About me

Hi, my name is Karen and I am a Counsellor & Psychotherapist. I currently work with individuals in Crystal Palace, SE19. Finding a good counsellor or psychotherapist that ‘fits’ with you is an important choice.

I trained in the Person Centred approach at the Metanoia Institute in Ealing and hold a Diploma and a BA Hons in Person Centred Counselling.

I am registered with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). This means that I have chosen to commit to working within the BACP Ethical Framework and so will always strive to offer a safe and ethical practice. I aim to ensure that the principles set out in this Framework underpin my work.

I attend regular supervision and training workshops to ensure that I keep on top of my own personal development and learning.

Further qualifications include a BA Hons in Social Anthropology which I completed at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Prior to this I also studied the Montessori method and qualified as a Nursery Teacher at the Montessori Centre International Training College on Balderton Street, London.

I have over 5 years’ experience of working with clients, initially at the Metanoia Counselling & Psychotherapy Service in Ealing and also at the Awareness Centre in Clapham, seeing a range of clients privately either via self-referral or via the NHS. Some of the issues I worked with are:

Bereavement, loss, anxiety, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, addictions, bullying, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, trauma, miscarriage, post-natal depression, struggles around parenthood, lack of meaning or purpose in life, relationship problems, issues around culture and identity.

 

the practical stuff and fees

Seeing a counsellor for the first time can feel strange. In our first session, we might explore what has brought you to counselling, and what some of your expectations are.

You may have some clear goals, or you might not be entirely sure of what you want or need, but something you are sensing or feeling has brought you for therapy. Attending this first session doesn’t commit you to come again. If we both feel comfortable to work together and would like to then we will!

Once we decide to work together we will set a date that is convenient for us to meet once a week. I will explain some of the conditions of our work together and let you have this in writing so that it’s clear.

Fees

I charge £60 per 50 minute session. I may be able to offer some concessions based on your circumstances, for example if you are a student or on a low wage. I accept payment via cash, cheque or bank transfer.

special interests

Parenthood

Our experiences of parenthood will be different, but I feel it’s safe to say that it really can change your life.

There may be many new and challenging experiences and insights, including losses, all of which might need a place in the story of your life. A life that might have changed beyond recognition.

Provided your child is under 1 year old, I am happy for you to bring your baby to our session as I know how hard it is to be mobile, find child care and time for yourself.

Mixed heritages, intercultural partnerships and international upbringings

This is a huge area with many angles to it.

Lots of issues can arise from coming from a mixed heritage, or if you are within a multi cultural partnership or have had an international upbringing.  These can range from feeling a lack of  identity and/or roots, the feeling of being an outsider or not belonging.  A strong need or desire to belong, or perhaps an aversion to belong to any group. The sense of being confused about where you are from and your nationality. And so the list continues.

This area is vast, varied and different for each person.  In today’s world it may be even more relevant to try and unpack and explore some of it.

About counselling and psychotherapy

What is counselling?

There are a number of resources I’d recommend if you are interested in learning more and deepening your understanding of what counselling is:

I trained as a person centred counsellor. This training sits within the ‘humanistic, talking’ therapies.  It’s pioneer and founding father was a Mr Carl Rogers.

This approach fundamentally places the client as the expert of their own experience.  The counsellor offers an authentic, empathic and non judgemental space for a client to explore what is on their mind.  This might sound easy on the face of it, but believe me, it is one of the hardest endeavours to strive for, it is a practice and a process.

It’s strength lies in the manner in which by adopting such a way of being, over time, it begins to empower the client to seek self awareness and acceptance, and also to change the way they might relate to and experience what was previously a struggle or even unbearable.

Some books by Carl Rogers:

‘On becoming a Person’

‘A Way of Being’

Some of my other favourite books by other authors, that are accessible and not too dense, and have provided much joy, laughter and insight include:

‘Love’s Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy’ by Irvin Yalom

‘The Gift of Therapy’ by Irvin Yalom

‘Teach us to Sit Still’ by Tim Parks

‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Viktor Frankl

What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

The two are used interchangeably. Some therapy folk feel very strongly about the difference, others don’t.

What you will come across and in general counselling refers to short term work and psychotherapy to longer term and more in depth work.

I don’t feel strongly about the difference. What I can offer is both and as a person centred therapist, I will always be guided by you as the client.

Get in touch

Contact

I currently work from my home in Crystal Palace, SE19. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.

T 07968717226

E  hello@karenesser.com