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Therapeutic Consultation & Support

Short-term therapeutic support for children, young people, students, adults, and parents/carers.

Sometimes ongoing therapy is not the right step — or not the right time. You may be waiting for assessment, feeling unsure about what support is needed, navigating neurodivergence, struggling emotionally, or simply wanting space to think things through with someone experienced and understanding.

These sessions offer a calm, supportive space to explore difficulties, gain emotional insight, and think together about what may help moving forward.

While this is not ongoing therapy, it is a therapeutic consultation grounded in my experience as a psychotherapist. My approach is warm, collaborative, and neuroaffirming, with a focus on understanding rather than pathologising.

These sessions are often one-off or short-term, with some people finding one session enough and others benefiting from a second follow-up session.

Children & Young People

Support for children, teenagers, and their parents or carers.

Sometimes a child or young person is struggling, but a full therapy process may not feel appropriate, accessible, or necessary right now. Parents may feel worried, overwhelmed, unsure what is going on, or uncertain about where to seek support.

These sessions provide a gentle space to slow things down, explore what may be happening emotionally, and consider supportive next steps together.

What We Might Explore

  • Anxiety and overwhelm 

  • Emotional regulation difficulties 

  • School stress or school avoidance 

  • Friendships and social difficulties 

  • Self-esteem and identity 

  • Autism and ADHD-related experiences 

  • Sensory overwhelm or masking 

  • Family or relationship challenges 

  • Navigating support systems or waiting lists 
     

What to Expect

  • A 60-minute session (online or face-to-face) 

  • Parents/carers and young people are both welcome 

  • Sessions can include time together and/or separately depending on age and comfort 

  • A supportive, non-judgmental space to explore concerns 

  • Personalised guidance, coping strategies, and practical suggestions 

  • Signposting or recommendations for further support if appropriate 

  • One brief follow-up email or phone call (up to 15 minutes) included 
     

Is This Right for Us?

This may be helpful if:

  • You are concerned about your child’s emotional wellbeing 

  • Your child may be autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent and you would value support or understanding 

  • You are waiting for assessment or other services 

  • You want reflective support without committing to ongoing therapy 

  • Your child would benefit from being heard in a calm and supportive environment 


For some families, these sessions can also act as a gentle first step towards seeking further support, helping therapy feel less unfamiliar or daunting.
 

Students, Young Adults & Adults (16+)

Support for older teenagers, university students, and adults who would benefit from space to reflect, process, and gain guidance without entering ongoing therapy.

These sessions may be helpful during periods of stress, uncertainty, transition, burnout, emotional overwhelm, or when trying to make sense of neurodivergence, relationships, identity, or life circumstances.
 

They can also be useful for people who:

  • Feel unsure whether therapy is what they need 

  • Would like professional insight or a reflective space 

  • Need support navigating a particular situation or decision 

  • Want practical coping strategies alongside emotional understanding 

  • Are seeking neuroaffirming support around autism, ADHD, masking, burnout, or sensory overwhelm 
     

What to Expect

  • A 60-minute session (online or face-to-face) 

  • A collaborative and supportive conversation tailored to your needs 

  • Space to explore emotional patterns, current difficulties, or specific concerns 

  • Practical strategies and reflective support 

  • Signposting or recommendations where appropriate 

  • One brief follow-up email or phone call (up to 15 minutes) included 
     

Cost

Therapeutic Consultation & Support Sessions
£80 for 60 minutes
 

Important Information

Please note:

  • These sessions are supportive and consultative in nature and are not a formal mental health assessment or diagnostic service 

  • They are not designed for crisis support or emergency mental health care 

  • Ongoing therapy may sometimes be recommended where appropriate

"We knew that our daughter was struggling with confidence and anxiety issues and the possibility of an autism assessment had been raised by school.  We didn’t know what to do next; where to go; or how we could best support her.   It was unsettling and frustrating for us.  We met with Carolyn for a one-off session where we explored what was happening; all gained a greater understanding; took away some practical steps we could use to deal with some of the challenges; and suggestions of next steps.  This was done in an environment which was genuinely supportive but without any sense of us having to commit to a particular course of action.  It equipped us with the knowledge, understanding and space we needed to make decisions."
 
"When our teenage son began struggling with anxiety, we were in a place of real uncertainty. We didn’t know if ongoing therapy was the right step or if it was even the right time. We were waiting for an assessment with the GP but we knew we needed to speak with someone who truly understood and could offer some help. Carolyn made all the difference. From the beginning she created a calm, compassionate space where we could talk openly and begin to make sense of what was happening.  For our son, she was someone he could connect with and trust, introducing him to simple, practical coping strategies that helped him manage his anxiety in everyday situations. Those tools gave him a sense of control and confidence which made a massive difference to his everyday life.  We’re so grateful for Carolyn’s support, guidance, and warmth. She gave us a sense of direction when we really needed it, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to any family facing similar challenges."

“After years of struggling with my daughter’s temper and emotional outbursts, I felt completely alone. Deep down, I believed there was something more behind her behaviour, but so many people dismissed her as just being ‘naughty’. It caused a real divide within our family and I honestly felt like I had nowhere to turn. Finding Respect Therapy was such a turning point for us. Carolyn was incredibly warm, welcoming and understanding from the very first session. She truly listened not only to me but to Sienna too. In just one support session, she gave us reassurance, guidance and practical direction around the NHS Right to Choose pathway, helping us understand the next steps clearly.

Sienna has now been diagnosed with combined ADHD, and life feels so much lighter for all of us. Having someone finally listen, validate our concerns and point us in the right direction made such a difference. I’ll always be grateful to Carolyn for that support.” Mrs Combellack

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© 2026 Respect Therapy - Carolyn Barney

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