Karen Aspden

My name Karen Aspden and I am an independent qualified Integrative Counsellor working with adults aged 18 and over. I work both face to face and online. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), one of the UK’s national accrediting bodies. My training and way of working is integrative, which means I call on many different approaches to work with you, understand your unique experiences and importantly, work in a way that feels right for you.

I have experience working with many different issues, some of which include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and trauma. I specialise in bereavement and loss, in particular; perinatal loss, fertility and reproductive trauma including pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancies, infertility and involuntary childlessness amongst others. These experiences can leave us with low self-esteem, anxiety, complex grief and a sense of disconnection from the world and others.

My own journey with fertility led me to seeking out counselling, and this was the catalyst to making changes in my life. I subsequently then trained to be a counsellor having worked in the city for many years. I passionately believe that change is possible and that sometimes all we might need is someone to walk alongside us to help get to where we want to go. The process will be as long as you want it to be, short or long term, and at times may seem challenging, but together clarity and growth will prevail. 

" Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate"   ~ Carl Jung

What is Counselling and how can it help me?

Counselling is talking therapy in a safe, secure and non-judgemental environment where any concerns or issues past or present can be explored. It is not about giving advice but about helping you to come to a deeper understanding of yourself and your life experiences. It provides you with the tools to build self-esteem and self-compassion, empowering you to be able to make informed choices and decisions that are right for you. It is about offering support and understanding to enable you to cope with life changes, or simply come to terms with life’s events.

Whilst I can't walk in your shoes, I can walk alongside you and try to understand what it might feel like for you. I will support you in building a greater understanding of yourself to give you the autonomy and compassion for yourself that you might seek to achieve the changes you want for yourself and your life.

"When we have the courage to walk into our own story and own it, we get to write the ending" ~ Brené Brown

The way I work

I use an integrative approach to therapy, which means my approach will vary and draws upon techniques from different models of therapy (listed below). This means I will work with you collaboratively and at your pace to help you explore and make sense of what brings you to counselling. I believe that understanding is the first step towards making the changes we want in life and that you know what is best for you. I can help you develop strategies and skills to manage your issues and to find a positive way forward. I can also be challenging where necessary, while being supportive and compassionate.

The work we do together may help you explore unhelpful patterns of behaving or thinking that you feel are holding you back. We can work to identify these patterns, understand them and to make changes to enable you to feel more in control and fulfilled in your life.

What I offer

Individual Counselling - I don't believe that there is a 'one-size fits all' approach in therapy. My approach as an integrative counsellor is tailored to each individual client. I draw on different approaches and theoretical models to work on the issues you might wish to explore. We can work together, and challenge old ways of thinking in a safe and non-judgemental environment. Perhaps you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, or maybe you're going through the motions in life and feel stuck, but you can't make sense of why. Whatever might bring you to therapy, our work together will aim to help you find clarity and insight to allow you to make the changes in your life you want.

Infertility Counselling - I specialise in working with the complex issues of infertility and reproductive trauma and have completed The Foundation Training Course for Counsellors working in Licensed Treatment Centres and Related Settings with BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association.) I have experience in working with clients, couples going through fertility treatment, or having experienced miscarriage, recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy and pregnancy complications.

Couples Counselling - In Couples therapy it is important to recognise that we all evolve as people and that relationships are fluid and change over time. Resentments can build up, or communication may break down, and counselling can open a supportive space in which to explore unresolved issues. I use a systemic and psychodynamic approach to couples work which means that we work collaboratively to uncover patterns of relating in the present which may be problematic. We might also look for the history of these patterns both in the couple and each partner.  Understanding is the most powerful precursor to change. I have worked with clients experiencing attachment and commitment issues, miscommunication, intimacy issues, divorce, separations, sexual problems, loss, affairs, domestic violence, stepfamily issues and other topics.

What to expect

Counselling is about the relationship that is created between the client and the counsellor. That is why it is important for you to choose the right counsellor for you. Someone who you can trust, feel safe and comfortable with, someone who will listen without judgment. and has the professional knowledge and experience to support you. During the initial consultation you can decide whether you feel comfortable and that we both feel I am the best fit for you in the way I work. 

If you decide to continue with me, we can agree a weekly 50-minute time slot for your sessions, and you can end therapy at any time. I offer focused, short-term counselling (typically 6-8 appointments) as well as long-term counselling for anyone wanting to work through more deep-seated or complex issues.

Issues that I can help with include:

• Loss and bereavement
• Past traumatic experiences
• Relationship issues
• Loneliness and isolation
• Depression and anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Critical 'self-talk'
• Getting stuck in old patterns of behaviour
• People pleasing and not being able to say no
• Difficult childhood
• Feeling stuck

What happens next?

If you would like to find out more about counselling sessions with me or want to arrange an initial session, please contact me by phone or email. I will aim to contact you within 24 hours.

I have experience working with many different issues, some of which include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and trauma. However, I specialise in bereavement and loss, in particular; perinatal loss, fertility and reproductive trauma including pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancies, infertility and involuntary childlessness amongst others.These experiences can leave us with low self-esteem, anxiety, complex grief and a sense of disconnection from the world and others.

Fees

£50.00 per 50 minute session for individual therapy (Face to face and online)

Concession appointments are £35 (subject to availability)

£70 per session for couple’s therapy

Concession appointments are £55 (subject to availability)

I offer a free 30-minute telephone/online call to see if you feel that you would like to go forward together.