Hi I'm Karen

I believe that providing I am not wasting your valuable time and money during sessions, it could be helpful for you to know a little about me before making an appointment.

I am a psychotherapist/counsellor working with both adults and young people from the age of 10.

I have spent over 25 years in working in educational settings such as counselling in two local high schools, college campus's and various universities all over the UK as well as working within the NHS. I have also worked with local authorities, victim support and the fire service. As well as these I also run my own private practice offering in person, online or telephone appointments and I even love offering therapeutic walks in nature if you would like to try that.

I am very passionate about working with people of all ages, cultures and diversity. I understand that trust needs to work both ways so building that relationship is vital. I offer a quiet, non judgemental environment where we can explore your concerns in confidence. I utilise CBT ( cognitive behavioural therapy) which can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave as well as incorporating DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) which helps you find ways to accept yourself, feel safe and manage your emotions to help regulate potentially destructive or harmful behaviours. I am also a qualified clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner and we can incorporate this into your sessions if you like.

I have utilised therapy myself many times in previous years for things such as post-natal depression, anxiety in its many forms, empty nest syndrome and more recently for bereavement. I found the experiences positive and immensely invaluable for my overall wellbeing.

Life can be unpredictable and some experiences can cause reactions we don’t fully understand. Counselling can help gain relief and clarity, helping you to find a healthier way forward. Hearing your thoughts and feelings out loud, in the presence of a trained professional can bring about shifts in awareness and perception. Facing your concerns or fears can feel empowering, helping you to feel more in control. My aim is to provide a warm, welcoming safe environment where together we can explore any worries, problems or issues that are causing you any distress, sadness or anxiety.

With counselling you will gain an understanding of why you are feeling the way you are, working together on an equal level we can find a healthier way forward. I understand that revealing your thoughts and feelings to a stranger is not always easy. As a trained counsellor I am able to provide to you a confidential, non-judgemental and empathic environment where trust can be built, allowing exploration to flow naturally when the time is right for you. I will support you and encourage you throughout.

Areas I can help with include but not limited to : Anxiety, Relationships, Depression, Loss/Bereavement, Gender Identity, OCD, Anger, Low Self-Esteem etc

Check me out at www.eastcoasttherapies.com