Dr Carolyn McKerracher- Clinical Psychologist at Shore Psychology CIC

Dr Carolyn McKerracher

Psychodynamic Counsellor

carolynmckerracher@shorepsychology.co.uk

As a psychodynamic counsellor and reflective practitioner, I aim to provide you with a warm, safe and inclusive space, in which we can think together and reflect upon whatever has brought you here, at your own pace, in your own way. We all have difficulties in life. Sometimes, we can overcome these with the support of family and friends, but sometimes we may seek out a professional to help us understand ourselves better, or be able to speak about things which may be difficult to discuss with others, or even to see clearly on our own. However, through a positive therapeutic relationship, I believe we can learn new ways of thinking and being, both in life and in relationship.

Over the last two and a half years, firstly as a student, then volunteer and now in private practice, I have counselled young people and adults (16+ years) who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, job and relationship difficulties, grief and trauma. I have also counselled people facing life-changing medical diagnoses, cancer and degenerative conditions. Prior to training as a counsellor, I was a scientist for eighteen years, working behind the scenes in NHS cancer services and gaining my PhD in Medical Physics. I then retrained in Community Education and spent a further eighteen years working in prison, homelessness, domestic abuse, youth work and addiction. The experience of working alongside people facing hardships, inequality, exclusion and discrimination, coupled with my own personal life experiences, led me to retrain as a counsellor.

I am passionate about diversity and inclusion and welcome people whose life experiences, disadvantages, disabilities, or protected characteristics, are different from my own.

Clinical Experience

Conditions I work with

  • Depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, loneliness.
  • Job and relationship difficulties.
  • Physical health conditions.
  • Trauma, grief and loss.

Therapies I offer

I offer both short and long term, psychodynamic counselling.

Psychodynamic theory is based on the premise that our earliest relational experiences create patterns of being, which then impact on our sense of self. Where these experiences have not been good enough, we may become stuck in patterns of unhelpful thinking and dissatisfaction in jobs, relationships and life. This may also affect our resilience and response to adversity and trauma. However, through an empathic and trusting therapeutic relationship, it is possible to identify and break these patterns and thereby learn new ways of being.

I work within a therapeutic frame which includes weekly face-to-face sessions, usually on the same day, at the same time, adherence to professional and ethical boundaries, confidentiality, regular supervision and continuous professional development.

Qualifications and Training

  • PGDip Human Relations and Counselling (with distinction),
    Robert Gordon University (2023)
  • COSCA certificate in Counselling Skills, Napier University
    & Stevenson College (2010)
  • PGDip Community Education, University of Edinburgh (2008)
  • PhD Medical Physics, University of Edinburgh (2003)
  • MPhil Physics, University of Exeter (1993)
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Physics, University of Strathclyde (1988)

Professional Membership and Registrations

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a counsellor member of Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA) and adhere to the ethical principles and complaints procedures of both organisations