Karen Welch

I have appointments daytimes and evenings.

I understand that reaching out and asking for help is a daunting prospect so I guess if you are viewing this profile then you are struggling with life in some way. 

I am an experienced therapist who is committed to offering a service which is welcoming to all backgrounds. 

The therapy I offer aims to provide a professional, supportive, non-judgemental and non-discriminatory approach to therapy, where you can feel safe exploring your thoughts, feelings and concerns. 

I have experience of working with a diverse range of clients with many different therapy needs within age ranges 18 years through to 80 years plus both in long and short term work. The majority of this experience has been working face to face in person however since March 2020 I have been working online and have undertaken 100 hours of additional training to work online via audio and webcam. (OCST 4) Online Counselling Audio and Webcam

I am qualified to degree level (BA (Hons) Counselling Studies). My core approach to therapy is person centred. As part of my commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) I regularly attend further courses and workshops. This allows me to integrate other approaches and techniques into my work and to maintain professional standards. 

I am an Accredited Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) I am also a Level 2 Professional Member of ACTO (Association For Counselling And Therapy Online) I have Insurance and hold a current DBS Certificate formally known as CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). I am also registered with the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office). 

I am fully committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected and should you decide to engage my services you will be given a copy of my GDPR and Privacy Policy. 

People come to therapy for many different reasons. Life can be so demanding at times that it can feel quite overwhelming. Maybe you are feeling sad, anxious, isolated and alone, or you might feel that others are not listening to you or that you are being misunderstood or discriminated against. You may be experiencing relationship problems or have experienced a bereavement or loss, maybe you live with chronic illness, disease pain or disability or maybe you have a different kind of life changing event that you are struggling to cope with or it could be that you are at a crossroads in life and not sure which way to turn. 

Whatever the reason for seeking out therapy if it’s causing you distress then it matters. 

Having the opportunity to talk and work through the difficulties and concerns you are experiencing can often help to understand and make sense of the current situation and provide potential opportunities for change and to move forward in life. 

I offer individual online therapy via Zoom or via the telephone. Online therapy provides an opportunity to talk and work through personal difficulty in a confidential and supportive environment. It allows you to access therapy at a time and place which is convenient to you. 

You will need to find a private and confidential space where you will not be disturbed or overheard. 

Clients often find that online therapy fits in better with their work and home commitments and is easier for clients who find it difficult to travel or live in rural areas. It is particularly useful for clients who live with disabilities, chronic illnesses or social anxieties. 

Some clients feel more comfortable with working online rather than being in the same room as the therapist.

I work with a broad range of difficulties with clients aged 18 to 80 years plus in both long and short term work. 

When you first make contact with me I will offer you a free of charge 20 minute telephone consultation at a mutually convenient time to explain how I work and to give you further information on the therapy process. 

This also gives you a chance to ask any questions or concerns that you might have relating therapy. I am open to answering questions so please try not to feel worried about raising any that you might have. It is important that you find a therapist that best suits your needs and one whom you feel comfortable with.

If you and I feel online therapy could suit your needs and you would like to continue we can book the first session. The purpose of the first session is to assess your therapy needs in more depth and look at what you would like to achieve and to see how best I can help. This session and subsequent sessions are 50 minutes in duration and cost £50. 

Sessions are usually weekly or fortnightly depending on your therapy needs which we can discuss in the initial telephone consultation.