- Anger and self-control
- Trauma and EMDR
- Person-centred care
About Karen
Karen Bell is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom with 18 years of experience. She is person-centred in her approach and focuses on what clients bring to sessions, aiming to listen without judgement and prioritise how they feel.
Karen has worked in a GP surgery, with a trauma service supporting people who have been suicidal or self-harmed, and within occupational health for Northumbria Police. That background means she has substantial experience with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties.
She often helps people struggling with addictions, grief, parenting strain, sleep and eating issues, and anger that affects work or close relationships. Karen also supports clients dealing with identity and intimacy concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and the strain of caring for someone with chronic illness.
Her sessions are person-centred but she also draws on attachment-based ideas, cognitive behavioural techniques and EMDR when appropriate. This means conversations focus on the client’s experience while using practical steps or trauma-focused tools when they suit the situation.
Karen welcomes people regardless of gender, sexuality, culture or religion. She explicitly names support for people who have experienced narcissistic abuse or gaslighting and invites those on the autism spectrum or with ADHD to share their needs and interests.
To begin clients are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. The service uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and fees vary with location.
How her approaches work and what online sessions involve
Karen combines person-centred work with specific therapeutic tools to address difficult emotions and trauma. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what the client says so they can make sense of their feelings and choices. It helps with self-esteem, relationship issues and emotional overwhelm.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behaviour and offers practical steps to reduce unhelpful reactions such as anger or anxiety. It is goal-oriented and useful for day-to-day coping and workplace stress.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused method that targets distressing memories to reduce their emotional charge. It is used when past events continue to cause strong reactions in the present.
Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together. Karen will discuss the options, listen to the client's goals and preferences, and recommend a direction based on that collaborative discussion. Plans can change as sessions progress to suit what is most helpful.
The original biography notes that counselling via video, phone and chat can be powerful, but session formats were not specified in detail here. Confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or remove the need to travel to an appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
Karen works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, depression, grief, anger and many related concerns listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her primary style is person-centred counselling, focusing on the client's experience, and she may also use attachment-based ideas, cognitive behavioural techniques and EMDR where appropriate.
How long has she practised?
She has 18 years of experience working in counselling roles across primary care, trauma services and occupational health.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can sessions be delivered in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and how much do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.