Carolyn Tailford | Senior Accredited Counsellor | London | NCPS

Carolyn Tailford

Member Status: Senior Accredited

Member No: NCS15-01967

Location: London

Mates in Mind

As a neurodivergent, pluralistic therapist, therapy is tailored to meet the needs of the person or people in the room. Collaborative working, creating a safe and supportive space and empowerment, will be the core foundations to help set you on your journey towards growth & healing.

My therapy is underpinned by the belief that no-one is fundamentally broken. 
We may all face struggles - some of us profound ones - but we all also have the potential to find our way back to a better way of being, and a better relationship with ourselves.

Having received a "later in life diagnosis" of both ADHD & Autism, i particularly identify with the needs of the neurodivergent client, counsellor and supervisees.

I pride myself in holding an accepting, safe and non-judgemental therapy space, from an ally, who also identifies as belonging to a marginalised group (neurodivergent).


I have spent the past few years training and upskilling in the field of ADHD & Autism, affording me the privilege of being qualified and having lived experience to be able to work with this client group. This is now one of my specialist areas.


Having worked for many years as an individual therapist, qualifying in 2010 & having a particular interest in trauma, long term illnesses, disassociation, disordered & emotional eating. I'm really curious about the links between disordered eating, trauma and being neurodivergent at the same time.


I also work as a specialist psychosexual psychotherapist, clinical sexologist and relationship therapist.

'SEX - Almost everyone does it, but no one wants to talk about it', SHAME and GUILT are strong reasons, who to trust? who would understand? - Sexologists are here to help you to remove that heavy burden and dark layers!

Promoting sex positive values when working with all aspects of Psychosexual therapy (whether AFAB / AMAB or PWP / PWV) . I work within a pluralistic approach rather than a model specific approach; therefore integrating valuable and practical theories, techniques and interventions. 
I am a Health at Every Size (HAES) advocate, kink-knowledgeable and sex-positive. 

Psychosexual therapy can help to overcome myths and traditions that been imposed on us by society in the understanding of sex, that it must be between 1 male & 1 female and just how common sexual function issues are!

Psychosexual issues are not just purely physical dysfunctions but also both psychological and emotional. My aim is to help create a better understanding of your sexual and relationship challenges and for us to work together, facilitating the changes that will get you the sex life that you want!


I hold space for an environment which is GSRD (gender sexuality & relationship diversity) positive, knowledgeable and welcoming of relationship differences, kink, sexuality, and consensual non-monogamy/polyamory positive. 


I provide therapy for individuals, people in relationships, family groups, and polycules of all sexualities and genders. I’m committed to creating a space that’s welcoming to anyone from a marginalised identity.


We can work together to explore issues and concerns around sexuality and gender. I offer therapy for anyone who wants to explore their identity, regardless of whether they are considering or undergoing transition. I also offer therapy to people who want support for other challenges in life and would like to work these through with a trans therapist. I also work with couples, partners, family members or anyone close to someone who is exploring their gender identity.

Professional Memberships & registrations

I am on the Ulster University list as a recognised supervisor. Additionally, I am a senior accredited member of the NCPS (National Counselling Psychotherapy Society), a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), a member of COSRT (College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists).


Appointments & availability   

I  understand the demands of busy family lives, which is why I offer appointments during the daytime, evenings, and weekends. This ensures you can prioritise your mental health and well-being without sacrificing other commitments. 

If you feel like you are ready to embark on this journey then please do get in  touch. To book an appointment or to enquire about my services, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am here to support you in achieving your therapeutic and personal goals. 
 

  • Qualifications & Experience
    Counselling

    2006 Cert. in Social Studies
    2006 Cert. in Counselling
    2007 Cert. in Counselling Studies
    2010 Dip. H.E. in Integrative Counselling
    2015 Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
    2016 Bsc (Hons) in Professional Development in Counselling
    2016 CBCAP level 6 in Supervision
    2016 Master Practitioner in EFT
    2017 Pg Cert. Systemic Family Practice
    2020 APT Level 1 DBT Essentials (Accred)
    - APT Level 2 DBT Essentials (Accred)
    2021 Polyvagal Theory in Action
    2022 Certificate in Couples Therapy
    2022 Diploma in Clinical Sexology (Psychosexual Psychotherapy)

    2010 ASIST training
    2017 Anger Management

    Specialist - Addictions
    2010 OCN level 2 in Drug awareness
    2010 OCN level 2 Community drugs awareness
    2018 Opioid overdose & Naloxone Administration
    2018 Foundation Module - Children, Young People & Adults (Ascert)

    Specialist - Trauma
    2011 Intro to Psychological Trauma
    2014 AQA level 3 in Trauma Studies
    2015 OCN level 4 in Trauma (Wave Trauma Centre)
    2018 Integrating Somatic Interventions in the Treatment of Trauma
    2021 Treating Trauma, Complex PTSD & Dissociative Disorders
    2021 Polyvagal Informed Therapy Master Class

    Specialist - ED
    2015 Cert. in Working with Weight management & Obesity
    2016 Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity
    - Practitioner Skills for the Management of Obesity
    - Practitioner Skills for Eating Disorders
    2022 DBT for Eating Disorders
    - RO DBT for Eating Disorders
    2022 An Embodied Approach to Healing from Compulsive Exercise

    Specialist - Community Development
    2010 OCN level 3 Domestic Violence (Women's Aid)
    2010 OCN level 3 Community support (Victim Support)
    2017 OCN Level 2 Health & Wellbeing in Older People
    2017 "Master Your Leadership" program by QUB
    2018 OCN Level 2 Community Development
    2018 Level 3 Award in Education & Training
    2019 OCN Level 2 Restorative Skills Training
    2019 PgDip. Community Development Practice
    2020 Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene for Catering

    Specialist - Children & Young People
    2018 OCN Level 2 Parent - Teen Communication
    2020 Parents Plus Facilitator Training
    - Working Things out Programme
    - Adolescent Programme
    - Children's Programme
    2020 OCN Level 2 Youth Leadership
  • What I can help with
    • Abortion
    • Abuse – Emotional, Physical, Sexual
    • Addiction (e.g. Alcohol, Computer games, Drugs, Food, Gambling, Sex, Smoking)
    • Adolescence
    • Ageing and related issues
    • AIDS / HIV
    • Anger Management
    • Anxiety
    • Assertiveness / Self-confidence / Self-esteem
    • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
    • Bereavement / Loss
    • Bullying
    • Cancer
    • Carers
    • Childbirth: fertility
    • Children / teenagers
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome / M.E.
    • Cultural issues
    • Depression
    • Disability
    • Divorce & Separation
    • Eating disorders
    • Emotional issues
    • Exams
    • Family
    • Financial difficulties
    • Gender identity
    • Generally unhappy with your life
    • IBS / Digestive Issues
    • Illness and dying
    • Immune system support
    • Neurodiversity
    • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Panic attacks
    • Parenting skills
    • Phobias
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD
    • Pregnancy related issues
    • Relationships
    • Self-esteem
    • Self-harm
    • Sexuality Identity
    • Shyness / Social Phobia
    • Sleep
    • Stress
    • Suicidal feelings
    • Trauma
    • Violence / Victim support
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