Hi, I'm Carolin Sternecker
I am a BACP-accredited integrative psychotherapist with additional systemic training, supporting individuals, couples and families. I offer sessions in English and German, online across the UK, with in-person appointments in Cheltenham also available.
My particular interests include relationship difficulties, neurodivergence and the ways culture, language and identity influence our relationships.
On a personal note, I grew up in Germany and, prior to training as a psychotherapist, I built a career as a sales leader in the luxury hospitality industry across Germany, the UAE, and the UK. As an expat, I've learned to navigate the complexities of being an outsider while finding connection and community in unexpected places.
My expat background allows me to connect with clients who are facing transitions, whether they are navigating cross-cultural relationships, coping with the uncertainties of life, unconventionally living life or dealing with the impact of cultural expectations. I understand what it’s like to straddle multiple worlds and create a sense of home and identity amidst constant change.
Experience
I have extensive experience working with people from diverse and multi-ethnic backgrounds. My work in the NHS involved supporting women with histories of childhood sexual abuse and complex trauma, helping them to rebuild a sense of safety and trust. I’ve also worked within Community Crisis Mental Health services in both the NHS and the charity sector, as well as for a family charity that supports parents facing neurodiversity, child-to-parent aggression and harmful behaviours and within an NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health service providing family therapy.
These experiences have deepened my understanding of how complex and painful life challenges can be—and how meaningful it is to walk alongside people as they find hope and strength again.
My approach
I am an integrative psychotherapist, accredited with the BACP with additional systemic/family & couples psychotherapy training, which means I pay close attention to the relational context of the difficulties you may be experiencing.
My work is grounded in curiosity, respect, and a belief that meaningful change happens through understanding—not judgement.
I offer an integrative and systemic approach, drawing on a range of therapeutic perspectives including systemic (family and couples therapy), attachment-based, psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, and cognitive-behavioural approaches. I also incorporate elements of Gestalt, DBT, mindfulness, and narrative therapy, allowing the work to be tailored to each person’s unique needs and context.
My work is grounded in an understanding that our experiences are shaped through relationships—past and present. I therefore pay particular attention to relational patterns, emotional dynamics, and the wider context in which difficulties arise.
I have a particular interest in working with neurodiverse clients and with individuals, couples, and families navigating intercultural dynamics. Having lived abroad for many years myself, I bring an awareness of how culture, language, and identity can shape the way we experience ourselves and our relationships.
Who I can support
I work with individuals, couples and families, including neurodivergent clients, intercultural relationships and German-speaking people living in the UK.
I also support bilingual couples and families where some members prefer English and others German. Sessions can move between both languages. Where helpful, I translate or clarify what has been said, checking the intended meaning together so each person can participate and feel understood.
My experience includes supporting parents and families navigating different communication styles, emotional needs and the challenges that can arise around ADHD or autism.
Training & qualifications
- MA in Integrative Psychotherapy, Regent’s University London
- Accredited membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy — MBACP (Accred)
- Two years of systemic psychotherapy training, including completion of Intermediate-level training
My clinical experience includes work in NHS services, community mental health, and services supporting children, young people and families.
You can also find my verified profile on the Counselling Directory
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/carolin-sternecker
