Karole J Thomas BSc.Hons; MA; MBACP(Accred)

Labyrinth Business Centre 43-47 Middle Hillgate Stockport Cheshire SK1 3DG View map
07973544346 Click here to Email me

Profile

I am an experienced, fully accredited and ethical counsellor. I have worked as a professional practitioner and manager in health (NHS) and social care for more than 20 years and have practised life coaching, counselling and psychotherapy for 5 of those years.

Counselling, psychotherapy and life coaching are 'talking treatments' and are designed to support people who want to make changes in their lives. People access counselling for a wide range of reasons including: anger management; stress; anxiety; depression; post traumatic stress; obsessive compulsive disorders; bereavement; addictions;abuse and low self esteem amongst many others. As a counsellor I aim to support you, the client, in understanding and resolving those past or present difficulties where they are impacting negatively on your day to day living. Counselling offers you a physical and psychological space to reflect on circumstances and develop the ability to move on by making healthy choices.

As an integrative practitioner I work with you to assess those problems/issues you are experiencing. I then draw from a range of different theories and practice with the aim of tailoring my approach to one which best suits your unique individual needs and circumstances. For instance, I might use cognitive/behavioural approaches for life-coaching or other issues such as post traumatic stress disorder or workplace stress. If you are struggling to move on from childhood issues, I could use schema therapy or psychotherapeutic approaches to explore the situation with you and help you to move on. If you are experiencing anxiety or panic, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers an effective approach for symptom reduction. I aim to use approaches and techniques which have been proven by research to be effective.

I provide a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for my clients. I offer a responsive and professional service and am guided in my practice by the ethical framework of the counselling body British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with whom I am an accredited member. I am fully and comprehensively insured.

The number of sessions required varies and depends on the nature of the problem you bring and the rate of progress in therapy. The number of sessions can range from around 4- 6 up to 18+ but this is always reviewed and agreed with you. Generally session length is 60 minutes once a week or fortnight. Length and frequency can be varied if deemed necessary.

My practice is conveniently placed in Stockport and is within easy walking distance (5-10 minutes) of the train and bus stations.

It is important you build a trusting relationship with your counsellor as this is key to getting the most out of counselling. I offer an initial free half hour session with the aim of enabling you to make contact and meet me, discuss what you want from therapy and decide whether I am the therapist for you.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

• UK Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (UKRCP) Registered Independent Counsellor & Psychotherapist since 2010
• Accredited Member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy since 2010
• MA Counselling Studies (with merit). Manchester University (UK) 2009
• Diploma in Counselling. Manchester University (UK) 2008
• Certificate in Counselling Skills. Stockport College of Further Education 2006
• Registered (current) with General Social Care Council (GSCC)
• Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW). Liverpool University 1985
• Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies. Liverpool University 1985
• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Administration. Manchester University 1983
• Upper second BSc. Hons Physiology. Manchester University 1982

I have undertaken a significant amount of training during my professional career including: mental health problems and legislation; mental capacity; working with dementia; bereavement; child care and protection; learning disabilities; physical and sensory disabilities; addictions etc.

I have worked as a social worker/ manager in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, community based work, primary care practices, hospice and a primary care NHS trust (PCT). I have been a past chair for a local voluntary organisation MIND. I am employed with community mental health team. I have provided counselling within the NHS and the voluntary sector on a paid/sessional basis. I have been in independent counselling practice since 2010.

Areas of counselling I deal with

• Abortion
• Abuse
• Addiction(s)
• Affairs and Betrayals
• Alcoholism
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Bullying
• Cancer
• Career Counselling
• Child Related Issues
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
• Dementia
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Depression
• Disabilities
• Drug Abuse
• Emotional Abuse
• Family Issues
• Generalised Anxiety
• Histrionic Personality Disorder
• Low Self-Confidence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Phobias
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postnatal Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Schizotypal Personality Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Self Harm
• Separation and Divorce
• Sexual Abuse
• Stress
• Trauma
• Work Related Issues

Other areas of counselling I deal with

• I am very experienced in working with carers and supporting them in their role
• Extensive experience working with older people
• Providing support for individuals with dementia and their carers
• Existential issues
• Life coaching and personal growth and development
• Dealing with issues of guilt and shame
• Familiar with personality disorder and dialectical behaviour therapy

Therapies Offered

• Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies
  - Behavioural Therapy
  - Cognitive Therapy
  - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic
  - Psychodynamic Therapy

• Humanistic Therapies
  - Person-Centred Counselling
  - Existential Therapy

• Other Therapies
  - Integrative
  - Family/Systemic Therapy

Fees

Initial half hour session FREE

£40.00 per 60 minutes face to face counselling

I am registered with Aviva Health (private health insurance company) to provide counselling and psychotherapy

Reduced cost therapy available to individuals on low income by negotiation

If you book and pay for 4 sessions in advance you will receive the 5th session free

Daytime and evening sessions available

Further Information

As a fully accredited member of BACP I aim to keep up to date with best practice. I receive regular supervision (your issues remain confidential) to review my work on an ongoing basis. I also attend training events to enhance my counselling skills

I value and enjoy working with individuals on a varied range of issues from workplace issues to mental illness. I believe that beneficial therapy comes from establishing a close working alliance or partnership with each person as a unique and valued individual.

Member Organisation(s)

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