Karen Spilsbury

• Stress and anxiety
• Addictions support
• Self esteem work

About Karen

Karen Spilsbury works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and coping with life changes using a mix of talking therapies she practices. She is registered with the NCPS and has eight years of professional experience. She uses practical, person-focused methods and asks clients about their goals from the first session.

Karen begins by listening to the person’s experience and what matters to them. She uses that information to agree goals and small steps to work on between sessions. Sessions typically involve talking through patterns that keep problems going and trying out new ways of responding.

Her approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and client-centred work. She also brings techniques from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and hypnotherapy when these are relevant. These methods are used to address anxiety, addictive behaviours, reactions after abuse, low confidence and difficult life transitions.

She pays attention to attachment and abandonment issues, and to how people cope when life feels out of control. Karen also has experience with autism and Asperger syndrome, dissociation, codependency, and substance misuse. Practical skills for managing emotions and improving communication are commonly part of her work.

To begin, clients use the service’s matching process to arrange a first session. Karen aims to collaborate on a plan that fits each person’s situation, with clear steps and measurable goals. Progress is reviewed regularly so the work stays focused and useful.

Online sessions and therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and focuses on actions that match what matters to the person. It can be useful for anxiety, stress and adjusting to life changes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and habits linked to addiction.

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting working relationship so the person can explore their own solutions and priorities.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Karen will discuss methods and try different techniques to see what helps most. She aims to agree goals and review progress together so the approach can be adjusted where needed.

Please confirm the current session options before booking as the biography does not specify formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around work or family life, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often offer flexible ways to meet so the practicalities can suit everyday routines.

Topics Karen lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Addictions
• Trauma and abuse
• Self-esteem
• Coping with life changes
• Abandonment
• Attachment issues
• Autism and Asperger Syndrome
• Avoidant personality
• Co-morbidity
• Codependency
• Commitment issues
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
• Dissociation
• Divorce and separation
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Eating and food-related issues
• Emptiness
• Family of origin issues
• Family problems
• Fatherhood issues
• Forgiveness
• Guilt and shame
• Impulsivity
• Infidelity
• Isolation and loneliness
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Veteran and armed forces issues
• Money and financial issues
• Narcissism
• Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
• Personality disorders
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress
• Process addictions
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Self-harm
• Self-love
• Sex addiction
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sexuality
• Quitting smoking or vaping
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Trichotillomania
• Women's issues
• Young adult issues

Ways of working

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Hypnotherapy
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy
• Internal Family Systems

Questions about Karen

Does she work with anxiety?

Yes. She helps people with anxiety using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

What kind of counselling does she offer?

She uses a mix of Client-Centred Therapy, ACT, CBT, DBT and hypnotherapy techniques depending on what suits the person.

How long has she been practising?

She has eight years of professional work experience in the United Kingdom.

Is she registered and where is she based?

She is registered with the NCPS and is based in the United Kingdom.

Can I have sessions in a language other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start working with her?

Use the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.