Welcome to
Caroline McLaughlin Therapy
Welcome, my name is Caroline McLaughlin and I am a BACP registered Counsellor working from Oban, Argyll. I provide Counselling and Psychotherapy, both Short and Long-term - In person and Online.
As an experienced Counsellor, my mission is to create a safe space for you and a trusting relationship with you, through which we can work through life's complexities.
With a compassionate approach, I ensure a welcoming space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Whether you're facing specific issues, seeking personal growth, or struggling to cope with how things are just now and needing a hand to get back on your feet - I am here to walk alongside you and guide you on your journey back to wellbeing and happiness.
"Caroline, you're a lovely person. Thank you for walking alongside me and helping me to fight for my happiness"
About me
Finding the right Counsellor can be daunting. Because it is an important relationship, I offer a free, no obligation initial meeting or phone call of up to 30 minutes where we can decide whether we would be a good fit for each other.
So you know a little about me from the outset: I am a BACP registered Counsellor and Psychotherapist from Glasgow, now working in Argyll. I have extensive experience in supportive roles.
This started with 14 years in Youth and Community Work working throughout Lanarkshire and Glasgow South before studying and training as a Psychodynamic Therapist - qualifying in 2014.
Since then I have been providing Counselling and Psychotherapy in the Public and Private sector, also holding roles in Mental Health Advocacy and assisting people throughout their involvement in the tribunal process.
8 years ago when I moved to Argyll, I acquired additional qualifications and experience, utilising a method of working originating in New Zealand's Māori culture - working with families who had experienced trauma to help them mediate, identify their strengths, make plans together and find their way out of the social work system.
I currently work from a peaceful room in central Oban, providing traditional therapy sessions as well as providing some wellness education too.
With 23 years experience working in supportive and wellbeing roles and 10 years post qualifying Clinical Practice, as well my own life experience as a fellow human, I draw on skills from various modalities and am very adaptable to your needs.
If you would like to have a brief chat about what's going on for you and how I might be able to help, please just click on the links above or below to get in touch.
Wishing you very well 'til then.
"Thank you very much for your patience. You've helped a lot by listening and letting me work things through.
I was worried about what I would say each week but you were so calm and great at helping me find my flow." (Male 47)
About My Approach
My Training was originally Psychodynamic which puts you at the heart of the therapeutic process, and helps us to make links between the difficulties you are experiencing today and what has gone on before in your past - to help you find clarity and relief.
Over the last 10 years, I have also added a variety of other methods and thinking to my practice - As my experience has grown this has happened quite naturally. Recognising that each individual is unique, it seems sensible to provide a wider array of techniques so that I can adapt to your needs as they change throughout the therapeutic process.
What never changes is that I will always provide a warm, confidential environment where you can freely explore what has been going on in your life. I would like to emphasise that this will be a safe place without judgment, and your emotions or experiences will not be a burden to me.
My hope is to assist you in your own journey of discovery and healing, helping you to find your own solutions and accessing the inner strengths, resilience, and resources that you may not realise you possess. And, to provide a haven where you can feel safe to explore at your own pace your inner and outer world, with someone who is equipped to help.
Traditional therapy like this, on it's own can move mountains stone by stone, but creating a healthy environment out-with your sessions is also important.
I passionately believe in working holistically and so, we may, if it feels right, also discuss what self care and balance look like in your life in a more practical way too.
In my experience, this integration of methods is the greatest way of working together to acknowledge your lived experience both past and present, to reconnect with yourself with compassion and move forward into a new chapter of your life where you can truly heal and thrive.
How long does Therapy take?
Well that really depends. I think I'm being fair when I say most people who trust the process and are active in and between sessions feel some benefit within about 3 months.
For some this is when they decide to take a break - to see what living feels like with what they have now discovered about themselves and/or to just take time to process.
For others this is just the beginning. 3 months has provided an understanding of how they "do" therapy and they want to do more.
For some people, the first three months is a time of discovery and the second three months is a time of action and change, and they want the continuity of weekly sessions for support as they go forth in that journey, highs and lows and all.
Some people stay in therapy for years some for weeks. It's all individual.
Do I have to Commit?
No - You're the Boss! You can absolutely decide after one session or any session that it's not for you, that you're not ready or not able at that time.
I do generally advise though that the idea of an
initial commitment of 6weeks is useful.
This is around the amount of time it takes for you to get to know my way of working, get a sense of how you're reacting to it and why, and decide whether you feel it's of benefit to continue.
I usually set a date for us to review how the therapy is going after 6weeks and if you wish to continue after that point the work is considered 'ongoing' and will come to an end as you feel ready.
Endings are incredibly important and it is usual to work up to an ending over the course of several weeks.
Common Issues I help with...
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Relationship problems
Early life trauma
Any time of life trauma
Self Esteem and Confidence
Self harm
Identity
Bullying
Anger
Overwhelm
Burnout
Professional/Career Issues
Neurodiversity
Life transitions
Illness and injury
Caring responsibilities
Loss, Grief and Bereavement
Planning and making difficult decisions
Family Problems
Elite athlete and dancer life.
Just not feeling the way you want to feel?
Therapy doesn't always need to be about a defining event or something you're 100% sure of.
And it doesn't need to be just one issue either.
It can just be a safe space to work out what's going on.
Want a chat about what's being going on before jumping in? Just send me a message anytime.
My Location
I work from a peaceful, safe and quiet room in Oban - in a multi purpose building to protect your anonymity and confidentiality.
Here I provide traditional Therapy sessions as well as some Wellness Education too. I provide both face to face sessions and online sessions via secure video link or by email and welcome clients from all over the UK.
I work with Adults all the way up to and beyond retirement.
I also work with young people aged from 16+.
Fees & Availability
My fees are £60 per session but concessionary rates are available for trainees and for those experiencing financial hardship.
All payments are due at time of booking to secure your session and are payable via Stripe - a secure link which I email to you or by bank transfer. If these methods are unsuitable for you just let me know and we'll sort something else out.
We can work together for as long as you want to - whether that be a few sessions to explore a specific issue or longer term to find resolution to more complex problems.
If you have any questions at all or want to find out my current availability please just send me an email and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
"Caroline you have been there through thick and thin and your support has meant the world to me." (Female 21)
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment.
This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
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