About Me

My personal journey:

 

Like many counsellors, I have lived experience in navigating psychosocial and economic challenges throughout the life-course.  I understand what it feels like to be dismissed, unheard, and misunderstood by others, particularly in times when I most needed support and kindness. 

I learned to take responsibility for my choices and mistakes, and I learned from the majority of them.  I’ve also experienced criticisms, mockery, and judgments from others, as many of us have. 

I never wanted pity or sympathy, but to be accepted as I am, in the ways I experience myself and the world.  From a young age, I have extended empathy to many people, friends and family, who seem to lack the capacity for reciprocity.  I realise how rare it is to encounter someone who truly listens to understand and foster a sense of safety. 

I believe that you are the expert of your own experience, and you are your own agent. It may frustrate you that I do not hold answers or give advice. However, I will work with you to realise what makes you believe anyone else should.

 

 

 

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 to be accepted by others.  Furthermore, we are the only people who experience our own inner thoughts and feelings. Consequently, I believe that most of us can make the best decisions 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 are overwhelmed. Sometimes it seems there is nobody to tell, who can understand or who won’t judge us.
  • Asking for help can be a difficult task, yet this can be a necessary action to regain control of our own lives. 
  • I believe a successful counselling relationship requires an open and genuine attitude, which fosters a sense of trust and equality.  Likewise, an encouraging companion can help promote psychological growth and resilience.

My Professional Journey

 

Qualifications and learning:

 

I am currently enrolled in a part-time psychology course (MSc in the Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing).  The course provides access to relevant and current psychological research, which builds upon a robust person-centred foundation and informs my current thinking and practice.

 

  • BA (Hons) Degree in Integrative Counselling, at the University of Suffolk (2017)
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Person-Centred Counselling at the University of Essex (2015)
  • Online Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy – Distinction achieved (online learning with Centre of Excellence, certified by IAHT)
  • Online Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (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 )
  • Sex Therapy Certification (online course with Holistico)
  • AQA Level 2 Counselling Concepts and AQA Level 2 Counselling Skills at the Adult Community Learning College, Colchester, Essex
  • CACHE Level 2 and Level 3 Understanding Autism
  • CACHE Level 2 Children and Young People’s Mental Health
  • CACHE Level 2 Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care

Work Experience:

My roles included a current redeployment to a mental health service, yet to be substantiated, and:

 

My Commitment as Counsellor:

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and, I therefore, commit to working within the boundaries of their Ethical Framework.

Using a relational approach, I try to encourage self-acceptance and self-determination in others.

My practice is supported by attending regular supervision sessions (1.5 hours per month) , and a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.

 

Thank you for visiting this page today. 

I hope that this information is helpful to you, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future if you have any questions or think that my way of being, and working could benefit you.

Karen