Karen Morton

Please email me for current availability and to arrange a free 20 minute introductory Zoom or phone call. Many thanks.

I have a special interest in supporting clients with anxiety and trauma, as well as chronic pain and illness. I work somatically,  exploring the inextricable connection between the mind, thoughts and emotions and how they are expressed in the body, for example, in sensations and symptoms.

Anxiety and Trauma

Therapy can help you work through your anxiety, understand and acknowledge triggers and fears, and find new ways of coping. There are many techniques that we can use to support this, and I work with you so that we can discover which are appropriate for you. 

If you are experiencing physical symptoms such as headaches, IBS or joint pain, your body may be literally carrying or holding the weight of your anxiety and trauma. From a mind-body perspective we explore the link between your physical symptoms and your anxiety and trauma.

Chronic Pain and Chronic Illness

I work with clients with chronic pain and illness, such as migraines, IBS, CFS/ME, and fibromyalgia. Treatment for chronic conditions is mainly focused on managing, often debilitating, physical symptoms. However, the psychological and emotional impact of these conditions and symptoms are equally relevant and important.

Both your physical and psychological symptoms need addressing from a holistic mind-body perspective, whatever the cause. All pain is created in our brain. Therefore, whether it originates from a structural or emotional cause, the pain you experience is no different. Our understanding of pain has shifted greatly in recent years and neuroscience research has recognised pain's biopsychosocial component and that a mind-body approach may be of great benefit in pain and symptom reduction.

As an experienced psychotherapist, and a SIRPA practitioner, I support clients with adverse childhood experiences (‘ACE’s’) and trauma, as we safely explore the link between your physical and psychological symptoms, and where appropriate incorporating and/or adapting SIRPA, and other mindbody approaches, with psychotherapy.

You can choose to work with me online, or face-to-face at my Rickmansworth therapy space, or a combination of the two (blended approach). 

I have a post-graduate diploma and MA in psychotherapy and counselling from Regents University London.

I have undertaken a research project on the lived experience of chronic pain and the implications for psychotherapy.

I have undertaken extensive additional training as a SIRPA Practitioner (Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners Association), and other approaches such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy.

You are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

I understand that this can seem a daunting process - I offer a free 20 minute video or phone call so that we can discuss how I can best support you.

The first session is an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves and to consider whether you would like to work with me. We discuss what has brought you to therapy, and I will ask for some information on your family history and current circumstances as well as to talk through any questions or concerns you have.

I am currently undertaking a Level 6 Diploma in Integrative Supervision for Individuals and Groups with The Grove Practice. I am now available for individual and group sessions with supervisees at discounted rates whilst I complete my training. Sessions are available online or in person in my therapy space in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire.

My supervisory framework is the 7-Eyed Model as it allows us to look at the work from different lenses: 

1. The client’s world - their lived experience.

2. The therapist’s/supervisee’s interventions, techniques and goals.

3. The process and relationship between the therapist/supervisee and the client; exploring conscious and unconscious processes between you and your client.

4. The therapist’s/supervisee’s process, attending to your own emotional and somatic responses to your client’s material; your internal process.

5. Parallel process, identifying how your client’s dynamics might be mirrored in our relationship as supervisor and supervisee; the here- and-now relationship.

6. The internal experience as supervisor; the sharing of the supervisor’s emotional and somatic responses to the material presented.

7. The wider context, considering ethical frameworks, professional standards of relevant membership bodies, organisational requirements, etc.

I believe that supervision is a collaborative process and we will work to your agenda, as the supervisee, within the framework and focus agreed at the start of each supervision session. I will offer you guidance, support and supportive challenge.

My approach

I am an experienced qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy. As a registered and accredited member of the Â鶹ԭ´´,  I am insured to practice, receive appropriate standards of supervision and undertake relevant Continuing Professional Development. I abide by the guidelines, code of ethics and professional practice standards set out by the Â鶹ԭ´´.

I am an integrative therapist in private practice, working with adults, from young to the elderly. My approach is a blend of psychodynamic, existential and humanistic approaches. I have also undertaken significant additional training, including trauma and suicide prevention, focusing and other somatic practices. I have an in-depth understanding of somatic mindbody approaches.

Additionally, I am a SIRPA practitioner, specialising in chronic pain and chronic illness, and am also trained in Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy.

I have a successful and thriving private practice and I can support you to build the same. I also have experience of working as a therapist in a wellbeing practice as well as with a charitable organisation, so I have an understanding of the support, pressures, requirements and issues that may arise when working with an organisation.

Fees

Whilst I complete my Diploma, I am offering reduced rates for supervision as a supervisor in training:

Individual Supervision (50 minutes): £25

Individual Supervision (1.5 hours): £40

Group Supervision (1.5 hours): £15 per supervisee (maximum of 4 per group).

My supervisory work is overseen by my own clinical supervisor.

For more information and to arrange a free 20-minute introductory Zoom call, please contact me.

I offer a free 20-minute introductory Zoom call so we can have a discussion about what you are looking for and how I can support you as a supervisor.