Karen Pinder

Verified Professional task_alt Verified Professional
Verified Professional

Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.

Free Your Mind-Counselling Service- MNCS-Acc,
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Leeds LS26 & LS6
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR EMAILS FROM ME

Do you ever feel down, anxious, depressed and don’t know what to do?  You might feel like life, or the pressures placed on you by society’s expectations are weighing you down.

It may feel like you are burdening family and friends, by talking about your problems. This can then make you feel guilty, therefore you might be masking these feelings and pretending to people around you that you are ok.  

When you speak to a counsellor you won't feel guilty because it's all about YOU, that's what I am here for. To listen to YOU.

Maybe something in your life has changed and the impact has brought a whole new set of challenges for you, which you are trying to deal with and adapt to.

There are often times in our lives when we do feel overwhelmed with what is going on for us.  This can lead to anxiety, which is normal for everyone to experience at times, however when this anxiety feels like it is having a negative effect or impact on your everyday life and it has become difficult to do normal things you used to enjoy, it has then become a problem. This can be due to a current situation or something from your past which has not been resolved and affecting you now.  

Would you like to make some changes in your life? Work with me to reach a calmer and happier way of life.

Feelings are normal for everyone, however sometimes these feelings can be hard to understand, or they may stay with you a long time. Is this affecting your work, relationship & family life? If negative thoughts and feelings are becoming overwhelming and you are struggling to function in a way you normally would this may be the time to change or improve something. You don't have to wait until life feels desperate before having counselling, reach out and start counselling whenever you feel things have become difficult to cope with or you are feeling overwhelmed.

If you would like to understand why you feel or behave the way you do. Please contact me.

I understand that one size genuinely does not fit all where therapy is concerned,  I work with you to create an individual therapy plan which is unique to you and designed specifically to your needs. 

I will provide a confidential space which is free from judgement; a space where you are able to open-up and make sense of things so that you feel not only confident enough to recognise the changes you wish to make but also empowered to actually make them. 

The therapy sessions offered are both short- and long-term therapy. This can be carried out online, face-to-face or over the telephone allowing you a higher degree of flexibility, as some days may just feel a little too hard and, on those days, it may feel easier to speak online (with or without the camera on) or on the telephone. Whatever you choose, the options are all there for your comfort.

Have you have been thinking about issues you are struggling with and want to work to create a positive future for yourself?

Please contact me, I can help you work through your feelings, talking to someone who has no connection with you and does not judge or tell you what you should do, can feel easier. It is can be hard, to speak to someone you know well, about sensitive problems or concerns. Counselling is different to talking to family or friends. It is your time to talk about you and what is concerning you, we will work together to explore your emotions and how these are affecting you, it is a completely confidential space for you to talk about your worries and concerns.

Visit my website to complete the online referral: https://fymc.co.uk/self-referral-form-1-to-1/

If you are struggling to deal with difficult situations, past or present. Trying to cope with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, Loss of a relationship, job, health & bereavement, relationship/family issues, childhood issues and childhood sexual issues, trauma, PTSD or anything which is causing you pain or distress. I can offer you a safe and confidential space to work through these situations.

Some people feel worried about opening up and talking about difficult things, we will work at your pace to build up a therapeutic relationship so we can explore what's going on for you at a pace which is right for you, to enable you to move forward in your life.

You don't have to make the journey on your own, we can work through it together.

I am a professionally trained counsellor my diploma is in the person centred approach to counselling, since qualifying I have trained in other ways and offer an eclectic way of counselling to suit individuals, this sometimes includes creative work.

I work with individuals, couples (young people) children and teenagers. I offer a confidential space for you to talk about any aspect of your life by exploring ways of coping and understanding what has made you feel this way. I have worked with long and short term issues such as, anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), stress, depression, money problems, abuse, loss & bereavement, self-harm, relationship problems, low self-esteem, child related issues, gambling and other addictions, family issues, coercive control, trauma & PTSD, Autism ADHD and much more. 

Whatever has brought you to this point be assured that you will receive a friendly welcome in a professional and relaxing environment.

Parents, Children & Young People - I am a mum of 3, (now adult children), one who is neurodivergent, I understand the struggles of parenthood. Bringing up children can be challenging.  Many children and teenagers (young people) are experiencing anxiety & stress, struggling to cope and make sense of their emotions and feelings. I have experience of working with children and young people. My background is working with young people in a school dealing with various issues. I have worked in education for over 14 years supporting students to year 11, some of whom have additional needs such as; ADHD, Asperger's, Autism, learning difficulties.

We worked together on helping them over come barriers to learning which often means working closely with young people on personal issues which can affect their ability to work in school, it included things such as anger management, self harm, improving self esteem, anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, bullying, family issues, abuse, bereavement, ADHD, Autism

If you feel like your child or young person would benefit from some therapeutic input, I would like to offer some reassurance to you. Reaching out to a professional for help may feel very daunting however, reaching out for help is a very brave thing to do and it is only natural to feel worried about your child. I am experienced in meeting your child/young person where they are in their development and both reinforcing their strengths as well as nurturing their weaknesses. This may be through play, art and creativity designed to aid the child/young person within a therapeutic setting. I am also able to offer remote therapy such as by video-call, email or text message which can be preferable to allow extra flexibility around their school studies (especially around exam time) and their often-busy social lives. The key here is that the child/young person is inviting me into their world so it would always be wholly person-centred and important that your child/young person is totally on board with counselling. 

Are you worried about how your child is coping?  Has you child/teenager been behaving differently and you are concerned about them?  This could be due to many different reasons. If you would like to book an appointment please contact me.    

 Adults - I have experience volunteering and subsequently working at a charity for several years, counselling adults often with complex needs; who couldn't otherwise access counselling, due to low income. The issues I have dealt with are varied such as addictions, anxiety, GAD, depression, childhood issues, abuse, bereavement, relationship and much more. I have run my private practice since 2016

Bereavement - I have trained with Cruse Bereavement and supported clients who are experiencing difficult emotions following a loss. This could be a recent loss, or emotions which have resurfaced after a long period of time.

Grief can stay with you for a long time there is no time scale, this can feel very difficult as other peoples expectations may be that you 'should be over it now'.

If you feel like you have nobody to talk to it can be very lonely. Contact me for further information.

Additional training with The Foundation For Infant Loss           

I have completed a course in Pregnancy and Infant Loss.  If this has affected you please contact me if you feel you would like support through this difficult time. There will be many different emotions and thoughts which you and your partner will be experiencing.

Gambling - Completed training with GamCare who support people struggling with a gambling problem.  Gambling can have an negative impact on many areas of your life,  such as finances, family and friends.  You can start to feel isolated. If you feel you would like some support please contact me in confidence.

Relationship counselling- I will support you to work out how to progress in your relationship. This is not the same as relate.
It does mean a commitment from both people in the relationship to attend together for a number of sessions. Sessions for couples are only held at Oulton LS26.

Visit my website to complete the referral: https://fymc.co.uk/self-referral-form-couples/

Rewind therapy - If you are suffering from trauma or PTSD you could consider rewind therapy, more details about this are on my website.

Visit my website to complete the referral: https://fymc.co.uk/self-referral-form-rewind/

My private practice is in Oulton near Rothwell LS26. We also have a clinic in Headlingley Leeds 6, I do work online so I can book an appointment with you from anywhere in the country. 

If getting to an appointment is difficult I offer alternative convenient solutions which may suit you better such as, Skype, FaceTime, google meet, whatsapp and telephone counselling. For some people this is helpful if they have family/work commitments, disabilities or have difficultly attending. This may be more convenient for you or save time in travelling. You could feel more comfortable speaking about your issues from the comfort of your own home.

If you are interested in finding out more or checking on availability, please visit my website www.fymc.co.uk

PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM IN CASE ANY EMAILS FROM ME LAND THERE

My practice is expanding and I can offer a range of services to suit different finances

Affordable Therapy for £18

This is with student counsellors currently undergoing training.

Client's issues must be determined as suitable during assessment to be able to see a trainee.

"Stuck on a waiting list?  This is your affordable option"

Our counsellors are insured and DBS checked, supervised and are up to date with all the latest techniques and skills in psychology. They work closely with their tutor, placement supervisor and clinical supervisor.

Best of all...  NO LONG WAITING LIST

Qualified Therapist  £38

This is with counsellors qualified within the last 2 years.

You will work with counsellors with over 100 hours experience working with clients.

"Need to see a qualified professional but stuck on a waiting list?  

Our counsellors are insured and supervised, DBS checked and are up to date with all the latest techniques and skills in psychology. This is a good option for anyone who thinks their issues require a more experienced professional.

Experienced Therapist  £55

This service is with experienced counsellors at least 2years post qualified. Who are insured, DBS checked and undertaken further training in a variety of areas.

They will be used to dealing with more complex issues.

NO LONG WAITING LIST.

Visit my website to complete the online referral: https://fymc.co.uk/self-referral-form-1-to-1/

Training, qualifications & experience

I have a counselling diploma in person centred counselling. This is non-directive and client led therapeutic counselling, helping you work through your thoughts and feelings, at your pace.

I have the following

  • over 14 yrs experience working with young people some who have specific needs such as autism, moderate learning difficulties, ADHD & emotional issues.
  • Full DBS check
  • Member of the NCPS-Acc and adhere to their ethical framework
  • Worked as a learning mentor within a high school- helping young people overcome a variety of issues such as bullying, low self-esteem, bereavement, family breakdowns, substance abuse, self harm. Anxiety GAD
  • Run social & emotional, self-esteem and general support groups to help overcome fear & anxiety, gain confidence and deal with emotions and other issues.
  • Worked along side an educational psychologist in a school environment to deliver CBT to individuals and groups.
  • voluntary counselling at a charitable organisation, for over 3 years, working with adults suffering from anxiety, depression, childhood issues, abuse, relationship problems, bereavement and much more.
  • completed a course with Cruse bereavement and worked with Cruse.
  • certificate for pregnancy & Infant Loss training
  • Private practice
  • Trained & Work with Gamcare to support people with gambling problems
  • TA couples counselling
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)- working with businesses to help support staff.  I also offer direct employee counselling which can be offset against taxable profits this is available to sole traders, partnerships and small businesses saving you the cost of working directly with EAP providers who may be more costly.   
  • Professionally Qualified Supervisor
  • Creative counselling
  • L2 Understanding children and young peoples mental health
  • L2 Understanding Autism

Additional Training

  • Safeguarding
  • Autism & ADHD
  • Laughter therapy
  • FEAR model for GAD and panic attacks
  • Cruse Bereavement
  • The Foundation for Infant Loss-pregnancy & infant loss
  • GamCare-working with problem gamblers
  • working with couples.
  • supervision based on the seven- eyed supervision process model-Manchester institute of psychotherapy.-
  • PTSD-Specialist Rewind Trauma Therapy Qualified
  • Transactional Analysis 101
  • Working creatively in counselling
  • inner child
  • Understanding Children and Young Persons Mental Health
  • Understanding Autism

Member organisations

school 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

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£18.00 - £75.00

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Keyworkers
  • check_circle OAPs
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors
  • check_circle Unemployed

Health Insurance/EAP

  • check_circle Health Assured
  • check_circle Cigna
  • check_circle WPA

Additional information

IF YOU MAKE AN ENQUIRY PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR EMAILS FROM ME

Experienced counsellors

  • In person £55 per 50min session.  Evening from 6pm and Weekends £60
  • Couples - £70 50mins.    Evening and Weekends £75 50mins                LS26 location only

Qualified counsellor

Our qualified counsellors are available at a lower rate, they have already completed over 100 hrs of counselling and some further training  

When you complete the referral form this will be assessed for suitability to work with a qualified counsellor. More complex issues will be referred to a more experienced counsellor  

Fee - £38 per 50 min session. Evening from 6pm and Weekends £43

Student Counsellors 

Our student counsellors need to work with clients to enable them to  complete their course.  They have to have 100 hrs of counselling with clients as part of their course requirements  They are closely supervised by their tutor, clinical supervisor and placement. Their tutor has assess and passed them to start working with clients.
For a low cost option to counselling book an appointment with one of our students.

When you complete the referral form this will be assessed for suitability to work with a student counsellor. More complex issues will be referred to a more experienced counsellor  

Fee £18 per 50 min session

To complete a self referral please go to the website to fill in the referral form

https://fymc.co.uk

Payment is due when you book an appointment. 
48h notice is required for cancellations less than 48h and the full fee applies

Payment is required when booking each appointment  to secure your booking,

by bank transfer or paypal

I offer both long and short term counselling to suit your needs.

_____________________________________________________________________________________Supervision Fees

  • £90 for 90mins- lower rates available if needed 

Students

  • £65 - 90mins  
  • £45 - 60mins

    Payment due when you book an appointment

  • 48h notice is required for cancellations less than 48h and the full fee applies
  • reduced rate for students and low income. 

Payment required in advance to secure booking, by bank transfer or paypal

I offer both long and short term counselling to suit your needs.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Mon-Thurs 9:00-20:00

Fri 9.00-18:00

Sat 9:00-18:00

Sun 9:00-12:00 online

Further information

To help locate my office you can use the app ‘what 3 words’, for my office copy the link below:

https://w3w.co/headliner.stage.waistcoat

Please check your spam in case a reply to your enquiry has landed there.

Oulton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS26

Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS6

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Families
Groups
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

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

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

The room at Oulton LS26 is on the 1st floor 1 flight of stairs. There are toilet facilities These is wheelchair access, lift and disabled toilets at our Headingley office

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Google Meet

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

I have completed Post Graduate L7 supervision training at The Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy - based on the seven-eyed model of supervision

View supervision profile

Social