MEET KARINA
I believe everyone deserves a space where they feel heard and valued.
My work is shaped by both personal experience and many years supporting people to better understand themselves, their needs, and their relationships.
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS & COUPLES
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A TIME TO FOCUS ON YOU
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SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS & COUPLES ༶ A TIME TO FOCUS ON YOU ༶
THIS IS MY STORY
I understand what it's like to struggle, and I know just how powerful the right support can be.
I have helped individuals who find it difficult to express themselves and take time for self-care - often putting others' needs above their own. I understand from personal experience how challenging this can be, but I also know the profound difference that a safe, supportive space to talk can make. My background means I genuinely appreciate your struggles and am well-equipped to help you discover your authentic self and live a life that honours your own needs and aspirations.
Having experienced my own difficulties in relationships, personal counselling helped me find my own voice, prioritise wellbeing, focus on my needs, leading to more genuine and fulfilling relationships. I know it can be hard to reach out and think that it’s me I’m the problem - I don’t deserve therapy. You may think only big problems are worthy of therapy but nothing is too small. I’ll do my best to encourage you and help you to feel important.
MY MISSION
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To empower individuals to cultivate more fulfilling relationships by developing healthy connections with themselves and others - making space for their own needs.
Karina
MY CORE VALUES
The Values That Guide How I Work
Respect
You are met with care, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Your experiences and individuality are always respected.
Empowerment
Believing in the client's capacity to find their own solutions and develop the skills to set and develop positive relationships.
Clarity
Providing clear, straightforward guidance to clients on how to identify, communicate, and honour their needs in a way that promotes understanding.
Wellbeing
Your emotional and mental wellbeing are central to our work. We focus on recognising your needs and supporting lasting balance.
Kindness
Kindness underpins everything I do - towards you and towards the parts of yourself that may feel difficult to acknowledge.
Professionalism
Clear ethical boundaries, confidentiality, and safety underpin a trusting therapeutic relationship where meaningful work can take place.
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I was part of a pioneering NHS wellbeing initiative supporting people who had fallen through gaps in traditional services due to poverty, discrimination, and inequality. My role involved listening to individuals’ stories, building long-term relationships, and helping them identify the support they needed.
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I work in a trauma-informed way, recognising how early and ongoing experiences can shape emotional wellbeing and relationships. This includes supporting people affected by bereavement, family breakdown, addiction in the home, care experiences, and exposure to domestic violence.
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I have supported individuals who have experienced racism, discrimination, and a sense of othering within their communities. My approach is culturally aware, respectful, and sensitive to how identity and social context can affect mental health.
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Throughout my work, I have supported individuals navigating a wide range of challenges in both childhood and adulthood. I offer a steady, understanding space to explore how these experiences continue to affect you and what you need moving forward.
MORE KEY INFO
Experience & Qualifications
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I have both personal and professional experience working with neurodivergent individuals and understand the challenges of navigating neurotypical expectations. My approach is flexible and responsive, adapting to how you communicate and process the world.
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Alongside my private practice, I work part-time at Place2Be, providing counselling for primary-aged children. I use creativity and play to help children explore their feelings and make sense of their experiences in a safe, supportive way.
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Professional accreditation reflects a commitment to ethical practice, ongoing learning, and regular supervision, ensuring a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.
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BA (Hons), PGCE
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Currently studying - Level 5 Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People (Completion date July 2026)
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me cooking Caribbean food for friends and family or out running, often training for marathons.