Karen Walker

Welcome I’m Karen.

Many people experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, panic attacks and/or other psychological difficulties at some point in their lives.

Thoughts and feelings about difficult relationships, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, infidelity, caregiving, isolation, bereavement or a sense of inner conflict can give rise to mental distress too.

Many people decide to engage in therapy having had a mental health diagnosis because they wish to understand this and themselves better. Others use counselling to add value, by exploring what they want from life, for example.

Whilst the origins of thoughts and feelings are often difficult to identify, they can become overwhelming, even manifest in physical difficulties and psychological symptoms. Counselling/psychotherapy can help you understand, tolerate or accept how you feel. It can help you begin to make personal change, if this is what you want.

Training, Qualifications and Experience

Professionl tutor in counselling and psychotherapy at The University of Edinburgh.

My training as a therapist is added to 15 years’ experience meeting the additional support needs of young people and their families in education and taking responsibility for their inclusion. This lead to my interest in working with clients experiencing any type of family or relationship issues.

My corporate experience spans employment in a number of sectors of the economy, in the UK and abroad. I also have an interest in working with clients who encounter workplace stress or relational difficulties.

I advocate for the importance of equaliy and inclusion. My studies in diversity and a passion for equity contribute to my satisfaction when working with clients. I welcome the opportunity to work with those who experience any physical, psychological or societal barriers to living.

Qualifications

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body

BSc (Hons), MSc Psychology - The Open University

Postgraduate Certificate of Inclusive Practice - University of Aberdeen

Postgraduate Certificate of Education - University of South Africa

Foundation Degree in Counselling - The Open University

Certificate Psychoanalytic Group Analysis - Institute of Group Analysis

Diploma Stage 1 Professional Education Scheme - (Now Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) - Edinburgh Napier University Business School

Â鶹ԭ´´s

Registered Member British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - Reg. MÂ鶹ԭ´´

Practitioner Member Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland - PMCOSCA

Graduate Member (2009) The British Psychological Society - GMBPsS

Associate Member - Institute of Group Analysis - AMIGA

I am a member of the PVG Scheme

I subscribe to and use Zoom as an online platform.

I offer short and long term, psychodynamic counselling/psychotherapy in Kinross, Edinburgh and worldwide online.

I work with individuals (adults over the age of 16 years), couples and groups.

Psychodynamic Counselling/Psychotherapy

The psychodynamic approach is derived from psychoanalysis, it makes use of over 100 years of clinical research and theory. This psychotherapeutic model foregrounds the importance of relationships and past experience in shaping current thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Psychodynamic therapy makes the assumption that, without exploration, much of what we are uncertain or ‘conflicted’  about is not readily available to our conscious awareness. Unlike other types of therapy, psychodynamic approaches  support the individual to go beyond self-knowledge which is consciously available in order to address  painful issues which may be hidden (unconsciously). Therapists aim to build an accepting and trusting relationship and encourage clients  to talk about past experiences and relationships. Techniques used include, for example: free association, interpretation (where meanings given to thoughts/wishes are considered) and transference, where feelings experienced in previous significant relationships are thought about in terms of current relationships and the relationship built between the client and therapist (Â鶹ԭ´´ 2023).

I offer a free initial  telephone enquiry wherein we can think about your needs and whether the type of therapy I offer seems right for you. Following that, we may arrange an initial consultation. I will take a ‘history’ and invite you to tell me more about what you would like to work on. We will think about whether we seem to be a good fit to work together and consider the delivery type and whether short or longer term therapy might best suits your need.

The initial consultation confers no obligation on either party to commit to further sessions. Please note, the initial consultation is chargeable at the usual session fee.

Consultation fees

Individual 70.00 gbp

Couple (any pairing) 80.00  gbp

Group fees by arrangement. 

Sessions are 50 mins.

Highest Clinical and Ethical Standards

As a registered member of a counselling profession representative body, The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´), I work in accordance with it’s Ethical Framework. Additionally, I am a counsellor on the Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland - COSCA’s register which has been accredited  by the Professional Standard Authority. I adhere to COSCA’s  Statement of Ethics and code of Practice too. I am subject to the Â鶹ԭ´´ and COSCA’s complaints procedures.

I engage in continuing professional development and take regular clinical supervision.

The name of the practice is Candid Consulting Ltd, the work is fully insured.

In addition to private practice, I dedicate a number of hours each week to philanthropic work. 

Deciding whether to have engage in counselling/psychotherapy can be difficult. If you are considering trying therapy for the first time the first step is to make contact by confidential email or telephone (07500 369 007). I can talk with you (without charge) in the strictest confidence  about what to expect and answer any questions you may have. This gives you the chance to think about whether you would like to work with me.