Carlie Machell-Kay , NCPS

Carlie Machell-Kay is a qualified psychodynamic counsellor and holds the NCPS credential, a professional counselling qualification. She draws on a deep interest in how past relationships shape current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, using psychodynamic ideas to help people understand the underlying patterns that influence their lives. With a focus on trauma and relationship challenges, she has developed specialist experience supporting women's mental wellbeing and working in domestic abuse settings.

Carlie combines professional training with personal insight into neurodiversity and brain injury, which informs an empathic approach to clients and families facing those issues. She works collaboratively to tailor therapy to individual needs, offering an approachable and grounded presence. Her practice also addresses a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, parenting and family matters, addictions, grief, intimacy and self-esteem, along with related areas such as attachment and adoption matters. Carlie qualified as a therapist seven years ago and continues to draw on extensive prior experience working with people across different support settings.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Client-Centered Therapy prioritises the client's own perspective, offering a supportive space where the therapist listens closely and helps the person explore their feelings and choices. This approach suits people seeking greater self-understanding, confidence, and clearer decision making.

Psychodynamic Therapy explores how past relationships and unconscious patterns influence present behaviour, helping clients uncover the origins of recurring difficulties and work through longstanding emotional themes. It is often useful for relationship issues, deeper emotional conflicts, and understanding patterns that affect daily life.

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on the effects of traumatic experiences and aims to reduce their ongoing impact on emotions and relationships. It provides structured ways to process difficult memories and build coping strategies for trauma-related symptoms.

Carlie works collaboratively with each person to determine which approach or combination of approaches best fits their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they review what feels most helpful and adapt the process over time.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit therapy into busy lives or connect from different locations. These options support consistent access to therapy and allow clients to choose the format that feels most comfortable and convenient for them.