Karen Stern

I work face to face on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and online on Tuesdays. 

I work in collaboration with clients to help make sense of what is causing distress.  This includes exploring new ways to acknowledge and manage feelings so they feel less overwhelming. Therapy can uncover the obstacles that lead to feelings of being stuck, helping you learn to change old thought patterns, make better choices, and feel more fulfilled. 

I work with all issues and related emotions that can come up during a therapy session.  However, I have extensive experience with clients who are experiencing a loss or bereavement and clients facing challenges with work, family, or romantic relationships.

My interest in people and how connections are make led me to a career in Human Resources. I saw how mental wellbeing was negatively impacted by conflict and a stressful work environment. I retrained as a therapist when I came to recognise that I enjoyed the employee relations aspect of the job the most, the support I was able to offer to others.

I trained as an integrative therapist. Integrating three main therapeutic theories, Person Centred, Psychodynamic, and CBT, enables me to engage with clients in the way that is most useful to them. Every situation and perspective is unique and so I use a client directed approach, where you decide what you would like to talk about in our sessions. The aim is to help you gain a better understanding of why you feel the way you do, to learn new tools to feel empowered.

Our relationship is a collaborative one, I will work with you in a supportive, confidential space to explore what is going on, in an objective and non-judgemental way. I will help you to shed old belief systems and discover your authentic voice.

I have a diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling and have completed the BACP How To Do Counselling Online coronavirus primer course. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a certificate in Human Resources Management. I am a registered member of the BACP and an accredited member of the National Counselling Society. In addition, I am DBS checked, fully insured, and participate regularly in continuing professional development seminars.

Please contact me to book a free 15 minute phone consultation. This is an opportunity for you to tell me why you are seeking therapy at this time, for me to explain how I work, and answer any questions. As the therapeutic relationship is integral to my approach, making sure we are a good fit is important.