Karen Tottman

I often say: “If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and make everything okay.”
But the reality is—life can be difficult, and there are no instant fixes. What counselling can offer is a safe, confidential space where you can begin to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Through talking therapy, we work together to help you better understand yourself and discover your own path forward.

Choosing to begin counselling is a courageous step — one that can bring profound insight and lasting change. I believe that therapy is not only about working through challenges, but also about rediscovering your capacity for growth, resilience, and connection. Through this journey of self-discovery, you can strengthen your coping skills, enhance your quality of life, and reconnect with your authentic self.

With over 4,000 hours of clinical experience and more than 16 years of working with adolescents and families, I bring a depth of understanding to the therapeutic process. My practice is grounded in Integrative Psychotherapy, drawing from a range of evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. This flexible, client-centred approach allows me to work effectively with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or times of personal crisis.

Above all, I aim to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. Each session is guided by your individual experiences and goals, helping you move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful change. My hope is that through our work together, you can begin to live with greater confidence, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose.

I practise Integrative Psychotherapy, drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs. This flexible, personalised method is suitable for children, adolescents, and adults alike, and can support a wide range of issues—including anxiety, depression, and major life transitions or crises.

Above all, I strive to offer a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can openly explore the challenges you’re facing. Each session is shaped around your individual experiences, guiding you gently toward healing, resilience, and meaningful change.

Counselling can be a challenging but transformative journey. Choosing to embark on a path of self-discovery can significantly enhance your quality of life and coping abilities. Together, we can work toward helping you reach your fullest potential and uncover your true self.

I offer an Integrative Psychotherapy approach, drawing on a range of evidence-based techniques tailored to your individual needs. This adaptable method supports people of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults—and is effective in addressing a wide variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and life transitions or crises.

My priority is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever difficulties you're facing. Each session is thoughtfully shaped around your unique experiences, helping you move toward healing, resilience, and lasting change.

My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore the difficulties you may be facing. Each session is adapted to meet you where you are, guiding you toward healing and personal growth.

I am an Integrative Counsellor with over 16 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges and crises. For the past 16 years, I have worked therapeutically with children, young people, adults of all ages, couples, and families, helping them navigate emotional difficulties, relationship issues, and significant life transitions.

I completed my placement hours at (2008)  St Luke’s Hospice, where I continued to volunteer for 18 months after qualifying. This experience deepened my commitment to supporting people during some of the most challenging times in their lives. I use my skills to help you explore difficult emotions and situations, offering understanding and guidance throughout your therapeutic journey.

I provide both short-term and long-term counselling, adapting each session to suit your individual needs and work in your best interest. My approach is flexible and always client-centred, ensuring that you feel safe, heard, and supported.

Over the years, my experience and knowledge have grown through working with a wide range of issues, including:

Depression and anxiety
Low self-esteem and confidence building
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma and loss
Relationship difficulties within couples and families
I offer therapeutic support that focuses on exploring healthy choices and creating positive changes in how you think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. Every individual’s journey is unique, and I tailor the counselling process to reflect that—because we all react differently to the obstacles we face.

Change can be easy, hard, or somewhere in between. Whatever your path looks like, I offer compassionate support to individuals, couples, and families, helping you enhance your life and live it more fully.

"There are times we all need a bit of extra support and help with life’s difficulties." 

If you’re feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or confused, you’re not alone. You might be struggling with:

Depression—mild, moderate, or severe
Panic attacks or phobias
Relationship issues or emotional conflict
Self-harm or harmful coping behaviours
Stress related to life or work
Grief and loss, trauma, or unresolved anger
Low self-esteem, identity struggles, or personal growth
Couples or family difficulties

These are just some of the concerns you might bring to therapy. If you're unsure whether I can support you with what you're going through, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll always be open and honest with you about how I work.

I often say: “If I had a magic wand, I would wave it and make everything okay.”
But the reality is—life can be difficult, and there are no instant fixes. What counselling can offer is a safe, confidential space where you can begin to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. Through talking therapy, we work together to help you better understand yourself and discover your own path forward.

I truly believe that mental health is of paramount importance, and that therapy has the power to transform lives. Whether you're dealing with something specific or simply feeling lost or stuck, support is available—and you don’t have to face things alone.

If you’re feeling anxious or low, or experiencing mild to severe depression, feeling confused or overwhelmed by relationship issues, or struggling with panic attacks, phobias, or self-harm, counselling can help.

You may be seeking support for:

Stress related to life or work
Relationship difficulties (individual or couples work)
Low mood or depression
Bereavement and loss
Trauma and unresolved experiences
Anger management
Anxiety and panic
Low self-esteem or lack of confidence
Personal growth and self-discovery
These are just some of the areas you may bring to therapy. If you're uncertain whether I can help with your particular concern, please feel free to ask—I'm happy to discuss how we might work together.

My belief is that our mental health is a paramount of importance, it is also true that having therapy could improve one's lives.

About Me

I am an Integrative Counsellor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges and crises. I completed my placement at St Luke’s Hospice and volunteered there for 18 months after qualifying, which profoundly shaped my approach to counselling.

I believe mental health is of paramount importance, and that therapy can truly improve lives. Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming, and my role is to support you through those difficult times to help you create a better path forward.

 My Approach

As an integrative counsellor, I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, combining techniques from different schools of psychotherapy. This allows me to tailor each session to your unique needs, ensuring you receive the most effective support.

I offer a warm, safe, and confidential space where you can freely share your feelings—whether you’re feeling lost and alone or simply seeking a helping hand to find your way. Life can be a struggle, and I’m here to support you through issues such as:

Bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties and divorce
Depression and anxiety
Work-related stress
Eating disorders
Domestic abuse
Anger management
Trauma and PTSD
 

Who I Work With

I provide counselling to children, young people, adults of all ages, couples, and families—both face-to-face and online. I adapt my sessions to suit the individual needs of each client because everyone experiences and responds to challenges differently.

Common Issues I Support Depression (mild to severe, including manic depression)
Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
Low self-esteem and confidence building
Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Life transitions and personal growth
Stress and anger management
Relationship and family difficulties
If you’re unsure whether I can support you with your specific issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to discuss your needs and explain how therapy could help.

 How Therapy Can Help

Counselling offers you the opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. Together, we can work toward greater self-awareness and understanding, helping you find your own solutions to the difficulties you face.

I don’t give advice; instead, I help you explore your options so you gain clarity and empowerment to make changes that work best for you. Change may come easily, or it may take time and effort—and that’s okay. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

 Professional Development and Memberships

I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend training to enhance my skills. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere strictly to its ethical framework.

 
Therapeutic Techniques

Integrative Therapy: Combines various therapeutic tools to tailor treatment to your individual needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns. Particularly effective for anxiety, depression, and certain issues related to autism.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns and early life experiences to foster deep understanding and long-term change.
Trauma and PTSD Treatment: Using evidence-based approaches to support survivors in processing traumatic experiences.

Sometimes we are not doing so well, then my role as a counsellor, would be to support you through those difficult times, and create a better life moving forward.

I am an integrative counsellor, and use different elements from the different schools of psychotherapy.  I believe it is most important that I offer you a warm-safe environment where you can share your feelings. Whether this is due to feeling lost and alone or just want a helping hand to find your way. Life can be a struggle and maybe you need help with: bereavement, relationship difficulties, divorce, depression, stress, work related stress, eating disorders , domestic abuse, anger. any issue please call 07428911002 for any further information, or book a consultation. Just take the first step and give me a call, as let talk about what is working well in your life? What's not working so well? What can you do differently to make small changes within your life.

Counselling can benefit self-awareness and can give an individual the ability to think and feel with their emotions. Working together we can help gain a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings processes, and find your own solutions to problems within your life. Counselling can certainly help find your own solutions to your problems. We could certainly explore why things are happening in your life, but I don't give advice we explore your options and it will then give you a clearly understanding of your self, therefore you can have the opportunity then to change what you need to and have a clearer mind.

I am committed to my professional development and attend different training sessions to enhance my work as a counsellor. I am also a member of the British Association Of Counselling and Psychotherapy and abide by it's Ethical Framework (BACP).

Depression

Low-self esteem

Life coaching

Wellbeing

Mental Health - Understanding Mental Health Stress/Anxiety/Phobias/Depression/Post-Natal Depression/Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia/Dementia/Eating Disorders/ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Anger Management Programme

Please contact me as that is the first step in arranging support within your life, to find solutions to gain a better insight within your life.  Karen on 07428911002, or if you prefer email me your enquiry. ktottman@btinternet.com I would be more than happy to check my diary for availability to suit us both so we can have an informal discussion around your needs for therapy.

My Information:

I am an Integrative therapist and I work from the forms of psychotherapy and this combines different therapeutic tools which adapts to fit the needs of the individual client. By joining foundations drawn from different schools of psychological theory and research. Integrative therapy becomes a more flexible and inclusive method to treatment. As singular forms of psychotherapy, as this is adapted to the clients’ needs, and an individual plan created for every client’s individual needs.

Experience in Anger Management, CBT and PTSD: Collective treatments for PTSD include talk therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These therapy models aim to pacify survivors by talking and expressing feelings about the traumatic event. Nevertheless, people experience PTSD through memory, emotion, and the body.

Cognitive (CBT) therapy works with the aims to change negative patterns or beliefs that people have lived with for a long time. Exploring the longstanding patterns or themes psychodynamic therapy would explore early in one’s life as well as throughout life to adulthood. This therapy is adapted and broken down so that the client understands and identifies patterns within their life, therefore they can reinforce positive thinking for them to make different choices to empower them to have a more balanced life choice.

· Cognitive (CBT) therapy, is most often suggested for less impaired children and young adults, as it helps with concerns common with autism, such as being overly fearful, as well as anxious, nervousness.

· Cognitive (CBT) therapy, is most often suggested for less impaired children and young adults, as it helps with concerns common with autism, such as being overly fearful, as well as anxious, nervousness.

· Psychodynamic therapy helps" Clients would have long-term therapy, and they would identify and overcome unconscious ways is which they avoid distressing thoughts and feelings. This therapy if effective for a wide range of mental health symptoms', as well as working with anxiety stress-related physical conditions.

Long-term therapy creates a safe place to talk, and build a trust between therapist and their client. Moving forward to identify their behaviours, which then empowers them to implement changes within their life.

Within my client base is wide ranging. As I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with anger issues, as well as severe anxiety, unhappiness, depression, panic attacks, bereavement, work related and personal stress, as well as general life. Additional experience within working with clients with anger problems and difficulties relating to trauma/PTSD. I offer counselling to children, young people, adults, couples and families, face to face, as well as on-line.

I uses my Integrative psychotherapy techniques as they can be incorporated into almost any type of therapeutic work with children, adolescents, and adults. An integrative approach can be used to treat any number of psychological problems and disorders, including depression, anxiety, as well as any personality disorders. I adapt evidence-based treatments to each client and each disorder.

Any further information needed then please contact me, as more than happy to arrange a free telephone enquiry, where you can have a time that would be suitable for both of us, to explore the reasons you would require counselling. 

Kindest Regards

Karen Tottman-Napier MBACP dip 

Training, Qualifications & Experience
Professional Qualifications

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Counselling Studies
Certificate in Counselling Skills
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
Certificate of Proficiency, British Association of Counselling Practitioners
Barnardo's Adoption Service Approved Counsellor Certificate
OCR Level 3 NVQ Teaching Assistant
Therapeutic & Counselling Training

Integrative Counselling Techniques
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Psychodynamic Approaches
Couples Therapy Training
Attachment Focused Counselling Training (2014)
Transactional Analysis & Inner Child Training
Play Therapy Training (3-Day Course)
Life Story Work
Working with Loss and Grief
Trauma and PTSD (Pods Trauma, Dissociation Disorder & Recovery)
Working with Shame and Compulsivity
Mindfulness for Healthy Living
Hypnotherapy Training
Introduction to Couple Work Training Programme
Supporting Substance Misuse Clients Awareness Training
Mental Health & Specialist Workshops

Mental Health Awareness: Stress, Anxiety, Phobias, Depression, Post-Natal Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Dementia, Eating Disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD
Anger Management Programme
Palliative Care
Traumatic Loss & Suicide and Its Effects
Safeguarding Children (including Foundation and Advanced Levels)
Safeguarding Adults
Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Training
Child Protection Training
Equality and Diversity Training (20 hours)
Additional Training

Sexual Health Awareness Foundation Training (SHAFT)
Stop Smoking Training (Level 2 & Brief Interventions)
Multi-Agency Training: Go Girls, Thurrock C-Card Outlet, Delay Multi-Agency Training
Introduction to the Study of Psychology (2005)
Other Certifications

Enhanced CRB Certificate (2025)

Personal Statement

I worked for Open Door from April 2010 until June 2019; working with young people is the focal point of our role. We attend a variety of settings including primary schools, secondary schools, and a special needs school. All settings are in Thurrock and we deal with children and families from a range of backgrounds and ethnicities. Working with each age group has given me vast experience in assessing the therapeutic needs of the client; then designing a counselling programme in order to target the specific issues that particular child is facing, in a way that is suitable for their age or educational needs.

Within my job role working for Open Door I regularly attend child protection training to up date my knowledge on safeguarding children and working with vulnerable adults. This is important for me because confidentiality is a key part of the role of a counsellor; particularly when counselling children as confidentially cannot be promised.

I attend regularly group supervision and also have one to one supervision following the requirement of BACP guidelines as a counsellor. I regularly attend team meetings to review clients and explore positive outcomes, this is to evaluate the importance of our service and to share ideas on how to allow a child to progress.

Throughout my counselling qualification grief counselling played a huge part of my training. I actually completed my placement hours with Dove community counselling service in 2009. After I qualified I completed voluntary hours for a further year. I have a very good understanding of the grief cycle stages, and following my clients journey through the shock stage by addressing the person who has died as lost, following this could possibly lead to the denial stage where they are not ready to accept their family member has died. The anger and guilt stage explore their blame, and they question why is this happening to me. None of these stages from my experience are set in stone each individual has their own experience following each stage. Throughout each stage it is essential to assess and adapt the sessions according to the child’s age and what stage of the grief cycle they are at. Working in a secondary school I would work on memory books, timelines, and exercises I call “My world” exploring with post-its and this allows me to gain targeted personal information, which I would then assess and use to move forward.

I am an approved adoption counsellor and work for Barnardo’s alongside families struggling with different issues surrounding Adoption/Fractured Attachment.

Working with young people and their families around their attachment issues, working alongside families to repair/understand and move forward within their lives.

Fees & Payment Information
Sliding Scale
My fees operate on a sliding scale, depending on individual circumstances, room location, and session time (daytime or evening). Fees can be discussed during your Initial Consultation to find an arrangement that suits your budget.

Payment plans can also be arranged — please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.

 Initial Consultation
Individuals: £90.00 (up to 60 minutes)
Couples/Families: £150.00 (up to 60 minutes)
 
Individual Counselling
Standard fee: £75.00 (50 minutes)
Extended session: £150.00 (90 minutes)
Evening Sessions
8:00 pm sessions: £75.00 (60 minutes)
Block Bookings
6 sessions (50–60 minutes each): £375.00
(Saving £75.00 – equivalent to one free session) 
Couples & Family Counselling
60-minute session: £120.00
90-minute session: £150.00
Block Bookings
6 sessions (60 minutes each): £600.00 (Saving £120.00)
6 sessions (90 minutes each): £750.00 (Saving £150.00)
 
Home Visits
60-minute session: £150.00
90-minute session: £175.00
Block Bookings
6 sessions (60 minutes each): £600.00 (Saving £120.00)
6 sessions (90 minutes each): £750.00 (Saving £150.00)
 
Students
Reduced fees are available for students. This would be for counsellors in training.

Initial Consultation: £90.00
Student sessions: £60.00 (per session)
12 sessions (paid in advance): £720.00 
Payment can be made in four instalments of £180.00 each.

 
Online & Telephone Counselling
Zoom or telephone sessions: £75.00 (up to 60 minutes)
6 sessions booked in advance: £375.00 (Saving £75.00)
 
Groups
Group sessions are currently on hold.
Previously, groups ran Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Initial Consultation to join: £90.00
8-week group course: £400.00
 
Payments & Cancellations
All fees are payable in advance to confirm your appointment for the following week.

If you cancel an appointment with less than 7 days’ notice, the full fee is payable.
If you cancel after booking, but with more than 7 days’ notice, half the fee is payable.
Rearranged sessions may incur an additional charge.

My Evenings Fees:

Fees: One-to-ones would be at a cost of £75.00 pounds for 50 minutes, as well at £150.00 pounds for 90 minutes.

Fee: £75.00 Pound: If you block book six sessions of counselling face to face, the cost would be£450.00 (Small discount of £75.00) cost would then be £375.00 small saving for booking in advance.

8:00pm evening sessions for Individuals are at a cost of £75.00 pounds for 60 minutes, Couples/Relationship Counselling would be at a cost of £90.00/£120.00/£150.00 pounds for 60/90 minutes.

Reduced fees for counselling students can be discussed at an Initial Consultation.

Counselling students: Please note that I can offer a payment plan for students, although all session are to be paid for in advance.

An Initial Consultation would be at a cost of £90.00 pounds. Then For example 12 sessions of students counselling fees £720.00  You can break the payment down into four payments of £180.00 pounds.

Payments in advance: Book 6 sessions of 1--1 individual counselling for £375.00 pounds. (Saving £75.00) Any session that are rearranged will accrue an additional charge.

Payments in advance for Couples: Book 6 sessions for £450.00. (Saving £90.00)

(60 Minutes)

Payments in advance for Couples: Book 6 sessions for £600.00 pounds. (60 Minutes)

(Saving £120.00)

Payments in advance for home visits: Book 6 sessions of home visits £120.00 for 60 minutes £600.00 (Saving £120.00 Pounds)

Payments in advance for Home Visits: Book 6 sessions of home visits at a cost of £150.00 for 90 minutes £750.00 (Saving £150.00)

Payments in advance for groups: Please note that my groups are on hold at the moment. My groups were held on a Thursday evening, and they started at 6:30pm and run until 8:00pm. Initial consultations to join a group would be at a cost of £50.00 pounds then the cost of the Eight group weekly sessions would be at a cost of £400:00 All Groups on hold at the moment.

Corringham Room Only

Thurrock Christian Fellowship

2-4 Chase Road

Corringham

Stanford Le Hope

SS17 7QH

I offer telephone counselling and Zoom counselling at a cost of £75.00 pounds for up to 50 Minutes. (If you book six sessions £375.00 a small saving of £75.00 pounds)

Please note that my supervision fees have increased to £75.00 pounds for 90 minutes.

Please contact me if you would like to know any more about the above. Please contact me on 07428911002. Or email.me ktottman@btinternet.com

Experience of working with 1-1 clients with different issues, also relationship counselling between couples and family members. Eating disorders, also mild moderate and severe depression. Post traumatic stress disorders known as PTSD. Grief counselling pre and post bereavement counselling, as creates a safe space to explore difficult times within our lives..

My list of experience grows over the years:

• Mental Health Stress-Anxiety-Phobias-Depression-Post-Natal Depression-Bipolar Disorder-Schizophrenia-Dementia-Eating Disorders-ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-OCD Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder- PTSD-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Anger management Programme

• Anxiety (e.g. social anxiety and general anxiety)

• Trauma
• Sexually Compulsive Behaviour
• Substance Misuse
• Addictive Behaviour
• Stress
• Relationship difficulties
• Panic Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• OCD
• Anger difficulties
• PTSD
• Bipolar
• Phobias
• Personality Disorder
• Pain Management/and dealing with an illness
• Depression

Lack of self-esteem as well as difficulties within ones life.

I worked for Open Door as part of their youth intervention team for 10 years, along side St Lukes Hospice. I left Open Door in June 2019. I am currently still working for St Lukes Hospice, as well as private practice.

My main job role included one to one counselling supporting young people in schools in Thurrock. I also by planning and executing workshops dealing with issues of bullying, low self esteem. friendship and bereavement workshops.

I joined St Luke's to complete my counselling diploma, although after I qualified I volunteered for St Luke's for a further year to gain experience in working with clients, that had bereavement issues with family members of patients at the hospice. These clients were battling with cancer themselves, or a family member and they worked through this difficult time to overcome issues they are faced with one to one counselling support. 
As of November 2013 I started as  seasonal counsellor for Luke's Counselling  where I work one to one with my clients with bereavement related issues.

Since July 2019 I joined St Luke's' team on a permanent basis, bringing all my knowledge and experience that I have gained over the last 15 years.

Some of the different examples of the kind of issues my clients have brought to my counselling sessions were clients with Low self esteem, Trauma, Anxiety, Relationship difficulties, including family relationships, also  Depression, and Anger Management. Grief cycle and unresolved grief, Anger problems related with alcohol and drugs, Fear and domestic violence, Rape and guilt and shame also many other issues.

Counselling can offer you warm safe environment where you can share your feelings. Whether this is due to feeling lost and alone or just want a helping hand to find your way, counselling will help you to explore difficult times in your life, and help you have a better understanding and develop confidence which enhances positive change for a more fulfilling happier life, because feelings are what makes us express our selves as humans. My counselling sessions will connect thoughts and feelings, and together work through why negative experience can drain and effect us in life, and to find solutions together. Emotions can be very powerful, and create sadness within life. Together with not feeling positive, and to work through theses thoughts and feelings are important to restore the balance in life. Counselling can be a journey and to work through negative feelings to feel complete, be positive and enjoy a happier life.

What my clients say:

Dear Karen

I wish to say thank you for helping my son when his need was great.

My son hit a low point in his life and was in need of therapy, my friend recommended your services and from there on you helped him rebuild and find himself once again.

Even though you were very busy with clients you managed to accommodate him and for that I will be forever grateful.

I will be recommending your service to others.

Thank you and take care

Teresa

P.s. I give permission for this to be shared on the sites that you advertise on.

Karen has been seeing me for over three years now, as I have some good days and some days that my therapy helps me get through and gives me an understanding of my overwhelming thoughts and feelings. Karen has helped me to explore my past history, also linking how my past has effected my life especially within my personal relationships. As I had been through difficult times especially throughout my divorce I felt supported and heard.

M...…….

I give Karen permission for this to be shared on the sites that she advertiser's on