Based in Oulton LS26 and online
Karen is an experienced qualified Senior Counsellor and a member of the NCPS (Acc).
She has also trained as a supervisor. She has run her own business since 2016 and is now expanding it to offer placements to students and client work once they have qualified.
About Me
Hello, and thank you for visiting. I’d like to share a little about my background and how I came to counselling.
I originally trained as an aesthetician in 1985 and qualified in aromatherapy in 1986. I ran my own practice and have always valued a holistic approach to wellbeing. After taking time out to raise my children, I found myself drawn to working with young people and began gaining qualifications to support them both emotionally and educationally.
Over 14 years in secondary education, I worked closely with students facing challenges including learning difficulties, anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, self-harm, and anger issues. As a learning mentor, I provided one-to-one support, ran therapeutic groups, and co-managed an online counselling service with Relate.
My experience led me to train formally as a counsellor. I’ve volunteered with charities offering low-cost counselling for adults with complex needs. I’ve worked with anxiety, depression, bereavement, addiction, childhood trauma, coercive control, and abuse.
I’ve completed specialist training with Cruse Bereavement Support and the Foundation for Infant Loss, working with clients coping with the loss of a baby or young child.
Since 2016, I’ve run a private practice offering counselling to individuals, young people, couples, and groups. I’ve led a Loss & Bereavement support group with Oakwood Surgery and their Practice Health Champions, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
My practice now includes a team of counsellors offering student placements and reduced-cost sessions for greater accessibility.
Supervision
In addition to counselling, I offer supervision for professionals. My supervision training was at the Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy. I offer reduced rates for student counsellors. Visit the supervision page here
Training:
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Working with Special Needs: Autism, ADHD, Learning Difficulties & Emotional Issues
- Learning Mentor
- Awareness in Bereavement Care (Cruse)
- Pregnancy & Infant Loss
- Safeguarding
- Aromatherapy
- Level 7 Supervision Training
I am also:
- DBS checked
- A member of the NCPS and adhere to their ethical framework
- Insured
I have experience of:
- Running support groups for self-esteem, anxiety, and emotional wellbeing
- Delivering CBT-based work alongside educational psychologists
- Voluntary counselling with adults (2+ years)
- Bereavement counselling with Cruse
- Private practice
- Aromatherapy massage and essential oils
Further Training:
- Laughter Therapy
- Mindfulness
- FEAR Model for Anxiety
- GamCare (Gambling Addiction Support)
- Couples Counselling
- Supervision – Seven Eyed Model
- Rewind Therapy (PTSD, Trauma, Phobia)
- Transactional Analysis 101
- A Place for Forgiveness
- Creative Therapy Techniques
- Level 2 – Children and Young People’s Mental Health
- Level 2 – Understanding Autism
