About Karen

Training

I have a background in science with a BSc and BSc (Hons) in Psychology. I am a fully accredited
Counsellor and member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. I uphold the ACI and IACP code
of ethics and adhere to best practice in policy and procedures relating to the Children’s First Act
and Guidelines.
I use an integrative approach always meeting the client where they are at. My training is person-
centered and includes, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution
Focused Brief Therapy,
I am an experienced Group Facilitator and happy to use the Mary Ellen Copeland Wellness
Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) should an organization wish for this specific focus.

Philosophy

My therapeutic relationship with clients being person-centred, fosters renewal and change as
directed by the client and is underpinned by core values such as congruence, unconditional
regard and importantly empathy.
I am a firm believer that we are our own best healers because our lives are highly subjective and
unique to us – nobody has walked in our shoes and nobody ever will. My experiences in life
have shown me that ‘awareness’ and ‘compassion’ are two of our greatest assets. And that each
of us has a “third eye”/sixth sense that will ultimately show us the tried and trusted path if we let
it. While it may take a few twists and turns and feel as though we’ll never get there, we are all
capable of reaching our own point of self-actualization.

Experience and Background

My theoretical and experiential background lends itself to working with all aspects of ones’
healing journey in life. Mental health, relationships, work related issues, autism, suicide, self-
harm, bereavement loss and grief, addiction, homelessness, trauma,and eating disorders. I have
worked one-to- one and in a group capacity with clients both in residential and external
environments. Some of the services include, Merchants Quay Ireland, Sankalpa, Chrysalis and
the Dublin Simon Community.

What do I bring to Counselling?

My own life experiences have shown me that psychological pain can be as painful as physical pain and more so in some cases. And we can go through life for years while carrying this psychological discomfort, not really knowing what it is, where it is coming from or how to feel really good about ourselves. We may try many things and in the process, appear to be running from ourselves versus staying and engaging with self. Because pain is hard to sit with, be it psychological or physical in the absence of compassion.

Travelling and working with different cultures has afforded me a broad perspective of life. Working in the corporate world, management, high-tech startups, office arena’s and health sectors, has enabled me to understand the essence of self, group dynamics at a familial and societal level and the dynamics that underscore the stresses and strains of everyday life.