Karen Oberheim

I work in the evenings on weekdays either from a room in central Ripon, on-line or on the telephone. 

We often feel like we have to face things alone and that if we can't we have somehow failed, but that's not a fair judgement to make of ourselves. We are not evolved to be alone, in fact, the opposite is true and by sharing life's challenges, we can find hope where there previously was none. Sharing our most challenging experiences, thoughts and feelings is easier said than done which is why it is helpful to have someone outside of our everyday life who can listen without judgement. 

Whatever your challenges are, I look forward to the opportunity to understand them as fully as I can, how they are affecting you and how I can help you to find a way forward.

My aim is to provide support, therapeutic skills and knowledge so that you can find ways to alleviate the symptoms of whatever you are experiencing so that you can start to build a life more in line with what you ideally want. I will be by your side to listen, to enquire, to reassure and to guide you in the direction that you would like to go. And don't worry if you currently have no idea what direction you would like to go in, I'm here to work through that with you too if that's what you need. 

Reasons for seeking counselling are as varied and unique as people are themselves so my aim is to find the approach that is as unique as you are. It may be that your aim is to improve relationships, reduce stress, resolve a dilemma, work through a difficult experience, increase resilience, increase personal agency, find purpose or simply to have space to be yourself without judgement. These are just a few examples and your reasons for seeking therapy may be entirely different. There is no issue too big or too small that may require assistance.

I trained with the Northern Guild for Counselling and Psychotherapy with a core model of Transactional Analysis (See below for description of what this is). I was also taught a large variety of other theoretical approaches and ways of working. Since qualifying I’ve continued to attend regular training sessions with experts and peers to deepen and broaden my skills and knowledge.

In counselling there are many different ways of modelling the human mind and of working with clients. The ones that I most commonly use are;

Holistic – Considering a person in their entirety; their personality, history, health, family situation, stresses, loves, culture, living conditions, work, spirituality to name only a few aspects that impact on overall wellness

Person Centred – Working in this way means that I believe the person themselves has ultimate authority on how they are doing and what is best for them

Transactional Analysis – a model of three states of being; Adult, Child and Parent with the ultimate goal of integrating all three

Relational – considering the ways in which we interact with each other in the therapy, how this translates to everyday life and how we relate to ourselves

Phenomenological – using information from the way our body and emotions respond to the world to guide us in an approach to positive change

It is important that we are a good fit so I offer a first session at reduced rate. During this session you can let me know what you are looking for and I can discuss how we might work together to reach your goals. If at the end of the session you would like to continue, we can discuss how many sessions you would like to begin with or if you don't think it's for you, there is no obligation to continue and I may be able to suggest some alternative therapists who could help.

I am currently registering interest for membership of one of several therapeutic groups that I will be starting soon and that will take place fortnightly on either a Monday evening or a Thursday evening at 6.30pm until 8pm (90 mins).

One group will be in-person and will be held in a lovely, purpose-built counselling suite just outside York. This group will be co-facilitated by myself and my trusted colleague, Pete Braham (https://www.peterbraham.com) and will be fortnightly on either a Monday or a Thursday from 6pm until 7.30pm.

This is a more cost effective way to engage with counselling at £30 per 90 min session, fortnightly.

Whether groups run on a Thursday or a Monday will depend on interest and availability of the venue.

Both groups will be a minimum of 5 and maximum of 8 people.

Simply email me with 'Interested' in the email header for more information or write to me with any queries you may have. 

Like many therapists I was inspired to become qualified due to the many benefits I gained from working with a number of wonderful counsellors on my own issues. I wanted to be of service to others in the same way and so began my training journey many years ago.

Something that has stood out to me is that no matter how much training I engage in (and there is a bottomless supply), nothing holds a candle to time spent with clients who have taught me so much. 

Within a therapeutic group, anyone can experience not only their own growth/healing but that of others too. The unique group process equips members to translate their growth to their lives outside of the group meaning that change is much more effective and lasting than it might be having experienced it only with a counsellor.

My counselling training was with the Northern Guild for Counselling and Psychotherapy and my Group training was with Maya Gagni, a very experienced and respected therapist who has been teaching group therapy for decades as well as running her own very successful practice. 

My aim is to create an environment of warmth and compassion, mixed with a supportive and positive approach to the development of individuals as well as the group as a whole. 

What I am Offering

I am excited to offer a therapeutic experience for individuals to join others in fortnightly sessions to develop deep connections, gain support, experience personal growth, increased self-awareness, increase authenticity, gain understanding and much more.

Who is Group For?

• Interpersonal issues (friendships, relating to others, connection)
• Social anxiety
• Isolation / loneliness
• Relationship challenges
• Self-esteem problems / low self-worth
• Unclear sense of self
• Lack of direction in life
• Poor personal boundaries (either too loose or too rigid) e.g. you give too much of yourself or you find it hard to get close to people

As the facilitator, I will do everything I can to ensure members take care of and respect others in the group, however, group work relies on real feelings, opinions and thoughts being expressed which may not align with your own. This is approached mindfully, carefully and with clear boundaries, however, if you feel you might struggle with this, group may not be for you.

Who would Not Benefit?

If you are in a place in your life when you need a great deal of support, you have something very private and difficult to share for the first time, you have a very specific issue you want to work through or you would struggle with any degree of conflict then individual therapy may be a better choice. 

How do I know if Group is right for me? 

Prior to joining a group, we will have an individual conversation over the phone or online. During this session I'll get to know a bit about you and find out what you would like to gain from being in the group. I'll ask questions to make sure group is right for you and there will be ample opportunity to ask questions and to address any apprehension or fears that you may have.

Joining a group of strangers with the knowledge that you will be expected to contribute to the group and to share your true thoughts and feelings can be a daunting prospect, but please be reassured that my style of facilitation is compassionate and nurturing and no one will be pushed into contributing when they are not ready.

As everyone will be starting the group at the same time, I'll provide opportunity for introductions and settling in. The pace will be sensitive to the group process and no one will be put on the spot or pushed into contributing if they don't feel ready.

After the group has established itself and people are comfortable, members will be invited to start to explore ways of communicating their true thoughts and feelings whilst remaining respectful and thoughtful towards others. Members will be encouraged to remain curious rather than judgemental and to be open to learning more about themselves and others. An important aspect of the group is that it will be supportive and encouraging, allowing each individual to be themselves and to be appreciated for their unique qualities.