- Practical coping strategies
- Values-led work
- Short-term and ongoing support
About Karen
Karen Spilsbury is a counsellor practising in the United Kingdom with eight years of professional experience. She supports people facing stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, trauma and abuse, and struggles with self-esteem. Karen aims to make the first steps into therapy feel manageable and respectful of each persons strengths and story.
Her approach starts from the view that each person knows their life best. She listens for what matters to the client and helps draw out personal resources that can be used to move through hard times. Sessions focus on practical steps and small changes that fit into everyday life.
Karen draws on a mix of evidence-informed approaches. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients clarify values and take action, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to address thinking patterns that feed anxiety. She also uses client-centred techniques to keep the persons experience central, plus elements from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and hypnotherapy as useful tools when appropriate.
Her work commonly covers coping with major life changes, communication and relationship stresses, and difficulties linked to abandonment, attachment or codependency. She also supports people dealing with substance use and domestic violence-related distress.
Karen works in English. She does not accept international clients. To begin, clients follow the sites Start Therapy process and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling.
Her approach starts from the view that each person knows their life best. She listens for what matters to the client and helps draw out personal resources that can be used to move through hard times. Sessions focus on practical steps and small changes that fit into everyday life.
Karen draws on a mix of evidence-informed approaches. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients clarify values and take action, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to address thinking patterns that feed anxiety. She also uses client-centred techniques to keep the persons experience central, plus elements from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and hypnotherapy as useful tools when appropriate.
Her work commonly covers coping with major life changes, communication and relationship stresses, and difficulties linked to abandonment, attachment or codependency. She also supports people dealing with substance use and domestic violence-related distress.
Karen works in English. She does not accept international clients. To begin, clients follow the sites Start Therapy process and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)HypnotherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
NCPS · United Kingdom
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and online support
Karen commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in her work. ACT helps people clarify what matters to them and take values-led actions, which can be useful for stress, anxiety and motivation issues. CBT focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and offers practical techniques to reduce anxiety and change unhelpful patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. The therapist will work together with the person to choose which methods suit their goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs shift and progress is reviewed.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments around work and family life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Talk with the therapist about what will work best for you and how to shape sessions to match your day-to-day routine.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and coping with life changes.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are collaborative and practical. She focuses on the clients strengths and works on small, manageable steps between meetings.
How long has she been practising?
She has eight years of professional experience working with people on a range of concerns.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds NCPS and practices in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What are the steps to start therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapists availability.