About Me

My Beliefs

  • I have an optimistic view of all human beings.  I believe that we constantly endure tension between who we are, and who we think we should be, because we have an innate need to be accepted by others.  Furthermore, we are the only people who experience our own inner thoughts and feelings, and consequently; I believe, that most of us have the ability, to make the best choices for ourselves, even if we are not yet aware of this.
  • Sometimes, life forces us to deal with difficult circumstances and changes, which are hard to face on our own.  We can sometimes make destructive choices, especially when we feel under pressure, or believe there is no-one to talk to.
  • Asking for help is often a difficult task; yet this can be a valuable, necessary step, in order to take back control of our own lives.
  • To conclude; I believe that, a successful counselling relationship requires an open and genuine attitude, which fosters a sense of trust and equality.  Likewise, an atmosphere which is accepting, as well as challenging, is likely to promote psychological growth and resilience.

My Professional Journey

Qualifications

  • AQA Level 2 Counselling Concepts and AQA Level 2 Counselling Skills at the Adult Community Learning College, Colchester, Essex
  • Level 3 City and Guilds in Customer Service
  • Advanced GNVQ
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling at the University of Essex
  • BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling, at the University of Suffolk
  • Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy – Distinction achieved (online learning with Centre of Excellence, certified by IAHT)
  • Certificate in Conversational Reframing ( online learning with Uncommon Knowledge)
  • Certificate in Treating Generalised Anxiety and Panic Disorders (workshop with Wale Oladipo of MindBody Breakthrough)
  • Integrating Artwork into your Counselling Practice ( BACP professional development day with Pauline Andrew )

Experience

My roles included;

  • Volunteer Listener, with the Samaritans organisation
  • Trainee Counsellor, with Colchester Institute Counselling Service
  • Volunteer Counsellor, at Mill Road Surgery in Colchester
  • Volunteer Counsellor, on behalf of Colchester and Tendring Women’s Refuge (Registered Charity Number: 1058295)
  • Emotional Support Coordinator for Stroke Association, Colchester (Registered charity number: 211015)

Role Models

There are many people whose work inspires me; including,  Carl Rogers, Irvin Yalom and Virginia Satir, along with contemporary figures, such as Brene Brown and Eckhart Tolle.

My Commitment as Counsellor; to You, The Client

I believe in treating others as I wish to be treated; and as a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) , I therefore, commit to working within the boundaries of their Ethical Framework.

Using a relational approach, I try to encourage self-acceptance in others.  Intuitively, I encourage awareness of the bodily-felt sense, as well as visualisation and creative exercises.

My practice is supported by my attendance of regular supervision, and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

Thank you for visiting this page today. 

I hope that this information, and the links it provides, are useful to you, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Karen