I’m Dr Carolyne Keenan, a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience supporting young people, parents and families through anxiety, emotional distress and periods of transition.
If you’ve found your way here feeling worried, exhausted or unsure, you’re not alone.
Whether you’re seeking therapy, parent support, education or collaboration, I’m glad you’ve found me.
My work is grounded in a simple belief
When we feel understood and we recognise the emotional and nervous system context we have lived in, most difficulties begin to make sense
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
I’ve worked across NHS services, private practice, residential care, schools and corporate settings. This breadth of experience allows me to combine strong clinical knowledge with a deep understanding of everyday pressures facing families, young people and professionals.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I’m a regular media psychologist, contributing to national conversations around mental health, parenting, adolescence and relationships.
What Matters To Me
My THERAPEUTIC Approach
I work as an integrative psychologist, which means I adapt my approach to the individual rather than forcing people into rigid models or labels.
In practice, this means I focus on:
Understanding anxiety and distress as nervous system responses
Supporting emotional regulation and safety
Reducing shame and self-criticism
Helping people move out of survival mode
Restoring hope when things feel stuck
I work collaboratively, at a pace that feels manageable. I don’t rush people or minimise their experiences. People who work with me appreciate my relaxed, humorous approach and my commitment to ensuring the work we do is evidence based, boundaried and safe.
I don’t believe people need fixing
I believe they need understanding, support and time
EBSA & SCHOOL AVOIDANCE
A core part of my work involves supporting families whose children are struggling with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or school refusal linked to anxiety and distress.
EBSA is complex and exhausting. I help families move away from pressure, power struggles and self-blame, and towards understanding, steadiness and sustainable change.
I created my 12 week therapeutic programme for parents- Survive EBSA to provide structured, compassionate support for parents who feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
Testimonials
MEDIA, WORKSHOPS & SPEAKING
I work with broadcasters, journalists, schools and organisations to provide psychologically informed insight on topics including:
Teen mental health and anxiety
Parenting and family relationships
Burnout and emotional regulation
EBSA and school stress
Identity, shame and wellbeing
I’m known for making psychology accessible, human and practical - without oversimplifying.