About me
Hi, I'm Carole Carter (they/them), a coaching psychologist helping people build authentic, happy lives. My experience as a coach, as a psychologist and as a member of the LGBTQ+, poly and kink communities mean that I understand the unique challenges many of you face. I am a co-founder of the Psychological Society of Inclusive and Queer Communities (PSIQC) because I am passionate about and committed to being a part of the change I want to see in the world. That change is one where diverse identities such as people of global majority, people who are LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, non-monogamous and kinky are affirmed and embraced, not demonised and pathologised.
I love working with LGBTQ people, including anyone who may be questioning their gender identity or sexuality, because I know very well that mainstream services fail and harm LGBTQ service users through a combination of being ill-equipped to support them, prejudice and ignorance. People of global majority, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous and kinky people can also fear how professionals and service providers will react and treat them for similar reasons.
I am passionate about the importance of intersectionality and I put the work in to embody anti-oppression, including anti-racism. This requires me to be aware of and work to dismantle my own blind spots, internalised attitudes and privileges from aspects of my identity such as being white, a native English speaker and a UK citizen. It is my firm belief that we all need to feel accepted in order to fully benefit from mental health support so this is something I work to provide for my clients.
I focus on working with LGBTQ, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous and kinky people because everyone has the right to proper and effective support with their mental health and personal development. When my clients come to me, they are in emotional pain. They have experienced rejection, feeling alone, anxious, confused, depressed, overwhelmed, stressed and often experience self criticism. Distracting from these challenging feelings with things like Netflix, booze, sex, food or practically anything else that helps you not have to deal. Not knowing which way to turn or how to get out of the current state of things and just wanting someone to come along and guide you to where you want to be.
Systemic oppression adds to the above experiences and I encourage the people I work with to acknowledge when the wider world is actively making their existence harder. This can be really affirming to do because it involves recognising that they're reacting in human ways to systemic oppression.
It’s important that mental health spaces are accepting of the people accessing them, and knowledgeable about the challenges they are likely to experience in life, because adding another layer of rejection and hurt on top of their experiences is not helpful. There’s a lot going on for the people who approach me and they often don’t know how to get out of it all. They are adrift at sea with no land in sight and are ready to be guided home. Working with me opens doors to guided personal development for people who are struggling. You may be just stuck in a rut and unable to progress any further or you may be wanting to address things that are impacting your mental health. Our sessions provide a safe space where you are free to be you, unjudged, supported, and understood. An interactive environment, working together to help you build a fulfilling life.
We really are #strongertogether.
