Karen Mackey

I want my practice to be flexible to meet your needs and can usually find a time for most clients.  Whilst I know it works well for many clients to come along weekly, there is no obligation to do so or to commit to a set number of sessions with me.  

I see individuals and couples. In personal counselling I specialize in self-esteem and people wanting to take stock of their lives whilst partner work is often rooted in developing better communication, understanding and deepening the relationship. Whatever you bring, we will work together to find ways forward which feel healthier and happier.

You will have space to be heard and understood; being with a Counsellor outside your usual social and family groups, allows you to talk openly in a way which may not be possible with those very close to you because you are emotionally involved with them and they with you.

I have been a Counsellor and Assessor at Catalyst, a Guildford based drug, alcohol and well-being charity and am now a volunteer counsellor at RASASC, working with sexual abuse. Over many years I have worked with individual adults of all ages who bring a wide range of issues. Whatever the situation, in Counselling we can consider different options and explore what those look like to you. 

It is vital that the Counselling relationship will work for you, that you are comfortable talking to me and trust me,  To this end, I offer free 15 minute Whatsapp or Zoom calls before you book a first appointment.

Couples Counselling looks to strengthen your relationship: whether you are having particular difficulties currently or are seeking ways to deepen your connection. Sometimes Counselling can also help couples to part more easily. If you are considering Couples Counselling, both partners need to contact me directly so that I know this is what you both want, and I have permission to get in touch.

I offer affordable, flexible counselling from an upstairs room in my home which has easy parking just outside. My room is calm and quiet allowing you space to talk freely. 

For individual clients who prefer shorter sessions, there is the possibility of a one-hour initial session followed by 30-minute appointments over Zoom.

You can begin to feel comfortable talking to me and get a sense of whether my counselling will be helpful.

I will tell you a little more about how I work, and you can ask any questions you may have. We will look at what you are hoping to gain from sessions and what might have helped or hindered previously. From there I will ask for a little more background information so we can start to see whether and what support networks are in place for you. By the end of the session, we will both have a common understanding of what has brought you to Counselling and may have begun to work together.