Karen Bray

I charge £55 for a weekly 60-minute counselling session during weekday daytimes.

Research shows that finding a counsellor with whom you can build a relationship of confidence and trust is more vital to the effectiveness of counselling than anything else.  We can arrange a no-obligation initial session so you can get a feel for what it's like to work with me.

My fee is £55 per 60-minute session for weekday daytimes.

My primary training (FdSc Distinction in Counselling from Bath Spa University) and orientation is in the person-centred approach. This means I offer a safe and accepting therapeutic relationship which honours all your thoughts and feelings (even the ones you'd rather not have) as having a constructive purpose.

My BA (Hons) is in Integrative Counselling. So I can draw on other therapeutic models as they seem useful, particularly the solution-focused approach (clarifying a better future to work towards, rather than just dwelling on what's painful now). I bring a compassionate perspective to the self-criticism and inner conflict many clients live with.

My experience includes counselling at both residential and non-residential addiction treatment centres, and with an agency specialising in recovery from childhood trauma, abuse and neglect. I have supported people who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, anger, grief, depression, low self-worth, isolation and traumatic memories to find a better emotional balance; like and understand themselves more; and feel stronger, more resourced and hopeful about the future.

I have also counselled young people aged 18 to 25, who can find a focus on the value of their inner experiencing a refreshing contrast to the "oughts" and "shoulds" that particularly plague that age group.

And, as a qualified mediator, I have a longstanding interest in supporting people to communicate more effectively and to manage anger and conflict constructively, in relationships, families, and at work.

I offer counselling in-person in central Bath, or by Zoom video link. I am also experienced in phone counselling, which can be the most appropriate format for some people.   Prior to having an initial session, we can discuss which option will be best.

An initial session is the best way for you to get a feel of what it is like to work with me.    We'll talk about what you hope to get out of counselling,  explore some ways to achieve that, and discuss the boundaries that keep counselling safe, comfortable and confidential.  You are welcome to ask whatever you want about any aspect of the counselling.

I charge for the initial session, but if you don't find it helpful I'll refund the fee.