About me
Relationships shape how we see ourselves and experience the world. Whether you're coming to therapy as an individual, part of a couple, or with family members, my aim is to support you in making sense of what's happening, reconnecting with your strengths, and finding new ways forward.
I’m a UKCP-registered Systemic Psychotherapist offering therapy for individuals, couples, and families. My approach is grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and respect for your lived experiences. I offer a space where you can speak freely, without judgement, while we explore patterns, beliefs, and dynamics that may be impacting your wellbeing or relationships.
People come to therapy for many reasons: communication breakdown, anxiety, low mood, relationship stress, life transitions, identity concerns, or family conflict. Whatever brings you here, we will work together to understand what’s not working and what might need to change.
Training, qualifications & experience
My name is Karen Nformi and I am a highly trained and experienced psychotherapist with a passion for helping individuals, couples and families navigate complex emotional and relational challenges.
I am a UKCP and AFT-accredited Systemic Psychotherapist, offering therapy to individuals, couples, and families navigating emotional and relational challenges. Whether you're struggling with communication, trauma, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I provide a calm, compassionate space to reflect, reconnect, and create change.
Clients often describe me as warm, thoughtful, and grounded. My approach is collaborative and curious; I don’t assume to know the answers, but I walk alongside you as we make sense of your experiences together.
In my private practice, I support:
- Individuals seeking greater self-understanding and emotional clarity
- Couples working through relationship difficulties, conscious uncoupling, polyamorous and consensual non-monogamy or co-parenting
- Families facing intergenerational conflict, disconnection, or emotional strain
I am also trained in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR), which supports parents, carers, and families experiencing high conflict, distress, or patterns that feel stuck.
My background and what shapes my work
With over 20 years of experience working with children, young people, adults, and families, I bring deep clinical knowledge and relational sensitivity to my work.
I began my career as a Social Worker, training at Durham University and working across multiple local authorities in child protection and safeguarding. I specialised in complex cases involving child sexual and criminal exploitation, current and historical sexual/physical abuse, and neglect, supporting families to manage risk, restore safety, and begin recovery.
I later trained and worked as a Multisystemic Therapist, offering intensive therapy to families impacted by substance use, abuse, relational difficulties and trauma. This involved working directly with children and young people, while also supporting parents and carers to explore how their own past experiences were shaping their current relationships and parenting.
These roles have all informed my systemic approach, one that sees individuals in the context of their relationships, histories, and wider systems.
Inclusive and affirmative practice
I am committed to working affirmatively and across differences, including race, culture, gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, class, and family structure. I work actively to create a space where all identities are recognised, supported, and valued.
Whether you’re seeking therapy as an individual, couple, or family, my aim is to offer a non-judgmental, thoughtful, and relational space, one where difficult emotions can be held with care, and meaningful change becomes possible.
Member organisations
school 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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I specialise in individual, couple, relationship and family therapy.
Therapies offered
Fees
£80.00 - £150.00
Additional information
Free initial telephone session
Further information
In my private practice, I offer therapy to individuals, couples, and families, both online and face-to-face. I work flexibly, offering weekly, fortnightly or less frequent sessions depending on your needs, goals, and the stage of therapy.
I support individuals navigating emotional distress, trauma, identity questions, family dynamics, or life transitions.
I also work with couples at all stages of their relationship, whether you are feeling disconnected, struggling to communicate, exploring conscious uncoupling, or trying to co-parent in a more connected way.
My work with families often includes exploring relational patterns, parenting challenges, and the impact of intergenerational trauma or wider systemic influences. I also offer support to families who may be stuck in cycles of conflict, escalation, or emotional withdrawal, drawing on Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) principles to support relational repair.
I am an affirmative practitioner, committed to working sensitively and respectfully across difference, including race, culture, gender identity, sexuality, class, neurodivergence, and ability. My approach is collaborative, non-pathologising, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through relationship and reflection.
Alongside my private practice, I also have experience in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), supporting young people and their families facing a range of mental health and relational challenges.
