Background

Karen qualified in 2003.  Since then she has worked across Lancashire as a counsellor working at The Women’s Centre, Addictions Dependency Solutions and also as a weight loss counsellor.  In 2009, she worked as an Employee Counsellor for Lancashire County Council.  Currently, Karen works part time at Wigan Family Welfare, counselling adults with difficulties controlling their anger where she also manages this project.  In addition, she has provided counselling for children at local high schools. The rest of her time, Karen dedicates to working within NWTC as Licensed Practitioner, with particular interest in; relationship / couple counselling and young person’s anxiety issues.

Approach

Karen works from an integrative base, believing that clients can benefit from a range of modalities depending on their personal circumstances and issues.  She predominantly combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and problem-solving, believing that counselling is about facilitating change therefore goals are required.  Karen enjoys challenging clients, working with them to achieve their potential.  She creates a safe, relaxed environment in which to work with clients, utilising humour amongst other tools to enhance the counselling relationship and form a good rapport with clients.

Areas of Experience

• Depression

• Self-harm

• Anxiety/Panic

• Relationships including couple counselling

• Anger management

• Bereavement

• Trauma/PTSD

• Abuse – emotional, verbal, physical and sexual

• Rape

• Domestic Violence (perpetrators and survivors)

• Addictions (alcohol and drug dependency)

• Work-related Stress/Conflict/Bullying/Harassment

• Confidence/self-esteem

• Sexuality

• Health problems

• Coping strategies

• Weight loss/Diet