Karen Mackey

I want my practice to be flexible to meet your needs and can usually find a time for most clients.  Whilst I know it works well for many clients to come along weekly, there is no obligation to do so or to commit to a set number of sessions with me.  

Counselling helps you explore both your difficulties and strengths, whether as an individual or as a couple. You might be aware of particular issues which you want to look at, such as relationships or anger, anxiety and sadness or just the sense that things could do to be better. Talking matters, but so do practical tools and ideas to manage things better. 

Sessions are flexible and here you will have the space to talk and be understood. You have a particular and special way of looking at the world that is to be valued and, whatever you choose to do differently, needs to make sense and fit for you. Being with a Counsellor outside your usual social and family groups, allows you to do this in a way that you cannot with those very close to you.

I see couples and individuals privately. My experience includes working with people who see their lives as flat and dull, full of conflict or maybe they feel overwhelmed. Difficulties can include communication, addiction, depression, anxiety, loss, anger, abuse, isolation, exclusion, lack of self-esteem or relationships issues.  Whatever the situation there is always a way of doing things differently and we work together to explore what those look like for you.

Couples Counselling looks to strengthen your relationship: whether you are having particular difficulties currently or are seeking ways to deepen your connection. Sometimes Counselling can also help couples to part more easily. If you are considering Couples Counselling, both partners need to contact me directly so that I know this is what you both want, and I have permission to get in touch.

It is vital that the Counselling relationship will work for you, that you feel comfortable and able to trust me.  If you are considering my counselling, I suggest you come along for a session before making a decision. 

I offer a free 15-minute phone or Zoom call so you can see how you feel talking to me before committing to a first session.

I have been a Counsellor and Assessor at Catalyst, a Guildford based drug, alcohol and well-being charity, have also counselled at YMCA in Guildford and am due to begin as a volunteer Counsellor with another charity in Guildford. 

As a private Counsellor, I offer affordable, flexible counselling from an upstairs room in my home, which is calm and private. There is also easy parking just outside.

For individual clients who prefer shorter sessions, there is the possibility of a one-hour initial session followed by 30-minute appointments over Zoom.

You can begin to feel comfortable talking to me and get a sense of whether my counselling will be helpful.

I will tell you a little more about how I work, and you can ask any questions you may have. We will look at what you are hoping to gain from sessions and what might have helped or hindered previously. From there I will ask for a little more background information so we can start to see whether and what support networks are in place for you. By the end of the session, we will both have a common understanding of what has brought you to Counselling and may have begun to work together.