THERAPEUTIC
APPROACHES
Individual counselling
Karen is responsive to the individual and therefore utilises a variety of evidenced based therapeutic practices. Karen utilises Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and practices a trauma informed therapeutic framework.
Her counselling space includes deeper talk therapy that integrates psychotherapeutic approaches that explore unconscious thoughts, themes, & experiences from the past (eg : childhood, school, the work place, an intimate relationship) & encourages a curiosity in regards to the relationship with our present thoughts, emotions & behaviour that may be problematic & hindering a sense of personal fulfilment.
Couples counselling
Karen’s therapeutic approach considers the important relationship between healthy communication, empowerment & intimacy. Karen also utilises the fundamentals of Gottman method couples therapy based on the significant research by Dr John & Julie Gottman and The Sound Relationship House.
Gottman & Gottman’s research on couples found that approximately 31% of couple conflict is solvable whilst 69% of disagreements in all relationships are associated with unresolvable perpetual problems. Gottman & Gottman’s research highlighted that it is not the presence of conflict itself that is important, but actually how couples manage conflict through dialogue that predicts success or failure of a relationship. What matters is not solving the problem but rather the affect when discussing the problem, acceptance of the partner, understanding what lies beneath, the presence of humour, and a desire to improve or actively cope with this perpetual problem.
We will work together in helping you identify your relationship’s strengths, its wounds, its areas for improvement, and specific ways to build a stronger relationship. Couples therapy provides tools to manage conflict in a healthy way, enhance friendship, create shared meaning, deepen trust & commitment and in turn deepen intimacy in a relationship.
Couples therapy may also assist in helping you recognise that your relationship has reached its journey.