Karine Coenen

I have availability just now to meet clients in person in Dalkeith. I am currently working there on Fridays. I could consider another half-day during the working week. 

If it is to meet-up for 1-2 sessions before working online (sessions are £10 cheaper online), I can be more flexible and come even for a couple of early evening sessions most days of the week.

Something is not right for you, perhaps something has not been right for a very long time. Anxiety is now interfering with your functioning, too often and too significantly to ignore. You may have tried different coping mechanisms, you may feel that you know very well what is not right and yet, it is not getting any better…

What I can offer is a warm, non-judgmental and caring presence, beside you as you are taking this journey of exploration of our inner world. It is a bit like finally, after a long journey, you can rest and open those heavy luggages that you have been carrying. I am here for you as you start to unpack what has been weighing you down, providing you with a steady and compassionate presence. If there is something really scary or painful to open, slowly and carefully we can open this together, but only when you feel ready to do so, at your pace.

Will I be the right counsellor for you?

I am 57, and in some way, I feel like I have lived different lives across different cultures. In my youth, I explored life beyond my initial background, I travelled overseas and later, I studied in higher education and worked as a teacher for more than a decade. I have realised how complex human experience is first-hand, how one can never judge from appearances and I have found inspiration in many unsuspected places. I am deeply committed to offering a non-discriminatory space welcoming of all.

My kind of counselling (Person-Centred Counselling) is not specialised in specific areas, it is a “way of being” that can foster the release of anybody’s inner potential to become more self-aware and empowered to grow and overcome difficulties. Person-Centred Counselling/therapy is research-based but this research is not creating headlines because it is dating from the 50-90s. It sits proudly alongside other types of therapies in its success rate and suits clients who feel that a gentle (but not passive) approach is what they would like to try. My practice is trauma-informed and polyvagal theory-informed.

In terms of counselling experience, as an ex-helpline volunteer and currently as a volunteer bereavement counsellor with Cruse Scotland, I have helped people from all walks of life with their grief.

Training and working in private practice, I have helped people with a wide range of issues. I have experience in supporting clients to make sense of their neurodivergent diagnosis (ADHD, autism); change how they experience family relationships, cope with pressures at work, adjust to life-long health conditions, explore their identity, make sense of the challenges of parenthood.

Counselling can lead to a change in how you experience your own life. Some of those luggages will start to feel different to carry, perhaps something that was stuck in you starts to unstick itself. You might discover parts of your inner world that you were not aware of, you might discover ways of being and experiencing your life you did not think were possible. 

I am currently training for a Child and Young Person Diploma and from June 26 onwards, I am hoping to be in a position to accept referals to work with children and young people from the age of 10.

If you or your child feel ready to embark on this journey of self-discovery, change and healing, you are welcome to email me and we can have an introductory chat in-person in Edinburgh/Dalkeith/Peebles or online/by phone.

I offer a free introductory session online or on the phone in which we can discuss your needs and it gives you an opportunity to decide if I may be a good fit for you.

I am not asking to complete any assessment, simply bring yourself to the session and we will take it from there.