Karen Alford

Hi I'm Karen, I have a BA (Hons) Counselling. I am an experienced Registered MBACP (Accred) Counsellor and Stress Management Counsellor. My Private Practice is based in Esher. I have 25 years experience working in Mental Health.

I work with a broad spectrum of relationship issues, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, low self esteem, low mood and confidence issues. These are just a few of the areas I am experienced at working with. I provide a respectful, safe, non-judgemental and confidential environment for you to explore what is troubling you. We can work through life's challenges together. I am there to support and facilitate you to meet your individual needs, and to enhance your wellbeing. We can explore how you can live in a more satisfying and resourceful way, through Counselling, Stress Management and Life Coaching Skills. Sometimes we may need an objective person to talk to. Counselling provides a unique space, where you can dedicate much needed time to yourself. Counselling and Coaching help raise awareness and choice, whilst gaining skills and strategies to support and enhance your wellbeing and life. I will assist you to unlock the answers that lie within you.

Weekend sessions are available if required. 

I am an Integrative Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, with experience of working in Mental Health since 1991. 

I take a Holistic view of client needs, tailoring the work to meet your individual frame of reference and specific requirements. 

My journey started as a Maudsley Hospital trained RMN working on a wide variety of acute and in-patient settings and specialist wards. This training was underpinned by Person Centred Values and training, which still holds dear to me today. I branched out to study additional Mindfulness training, Stress Management, Anatomy, Physiology, and Bodywork, exploring various Mind, Body Spirit connections inherent in fostering good Wellbeing. 

I have a BA (Hons) in Counselling and am a NLP Practitioner and Coach. I have completed extensive CBT skills, diploma's and CPD training. 

As part of my Counselling training I experienced my own therapy and understand the benefits of therapy both personally and professionally. 

I provide an empathic, confidential, non judgemental space to explore and process any issues you wish to address. I appreciate that having Counselling/Psychotherapy is an important decision, and I will collaboratively work with you to increase your awareness, choice and personal empowerment. 

Currently I am also working as a Counsellor in the NHS. 

I work with adult individuals, aged 18yrs and over and also with couples. The work is both short term and longer term depending on your needs. 

There are points in our life when we all need a space to be heard, seen, validated and respectfully listened to. 

Life can feel overwhelming at times. I will be alongside you to explore and understand your innermost needs, supporting you on your journey.

I will complete a thorough assessment with you which can take a couple of sessions, we can look at your goals, if you wish to work in this way, or we can work more organically on your process. 

I have experience of working with a wide range of issues, experiences and emotions. You will gain clarity on your own triggers, stress response, cognitive, emotional, psychological and relational needs. 

Your unique worldview is important to me and your perspectives. I strive to understand you more deeply and will draw upon my holistic experience and integration to find the best fit for your personal growth and development. 

I work shift work as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist in the NHS and work flexibly around this to see Private clients. 

Assessments are thorough and can take one or two sessions. Because they are detailed, assessments are £65 per session.

I have a few face to face spaces within my Private Practice which get filled quickly. When this is the case, I offer online Teams Video-Call Meetings, or Telephone Calls where I work in the same way. All Individual Sessions are £65 per session. Couples Work is £120 per session. 

Sessions take place at the same time each week ideally and last 50 minutes/or 1hr 20 minutes for couples. Peoples schedules and work life balance can necessitate adaptability, and I appreciate this. I often work with people who travel extensively for their roles/jobs; for example: in the Performing Arts, Musicians, Olympic Athletes, Professional Athletes, Business Leaders, or Individuals in the Emergency Services working shifts etc.. The demands of life, study, home, work, adapting to life changes/stressors, loss, pressures, parenting, carer roles and everything in-between!  .. These factors all require a compassionate flexible approach. 

Within sessions we cover expectations, any special requirements you have, including the boundaries of the work. 

If we are are happy to work together we contract the specific details of our work together. 

Therapists adhere to the Ethical BACP guidelines and maintain these standards, alongside professional insurance and GDPR data protection. Continual professional development and awareness of current evidenced based practice and changes in mental health, wellbeing and personal development are uppermost. 

I also draw upon coaching models, including performance and health coaching practice.