen surroundings for an hour-long session. You can expect a structured and supportive process, with goal setting and reflection between appointments to help you maintain focus and track your progress.

Every session follows a client-centred approach, meaning we work together to tailor your therapeutic pathway to your individual needs, circumstances, and pace.

I use Active Listening to provide full attention and understanding, creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore thoughts and emotions freely. Empathy and Validation are central to my work, ensuring your feelings and experiences are acknowledged and respected.

Drawing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), we can identify and transform unhelpful thinking patterns that may be holding you back. I also incorporate Mindfulness and Self-Compassion exercises to help you reconnect with yourself, build resilience, and cultivate inner calm.

Through Solution-Focused techniques, we’ll explore your strengths and resources, shifting the focus from problems to achievable goals and practical steps forward.

Together, these approaches support a holistic process of healing and growth — helping you to understand your past, manage your present, and create the future you want to live.

Your first session marks the beginning of your pathway toward healing and personal growth. Together, we will explore what has brought you to counselling, what you would like to process, and what you hope to achieve. We’ll also look at your background and any specific concerns you may have about starting therapy, including potential triggers or difficulties.

This initial meeting is a chance to discuss how we can make counselling a comfortable, safe, and effective experience for you. Within clear and supportive boundaries, we’ll begin to outline your goals and map out a structure for our work together.

This session is entirely about you — your needs, your pace, and your vision for change. It’s an opportunity to take time for yourself, to reflect, and to start creating the space you need to address what’s been holding you back and begin moving forward with confidence and clarity.