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KIC COUNSELLING
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Karen Cooper
Hello, my name is Karen. I understand that beginning a journey into counselling can be a challenging experience, especially when taking that initial step. I appreciate your interest in my website profile. You are welcome to get in touch to see if we work well together. I offer a free 15-minute consultation, so please get in touch with me whether you feel ready to start counselling or simply have a few questions. I am happy to help and see if we can work together.
Karen Cooper
Every person and their life experience is unique
No two individuals experience life and its challenges in the same way, which is a common misconception in the broader world. People may need to be genuinely heard when they seek help by sharing problems with family and friends. This can leave a person feeling isolated, vulnerable, and alone with their emotional pain, unsure of what to do next.
As a person-centred counsellor, I am dedicated to guiding you through your journey. The therapeutic relationship is important; together, we will uncover the insights you already possess. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space for you to express yourself honestly and at your own pace. My practice emphasises an anti-oppressive approach, striving to eliminate power imbalances and create an equal environment free from oppression.
Additionally, I am open to utilising various creative methods tailored to the needs of different client groups if you believe this would benefit you.
I have experience supporting clients facing a range of challenges, including loss, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, gender and sexual identity (GRSD for LGBT+ individuals), stress, low self-esteem, and neurodiversity, with 14 years of experience working in mental health. For issues that may be challenging, we can build upon your resilience, healing, and capacity for growth.
I am a Qualified Therapeutic Counsellor with extensive training and experience. Holding a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Level 5 and a SEG Level 5 Certificate in Working Therapeutically with LGBTQ (GSRD) individuals, I also have a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Counselling. My qualifications include Level 3 Integrative Counselling, Mental Health First Aid, and Suicide Prevention Training, equipping me to provide compassionate, person-centred support tailored to your needs.
Counselling is a collaborative process where you express your emotions in a supportive environment at your own pace. This helps you address your concerns and develop effective coping skills. The counsellor listens, offers support, and provides guidance as needed. In person-centred therapy, you lead the sessions, exploring meaningful topics while the therapist helps you with self-acceptance and personal growth
What is counselling and how can it help?
Imagine you’re carrying a heavy backpack filled with rocks. Each rock represents a worry, stress, or painful experience. Counselling is like finding a guide who helps you sit down, and unpack that backpack your way.
Counselling is like having, someone who is genuinely interested in understanding you and supporting you on your journey. Sitting down with a counsellor who will be there not to judge or fix you but to really listen and help you navigate your own path.
In a person-centred approach, you set the pace because you are the expert on your own life. The counsellor follows your lead, exploring the topics that matter most to you. They foster a genuine connection by building a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental relationship, creating a space where you feel safe to be yourself. The goal is to empower you to find your own solutions and make decisions that align with your values and aspirations. This approach focuses on your strengths rather than just addressing problems, highlighting your potential and helping you build on what you already have. Ultimately, it’s about supporting your personal growth and self-discovery, allowing you to become the best version of yourself.
Counselling is offering support and guidance tailored specifically to you and your unique needs. It’s like having a trusted person on your journey toward self-awareness, healing, and personal growth. But it is about what you need to discuss and work through at your own pace.
What happens during a counselling session?
Before diving into the actual counselling session, there is often some initial paperwork and contract setup to ensure everything is clear and professional. Initially, you might be asked to fill out forms that include personal information, medical history, and details about your current concerns or reasons for seeking counselling. One key document is the informed consent, which outlines the counselling process, confidentiality policies, and your rights as a client. By signing it, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to these terms.
Additionally, a contract agreement covers practical details such as the frequency and length of sessions, fees, cancellation policies, and any specific goals for the counselling. This ensures both you and the counsellor have a clear understanding of what to expect. There is also a confidentiality agreement, which guarantees that anything you share during your sessions remains private, with a few exceptions like if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
Once the paperwork is sorted, the actual counselling sessions can begin. This step helps create a professional and trusting foundation for your therapeutic relationship, ensuring that you are fully informed and comfortable with the process.
How many sessions will I need?
My approach will be tailored to your specific needs, and we will discuss this during our first session. Generally, clients find it beneficial to review their progress around the sixth session. At this point, we can evaluate what has been effective, address any additional needs, and discuss any concerns you might have. There’s no set limit to the number of sessions, so you can continue as long as you find it helpful. This flexible approach ensures that your counselling experience is personalised and responsive to your evolving needs.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of counselling, as I want you to feel secure when sharing your concerns with me. In our first session, we will discuss a few exceptions to confidentiality, which include: Like all counsellors, I discuss my clients’ cases with a supervisor. During these supervision sessions, you will not be identified by name or personal details; instead, you will be assigned a client number.
If I believe you are at risk of harming yourself or others, I will inform the relevant authorities. I will always try to discuss this with you first. If you disclose involvement in illegal activities related to money laundering or terrorism, I am legally obligated to report this. If you have any questions or concerns about these exceptions, please feel free to bring them up during our sessions.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the counselling process. When you attend counselling sessions, what you share with your counsellor is kept private and confidential. This means that your conversations, personal information, and the details of your sessions are not disclosed to others without your consent.
However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality that you should be aware of. If the counsellor believes there is a risk of harm to you or others, they may need to break confidentiality to ensure safety.
In certain situations, counsellors may be legally obligated to disclose information, such as in cases of child abuse or when ordered by a court. Additionally, counsellors sometimes discuss their cases with their supervisors to ensure they are providing the best possible care. In these instances, your identity is typically kept anonymous.
Before we start your sessions, I will explain these confidentiality guidelines and ensure you understand them. This helps build trust and sets the foundation for a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Client notes about you?
Yes, counsellors generally keep notes about their clients to help track progress, personalize care, and ensure continuity. These notes are kept confidential and stored securely. However, there are specific circumstances in which a counsellor might need to break confidentiality:
Risk of Harm: If the counsellor believes there is an imminent risk of harm to you or others, they may need to disclose information to prevent danger.
Legal Obligations: Counsellors may be required by law to disclose information in certain situations, such as cases of child abuse, elder abuse, or if ordered by a court.
Supervision and Training: To provide the best possible support, counsellors sometimes discuss cases with their supervisors or within a training context. In these situations, your identity is kept anonymous.
Before you start your sessions, your counsellor will explain these confidentiality guidelines and ensure you understand them. This helps build trust and sets the foundation for a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship. If you have any concerns about confidentiality or the notes kept about you, you are more than welcome to discuss them with me.
Counselling session and prices?
Length: Most counselling sessions typically last around 50 minutes to an hour. Some sessions might be longer or shorter, depending on your needs.
Frequency: Sessions can be scheduled weekly, bi-weekly, or at intervals that suit your needs. This can be discussed and agreed upon during your initial consultation.
Duration: The overall duration of counselling can vary widely. Some clients may find a few sessions sufficient, while others might benefit from longer-term support.
Pricing
£45 per hour
£30 Students per hour
Additional Considerations
Initial Consultation: It will be by phone, email, or through TEAMS. I use other plate forms to see if we can work together.
Cancellation Policy: This will be discussed at the first session as per contract details.
I am registered with the NCPS, hold a live DBS, and am fully insured.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Sessions need to be paid for 24 hours before by bank transfer.
In-Person Therapy
In-person therapy offers a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face in a calm and supportive environment. Whether you’re seeking a quiet space away from home, value direct interaction, or feel more at ease meeting in person, this option provides a personalized and focused setting to work through your challenges.
My in-person sessions are held at Pride House, 27 School Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 4LR. This warm and private space has been carefully chosen to ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your therapeutic journey.
My full website is coming soon, but in the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you decide if we’re the right fit to work together. Whether you’re ready to begin counselling or simply have a few questions, I’m here to help.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by filling out the form below. Let’s take this step together.
