Karina Lawrence
About me
I am a fully qualified, integrative counsellor (Psychotherapy, CBT and Person-Centred) and I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). I understand that contemplating counselling can be a daunting experience, but I want to reassure you that I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space for you to be listened to, and I have a calm, warm and empathic approach. Each session is led by you and at a pace which feels comfortable. I firmly believe the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one, and we can work together to explore your feelings and emotions within a safe and supportive setting, and to take the first steps towards self-healing, growth and empowerment.
I previously worked as a teacher, so I am fully aware of how stress and anxiety can have a fundamental impact on securing a manageable work-life balance, both for the individual and for families.
As well as my private practice, I work as a secondary school counsellor, and I have a vast amount of experience of working with a range of areas including anxiety and depression, panic attacks, self-esteem and body image, suicidal ideation, OCD, body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRDs), self-harm, sexuality, body dysmorphia, bereavement and addiction. I have a private counselling room at home, and I offer telephone as well as online counselling. I resumed face to face counselling on 20th August (in accordance with Government guidelines), whilst still offering sessions remotely for those clients who prefer it.
Due to this unprecedented time of COVID-19, and what is becoming the 'new normal', I understand individuals may be feeling lonely, anxious and worried but I am here to offer support. I also understand how difficult it could be to take the first step and reach out, and that is why you can email me or speak to me on the telephone if you have any questions. I offer a free 15 minute telephone consultation to ensure I am the right counsellor for you, and we can work together.
I can offer both short and long term counselling.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training and Qualifications:
- Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB)
- BACP Certificate of Proficiency
- Certificate in Counselling Studies (CPCAB)
-
PhD Representation of Gender and Sexuality
Experience:
- Secondary School Counsellor
- NHS Project5 Wellbeing Specialist
- Mind Counselling Service
- Covid Crisis Herts Counselling
- The Perry Clayman Project (Addiction)
- Signpost (Working with Young People and Adults)
- Lecturer in Counselling at West Herts College
Further Training Courses:
- BACP & Open University: How to do Counselling Online - A Coronavirus Primer
- Online and Telephone Counselling
- Dealing with Distress: Working with Suicide and Self-Harm
- Working with Clients who Self-Harm
- Preparing to Work with Sexual Abuse
- Preparing to Work with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Trauma and Brain Plasticity
- Attachment Theory
- Working with Bereaved Children
- Working with Hard-to-Help Clients
- Counselling Clients in Substance Misuse
- Single Session Therapy
- AH-HA Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Safeguarding Children and Young People: Level Three
- Herts County Council: Level One Safeguarding and Prevent Training
- West Herts College: Working with Trauma
Member organisations
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
BACP is one of the UK’s largest professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy. Therapists registered with the Association fall into a number of different membership categories such as Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP and Registered Member MBACP (Accred), each standing for different levels of training and experience. MBACP (Accred) and MBACP (Snr Accred) members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.
Registered members can be found on the BACP Register, which was the first register to achieve Accredited Voluntary Register status issued by the Professional Standards Authority. Individual Members will have completed an appropriate counselling and/or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but will not appear on the BACP Register until they've progressed to Registered Member MBACP status.
All members are bound by a Code of Ethics & Practice and a Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Availability
Flexible
Further information
- My practice is within walking distance of all public transport
- Free parking on drive
- I can offer day-time, evening and weekend sessions
- I am fully insured and have regular supervision to support my work