Carol Batchelor

Qualified Psychotherapist

Counsellor & Coach

Welcome to Carol Batchelor

As well as being a qualified psychotherapist, counsellor and coach with many years of experience helping others to manage difficult situations in their lives and deal with the powerful emotions they bring, I also help them to reconnect with who they are, what matters to them, their values and beliefs, their dreams and expectations, and to explore what is the right way forward for them.

Every one of us at times face crises, challenges and dilemmas – milestones in our lives and transition points that can leave us stunned, confused or emotionally charged. Maybe you have lost someone close to you through bereavement or relationship breakdown. Maybe work pressures are so immense that you feel a rising panic and need to ask what next?’ Or maybe aspects of your life are changing, such as your health or your children leaving home, and you feel a need to reassess and refocus. Maybe you feel you have lost yourself whilst focussing on others and on life’s pressures – putting your own needs on the back burner yet again! Is now the time to say ‘enough is enough’ or is it time to stop squashing who you are to fit in with others around you?

Sometimes we know we are doing pretty well and consider ourselves highly successful yet still it feels like something is missing – something still nags and is just not quite right. We need to refocus and set ourselves new and exciting challenges and goals.

Imagine what it would be like if you were able to bring yourself back to you, to reconnect with what is right for you and to focus on shaping the future you choose for yourself.

This is where I can support you. I am a psychotherapist, counsellor and group facilitator with many years experience both helping others and in understanding the challenges and dilemmas of working in organisations.

I have travelled my own journey of discovery for approximately 20 years and understand some of the struggles you may be facing. My journey has led me to undertake training to support others as they discover a greater understanding of themselves and explore their past, present and future.

I don’t claim to be an expert on you nor will I put you in a box assuming ‘one size fits all’ but I will seek to understand the essence of who you are and what it is you need at this point.

I call on a wide base of traditional therapeutic and holistic training and experience to find the best way of working with you as a unique individual.

Current Thoughts

I am curious – how have recent world challenges affected you and your family? Coronavirus and lockdown, the war in Ukraine, political unrest and humane crises elsewhere, cost of living crises and natural and man-made disasters?

In relation to the Covid pandemic and lockdown some people I speak to shared stories of anxiety, uncertainty, exhaustion, loss, grief and trauma. Many others named relief, a sense of stepping off the treadmill and slowing down. Experiences of reconnecting with what is really important for them in their lives and what is important worldwide. A time of reassessing and re-evaluating. Now we are the other side of lockdown some have tried to hold on to the good that they were able to gain from that slowing down where others have found the pace of life has quickened even beyond that experienced before. Stresses beyond the level they knew.

In response to other national and international crises we have seen an increase in compassion and commitment by many to help those in turmoil and danger, or financial hardship or subject to intolerance. Many have provided practical help and support, others donating time, goods and money. Others feel fear and are at a loss to know how to help. What we can be sure of is that at times like these it is rarely possible to escape some form of impact on ourself or to feel anger and/or compassion for others.

It is often when our feelings are stirred or we are knocked off balance that we can allow ourselves to open to something new, think laterally, express creatively. Or we might freeze and feel stuck and unable to see the way forward.

During the period of the COVID pandemic I followed a number of businesses who had to temporarily close the business as they knew it. It was fascinating how some embraced it, dug deep to find inner resources individually and collectively. They worked with their staff to develop skills, to reshape the service they offer and enter into a richer community focussed spirit. It was a delight to witness and I feel sure that their approach has set a positive future path for them. Others. Sadly, didn’t make it through.

How do you cope when it feels like your safety is threatened or it feels like your world is falling apart?
How do you respond to a sense of stuck-ness or confusion?
Do you dig deep to find your inner resources and build new ones from the inside out?
How do you manifest your hopes and dreams when your world has been shaken to the core?
Are you moved to create something new, stronger, more meaningful and with renewed purpose? To understand, accept, make clear choices?
Maybe you are facing personal or professional challenges that will not quieten, that demand to be addressed at this time of reassessment and transformation.

We are seeing a ground swell of energy worldwide to challenge harm to self and others, injustice, inequality, harm to our environment and the need to make our voices heard. Maybe now is the time for you to step back and explore what matters for you, to find your voice, recognise and strengthen your inner resources and to make your best choices.

If any of this resonates with your own thoughts and feelings do make contact with me and we can explore ways in which I might support you. Whether we work together or not I wish you well in processing, reassessing and creating a renewed, meaningful and bright future.