Karen Gunn

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MBACP(Accred) Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor (MNCS).
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

My private practice provides a safe and confidential space where you are able to discuss your concerns in a calm and supportive environment.

Online or Telephone Counselling Sessions are also offered, as an alternative to face to face counselling; I offer sessions remotely through various platforms, such as the Microsoft Teams App or What's App meetings and the telephone. An email address is required and access to a webcam, e.g. through a Smart-phone, tablet or PC. Payment is usually made in advance of each session and required through a Bank Transfer. These details and other information will be provided once we have had an initial discussion on the telephone and agreed a convenient date for the first appointment.

Sometimes we need the help of a therapist to provide a clear focus on what is important in our lives; especially when experiencing periods of difficulty and uncertainty. Occasionally our thoughts, feelings and emotions  can become confused and we are unclear on the options we have, or the choices we need to make. Often it is difficult to talk to friends and/or relatives about the issues we face; although with some clarity, understanding and a purposeful structure, it is usually possible to find a fresh approach to manage a problem, or difficulty that is troubling you.

I have worked in a voluntary capacity with charitable organisations that provide therapeutic support to vulnerable children and adults who have been traumatised by early childhood experiences, and who want to manage and understand their difficulties in order to find a fresh perspective.

I understand that choosing a therapist can be difficult and I hope you will be able to seek the support you need. I offer an initial telephone assessment, where you provide a brief outline your issues or concerns. We can discuss whether I am able to help you find a way forward with your issues, although on occasions, it maybe necessary to refer you to another specialist more suited to your individual needs.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training and Therapeutic Approach

I am a Registered and Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy: MBACP (Accredited) and the National Counselling Society: MNCS (Accredited Registrant). I provide Clinical and Counselling Supervision to trainees, individual therapists, and those in the clinical professions working for agencies and organisations. I hold an Advanced Diploma in Counselling Supervision (NCS: Accredited) and offer reduced fees to counselling students. However, all external reports or references may carry an extra fee.

Postgraduate training and academic study in Clinical Psychology at Bournemouth University has improved my knowledge of mental health conditions and provided further insight into the challenges facing individuals, couple/partnerships and their families.

After my graduate training in Psychology at Oxford Brookes University, I trained as an existential counsellor and psychotherapist with Sheffield and Middlesex Universities. I look to explore any difficulties that may have arisen from an Integrative-Existential perspective, where the focus of the work will consider the human condition as a whole. My Integrative and Person-Centred therapeutic interventions take account of the diversity of the human condition. I encourage individuals to take responsibility for their choices, responses, actions and behaviours. I hope to explore your issues with you and encourage you to discover a meaningful approach to life that will be positive and purposeful; affirming your self-esteem and confidence. This may involve interventions from other modalities, such as Humanistic, Psychoanalytic, Emotion Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness.

Qualifications

  • Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling (Endorsed by NCS and ACTO).
  • Advanced Certificate in Relationship Therapy (COSRT)
  • Advanced Diploma in Counselling Supervision (NCS Accredited)
  • Masters in Foundations of Clinical Psychology (MSc.Clinical Psychology, (Distinction) 2015)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Existential Psychology and  Psychotherapy: Middlesex University (2012)
  • Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Studies (Sheffield University, 2011)
  • Diploma in Psychology: Oxford Brookes University (2007)
  • Certificate in Psychology: Oxford Brookes University (2006)
  • Bachelor of Education Degree (Hons): Leicester University (1980)
  • Certificate of Education: Leicester University (1979)

Short courses are listed below, (CPD topics are varied and not always listed).

  • Couple and Relationship Counselling (COSRT approved)
  • Advanced Diploma in Counselling Supervision (KRCS)
  • Rape Counselling Service (CPD and workshops)
  • Trauma and Emotional Processing
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Families coping with Dementia
  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Sleep Disturbance
  • Eating Disorders

Current and past counselling and psychotherapy experience.  I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist working in private practice. I have worked with Lift Psychology (NHS/Swindon) as a psychology practitioner for Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. I also consult privately as a counsellor, psychotherapist and counselling supervisor; working with young people, adults and supervisees. Our first discussion and assessment session is usually held on the telephone and in-person. It is sometimes possible to hold the counselling sessions at another location by prior arrangement. Couples may prefer to have their Relationship Therapy sessions in their own home, especially if they have young children to consider; however, this may involve an extra charge for travel and time.

I also have experience of working as a counsellor, psychotherapist and counselling supervisor in the following charitable organisations: On Trak' Youth Counselling Service as Counselling Supervisor (Swindon, Wiltshire); Voluntary Counselling Supervisor for Willows Counselling Service (Wiltshire) as a Volunteer Counsellor with the Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS) who have previously experienced sexual violation in childhood, or more recently. The New Horizon Youth Centre (London) offering counselling and support to young persons and adults.

  • Adviza ('Connexions' Reading, Berkshire) counselling children and young people between the ages of 14 and 19 years.
  • MIND, a mental health charity (Andover, Hampshire): counselling adults with a variety of mental health issues.
  • New Horizon Youth Centre, London; where I worked as a coach and psychotherapist with young people between the ages of 16 to 23 years.
  • I also have had training and I am qualified in Online and         Telephone Counselling.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).

Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.

Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.

All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Other areas of counselling I deal with

  • Individual Adults
  • Young Persons (16+ years)
  • Couples and Relationship Counselling
  • Supervision for trainee and qualified Counsellors and psychotherapists
  • Family Groups

Types of Therapy: Person-Centered, Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour and Process Therapy,  Attachment-based Therapy, Applied and Positive Psychology, Emotion-focused Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, The Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, Sandplay Therapy and Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (IFS).

Photos & videos

Fees

£60.00 - £150.00

Concessions offered for

  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Individual Therapy Sessions: 60 minutes session from £60. Discounted Rate Available for trainee counsellors (proof of attendance required); additional costs for written reports or references.

Couple sessions: From £140 Note: Long wait time for evening appointments. Duration of sessions are approximately 90 minutes and guided by the therapist. Often individual sessions are required, although allocated on equal partner basis.

Individual Supervision: £60 for 60 minutes & £75 for 90 minutes one-off sessions.

Monthly Group Supervision or Shared Supervision: i.e. 4 persons, two hours duration; approximately allowing each person the appropriate time to share discussion/topics, i.e. related and relevant case material and discussions are confidential. Cost to be shared equally amongst group members, regardless of attendee numbers in monthly sessions. Telephone for availability with group attendee names and possibile dates..

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Please telephone to check availability. Daytime availability between 8.30am-6pm. Other commitments: Monday & Fridays. No weekend sessions. 

Further information

VIRTUAL THERAPY SESSIONS As an alternative to face to face counselling, I also offer sessions remotely via Zoom virtual meetings. An email address is required and access to a webcam, e.g. through a smartphone, tablet or PC. Payment in advance of session is required through a Bank Transfer of payment. Please contact for details.

Other areas I deal with:

  • Diversity, difference and equality
  • Personal development
  • Mentoring or Coaching

Practice location
When offering F2F counselling, I offer free parking and a safe and  confidential environment. To help me process your enquiry and arrange an appointment, please email or telephone, leaving a brief message stating:

  • your full name and address.
  • a contact telephone number
  • your availability for an initial discussion (Monday to Friday). If you prefer you can contact me via telephone or email to include the information above; please be sure to include your telephone number as I will not necessarily send a message by return email.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older adults
Couples
Families

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Availability on request, alternative services such as telephone/web-based online appointments, home visits, so you can choose the option that suits you best. Please contact me via my mobile number to discuss other options available.

Additional languages

N/A

Online platforms

Microsoft Spaces
Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Clinical and Counselling Supervisor

View supervision profile

Karen Gunn
Karen Gunn