A LITTLE ABOUT ME

Hi, my name is Karen and I began my counselling journey in 2005.  I specialise in working with complex trauma and abuse, including historical and childhood sexual abuse as well as eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating, etc). I also have extensive experience in working with anxiety, depression, addiction, attachment, and relationship issues, as well as the everyday issues many people struggle with, ranging from phobias to self-harm, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.

I have worked in a variety of settings, including charities, counselling agencies and private practice.  Having such a broad base work and personal background complements and equips me with a vast resource of experiences that are invaluable to me as a psychotherapist working within the therapeutic arena and also within the restorative and criminal justice sectors.  I continuously update my knowledge and thinking and have a comprehensive and varied range of qualifications and expertise in different areas of therapy/counselling.

WHAT I DO

Over and above my diploma and post graduate qualifications in counselling and psychotherapy, I have completed Master Practitioner training with the National Centre for Eating Disorders to allow me to develop my practice in supporting people with not just anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and obesity but also issues in body image, shape, weight and eating as well as disordered eating.  Coupled with my passion for working with trauma, abuse and mental health, I have developed my own integrative style of working with clients on a case by case basis, recognising that each person brings a unique set of complexities that require an individual and distinctive approach that is tailored to their needs.

Further training in both the fields of EMDR, EFT and CBT have enhanced and progressed my skills and ability to work more effectively with the areas listed above.

Ultimately, I believe that therapy allows clients to have a space in which they can explore their inner self without fear of judgement and derision.  Summoning the courage to enter therapy about what is distressing us can be extremely difficult, but also the most powerful step towards improving our overall wellbeing.  I have a firm belief that counselling/psychotherapy is an investment in self, allowing the space and time to explore the root cause of day to day difficulties in life. Counselling/psychotherapy help the client understand these issues more clearly and provides ways to move on and to feel connected again. In a supportive setting, therapy can bring about a new perspective that can be empowering, and provide greater self-awareness, enabling you to make the right choices for you. I strongly believes that therapy can be hugely beneficial, healing, and transformative and I do my utmost to build an empathic environment in which to connect with you in a trusting, genuine and non-judgmental manner. The therapeutic relationship is central to successful therapy, but it is you, and only you, who holds the key to your future.

Professional Qualifications Include:

• Dip HE in Counselling with commendation
• PG Dip in Counselling and Therapeutic Communications with distinction
• PG Cert in Restorative Practices/Harm, Loss and Grief/Attachment and Coping Strategies
• CPCAB Level 5 Working with Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Violence
• PG Cert Cognitive Behavioural Practices
• EMDR Practitioner
• OCN Level 3
• An Introduction to Psychological Trauma and Addiction
• Brief Interventions for Substance Misuse – Practitioners
• Principles of Tackling Substance Misuse
• Building Capacity for Peaceful Change Mediation Training
• Master Practitioner in EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques
• Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders & Obesity