Karen Oborn

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Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, MBACP, MNCPS (Acc.)
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Gosport PO12 & Southampton SO40
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hi, I'm Karen, a qualified therapist specialising in Gestalt therapy, blending professional knowledge with a passion for creative exploration. 

My Approach: 
Rooted in the present-focused philosophy of Gestalt therapy, my approach views every thought, emotion, and experience as part of a vibrant canvas for healing and self-discovery. I offer both talking and creative therapy, always focusing on you in the present moment while being informed by your past experiences and future aspirations. 
Our tailored sessions are designed to empower you, helping you connect with the person inside you. Within a safe and nurturing space, I provide empathetic support to guide you through emotional difficulties and towards a sense of stability during life's most profound experiences. 

What to Expect: 
In our work together, you'll find: 

  • A unique counselling experience that honours your individuality.
  • A blend of traditional talk therapy and creative therapeutic techniques.
  • A focus on present-moment awareness and holistic understanding.
  • Empathetic support in navigating life's challenges.
  • Tools to enhance self-discovery and personal growth 

Whether you're seeking to overcome specific challenges or embark on a journey of self-exploration, I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support, and a fresh perspective on your path to healing and growth. 

The idea of starting therapy can be daunting and finding the right therapist can feel bewildering, especially in moments of fragility and vulnerability. I offer a free initial appointment, allowing you to determine if I'm the right fit before committing to therapy.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training & Qualifications

  • Diploma of Higher Education - Gestalt Counselling
  • Level 4 -  Humanistic Counselling
  • Level 3 - Counselling Skills
  • International Menopause Society - IMPART Menopause training
  • Safeguarding level 1, 2 & 3
  • Counselling CPD - Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
  • Counselling CPD - Trauma & Menopause
  • Working with Self-Harm
  • Samaritan support
  • Risk assessment & risk management - Suicidal clients
  • Working with Anxiety
  • Level 2 - Children & Young People Mental Health

Experience

During my time at a higher education wellbeing centre, I worked closely with young adults who were juggling the demands of academic life with the challenges of living independently. It was rewarding to see how creative therapy techniques could help these students find balance and manage their stress. I learned to really tune in to what was going on for each individual, tailoring my approach to their unique situation. 

I currently have the opportunity to work with a local charity that support carers and people on low incomes. This experience has helped me understand how quickly things can spiral, when multiple issues pile up. How anxiety can become disordered when our stress levels become overwhelming. What struck me most was how differently each person copes with their struggles, whether it was anxiety, trauma, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm. It reinforced for me that there's no one-size-fits-all approach in counselling. 

Throughout these experiences, I've guided people through some really tough times. Healing can be a painful process, and I've learned to navigate those difficult moments with care and empathy. Helping people build resilience and find their own path forward, even when things seem impossibly hard. 

What I love most about this work is the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. Whether it's helping a someone find better ways to cope with stress or supporting someone as they work through deep-seated trauma, every day brings new challenges and rewards. I've come to appreciate just how unique each person's journey is, and I'm constantly learning and adapting my approach to best support each individual I work with. 

I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and personal indemnity insurance.

Member organisations

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

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

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£50.00 per session
Free initial telephone session

Additional information

I offer a limited amount of concession rate appointments, please contact me for further information.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I am always available for enquires.

Calmore, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check info

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

Online platforms

Google Meet
Whatsapp
Microsoft Teams