KAREN MENNIE

WHO ARE YOU?

I am BACP Registered and a qualified counsellor, achieving a first class degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2015. I have predominantly focussed my training on the Person-Centred Approach and have completed my Relate training to help couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties. I also have experience with working with families and also have a humanistic approach when delivering family therapy.

I have a varied and valuable background in counselling, having worked with clients from all walks of life, presenting a multitude of challenges, such as, depression, anxiety, addiction, abuse, bereavement and relationship difficulties.

My ethos is to help build confidence within my clients and to help them achieve a sense of empowerment through their counselling journey, enabling them to regain the feeling of self-worth and control once more.

HOW YOU WORK?

I am predominantly a Person-Centred Therapist, which means I allow the client to be the experts of their own journey of growth. I do not direct the client into areas of their lives they are not yet ready to explore, but walk along side the client in an empathic and non- judgemental way. Whatever may come up in a session is what we explore whether it be past, present, or concerns about the future. My additional purpose is to help my clients to form a toolbox of strategies to cope with situations that may arise outside of the counselling room.

YOUR CORE VALUES, WHAT ARE THEY?

It is of utmost importance to me to create an empathic, safe and non-judgemental environment for all my clients, to be able to express themselves freely without adopting a facade that they may use to protect themselves. In order to thrive within the counselling journey, there is a need for a strong, trusting relationship between my client, and myself so I always work at the pace of the client and present myself in an honest, approachable and empathic way.

I view myself as the guiding hand to help my clients work through their journey; I will be supportive and unfazed throughout, with no situation being too small or too large. My experience has taught me that in order to safeguard themselves, clients build walls to block out trauma or overwhelming emotions, I facilitate my clients with breaking these walls down into small manageable chunks until the emotions no longer impact their daily lives.

WHY CHOOSE YOU AS A THERAPIST? WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR THERAPY THAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

Coming for counselling should never be a chore, but instead offer encouragement to gaining the next step of your therapeutic journey to becoming the version of yourself you want to be. With this in mind I always try to remain adaptable and flexible with my counselling, as I am aware that life outside the counselling room cannot always stop. I offer a friendly environment either face to face or via Skype to help my clients access the assistance they need based on their preference.

I have been praised for being an inviting and friendly counsellor and I have helped alleviate previous negative experiences my clients have had with counselling by regaining trust in the therapeutic process. I can offer tailored timeframes and length of counselling sessions, as this journey is for each individual. What works for one person may not for the next.

WHAT THERAPIES DO YOU OFFER?

I am a Person-Centred counsellor with additional training to support clients who have experienced:

• Abuse: Sexual, Physical or Psychological
• Addiction: Drug, Alcohol or Food
• Relational and Couples Counselling
• Family therapy

I have a degree in Art and find Art Therapy can be very useful for clients who struggle to discuss and express emotions. What clients are unable to verbalise can often be depicted to help bridge the gap in communication and ease the barrier they may encounter. I like to work with my clients on an individual bases to establish the best approach and techniques to facilitate their needs. I usually work with face-to-face counselling but can offer Skype sessions if required. If you have difficulties with coming to terms with counselling, I feel I would be a great fit for you. If you would like any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.