Karen Sargison

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MNCPS Acc Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, Total Focus Therapy

About me

My name is Karen Sargison and I specialise in working with adults, teenagers and children who feel unheard, overwhelmed & burnt-out — those who’ve been left behind by systems that were supposed to help — those who’ve reached out and been met with waiting lists, assessments, or feeling dismissed.

Perhaps you or someone you're caring for, are feeling confused, hopeless, or numb and don't know where to turn next.

​It can be tempting to isolate yourself and hide away. But that can make you feel more alone. You don’t have to carry this burden alone. I offer a space to slow down, be heard, and feel validated.

Together, we’ll find ways to help you feel more confident, more resilient and ​​​​begin to find your way to a happier, healthier you.

I feel privileged to do this work, and I’d love to support you on your journey. If what you’ve read resonates, or if you have questions, feel free to get in touch. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation so you can get a sense of whether we’re the right fit. Or, if you're ready, you can book a session straight away.

IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?

Starting therapy can feel daunting — after all, you're opening up to someone who begins as a stranger. But this is a relationship like no other. With friends and family, we often filter our thoughts to protect their feelings. In therapy, you have a safe, non-judgemental space to express your experiences openly and honestly — sometimes for the first time — and to feel truly heard and understood.

​​It can help you:

  • untangle your thoughts and emotions to make sense of them
  • gain greater awareness and understanding of yourself
  • implement change and break free from cycles
  • learn positive self talk and empathy
  • learn to validate your own feelings rather than rely on those outside to do that for you
  • process past experiences
  • find your voice and own it
  • work out what you want in life
  • put boundaries in place
  • build self esteem
  • learn how to stand tall and navigate life's ups and downs confidently
    learn strategies and techniques to cope
  • learn how to stand tall and navigate life's ups and downs confidently

Clients regularly say, "I don’t know where to start." The truth is — it doesn’t matter. Just showing up is enough. We’ll start where you are, and trust the process. If something in you is ready, reach out. I'm here to listen.

HOW DO I WORK?

I am an integrative counsellor, which means I draw from several approaches — Person-Centred, Gestalt, CBT, and Transpersonal theories — and tailor them to suit your unique needs. In simple terms, I try to see the world through your eyes, to walk in your shoes. You might want practical tools to manage anxiety or overwhelm, or to build confidence. Maybe you’re ready to explore deeper patterns and uncover root causes, or do inner child work to heal early life experiences. Whatever your goals, if you’re open to exploring and making meaningful changes, therapy can help you improve your wellbeing and rediscover joy.​

Sometimes words aren’t enough — or they’re hard to find. That’s why I also offer creative approaches like drawing, working with objects or cards, visualisation, journalling, body work, and sand therapy. These can help you express what’s going on inside in new and powerful ways.

Whatever methods we use, we’ll decide together. I may suggest ideas, but you remain in control — of what you share, how we work, and the pace we go. I’m here to walk alongside you, not lead the way.

I’m also comfortable exploring spiritual, existential themes and ancestral trauma, whether they relate to religion, spirituality, or unexplained experiences. But if that’s not your thing, no problem — it’s your session, and I’ll always take your lead.

WHAT CAN I SEE YOU ABOUT? 

I work with adults and young people facing a range of challenges:​​
Trauma, Stress, Anxiety, Redundancy, Chronic illness, Self Harm, Depression, Grief and bereavement, Loss of purpose, Abuse, Loneliness, Suicidal Thoughts, Low self-esteem, Relationship issues, Divorce or separation, Intergenerational trauma, Bullying/Discrimination, Narcissistic relationships.

I also have lived experience and extensive work supporting people with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. 

​If you’ve ever felt misunderstood or like you don’t fit into society’s boxes, you’re not alone. I’ll work with you to better understand yourself, your needs, and your strengths. You are enough — and yes, you even have superpowers. Sometimes, you just need help uncovering them.

WHERE CAN I SEE YOU?

I offer 50 minute sessions face to face in Derriford, Plymouth, online or  Telephone across the UK (for £50 per session). I am available 9:00am to 5pm Monday to Friday and Thursday 9am to 8pm. 

HOW OFTEN DO I SEE YOU?

In our first session, we would discuss what you would like out of counselling and see how this may be achieved. If we feel that we both feel we are happy with this, then further sessions can be booked. Therapy is about giving you the tools to thrive long after our sessions end. Whether you want short-term counselling or longer-term psychotherapy, we’ll shape it around your needs. Sessions can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly — or as needed. You decide what works best for you.

Training, qualifications & experience

I have experience as a Teacher, a Special Educational Needs Coordinator and have worked for many years with those who’ve experienced trauma. 

​I have completed formal training in:

Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People
Trauma Informed Training
Neurodiversity awareness (ADHD, Autism)
Counselling for Suicidal Ideation
Counselling for Self-Harm 
​​

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.

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

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Health Assured

Additional information

I offer 50 minute sessions face to face in Derriford, Plymouth and via Zoom or  Telephone across the UK (for £50 per session). 

I also offer packages for sessions booked up front.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, Thursday 9am - 8pm

Further information

  • Fully insured
  • Accredited Registrant of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

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+)
Employee Assistance Programme

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

There is a sloped drive and 2 small steps up into my office. Toilet facilities are available.

Online platforms

Zoom
Google Meet
Whatsapp

Supervision

In person
Online

Low-Cost Clinical Supervision – Plymouth (Face-to-Face) & Nationwide (Online). Experience of working with adults and children and neurodivergence.

View supervision profile

Social