Carolyn Tailford

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.

I also come with the understanding that many, many clients are diagnosed with anxiety & depression long before neurodivergence is even in their field of reference. The older someone gets without the knowledge of this, the more profound these feelings of sadness and overwhelm can become! Alot of the time, clients can not make sense of why they feel this way. When the realisation of being divergence comes, its like being handed a massive piece of a puzzle helping us to understand who we are, are experiences and thinking “something is wrong with me”. Therapy can be life changing in these situations!

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 couples 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 (sex 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 also work with sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours.

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.

As a qualified relationship & couples therapist, 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 affirming 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.

I offer ‘couples” / relationship intensives at the weekends. These  can be half day, full day or 2 day sessions. These for people in relationships who want to see changes very quickly.

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.