Rate Karen Yuen

Hello, I'm Karen a BACP registered counsellor in the UK with over 8 years of experience within NHS Direct, in the community and spiritual settings. As a British East Asian (mixed heritage) woman and counsellor I also understand the nuances of different cultures and how it influences our perspective and interactions with ourselves, with others and the world around us. The direct and indirect discrimination that all humans experience in daily life and how it can take a toll on our wellbeing.

I offer an opportunity to explore personal difficulties in a confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. Sometimes it's helpful to speak to someone outside your personal circle. I am here to listen and understand you, create a space for you to be seen, heard and process what is going on for you.

Through compassion and curiosity we will explore your current beliefs, perceptions, behaviours and thought patterns. You will be supported in becoming aware of these aspects, clearer understanding of them and unpacking the feelings that come up. Leading to insight into your current situation, to challenge unhelpful perceptions, thought patterns and beliefs. This process can foster growth and lead to positive change in your life.

I can help you have a healthier relationship with your behaviours, thoughts and feelings. This will help your relationship with yourself, others and different experiences and situations you encounter in your daily life. Ultimately, becoming and feeling more empowered and whole as a human being.

I can help you with:

- Anxiety/stress

- Grief, Loss

- Depression

- Discrimination

- Low self-esteem

- Relationships (family, friends)

- Trauma

I have been trained in an integrative therapeutic approach, incorporating person centred, cognitive, psychodynamic, spiritual and transcultural approaches. This allows me to adapt to the needs of the client and their therapeutic journey. The foundation of my approach is through trauma informed, compassionate inquiry, intuition, genuineness, and empathy, to create an empathic, safe, informal and non-judgemental space.

I will also bring in other therapeutic tools if and when appropriate such as mindfulness, body awareness, breathing meditation, role play, visualisation, and creativity.

My qualifications are:

- BSc (Hons) Counselling and Therapeutic Studies; 2:1, Leeds Metropolitan University, 2005.

- PGCert Occupation (Activities of Daily Living) and Wellbeing; Merit, Sheffield Hallam University, 2023.

- CPD Advanced Certificate Counselling Psychology.

- CPD Training in Recovery from Coercive, Cultic and Spiritual Abuse.

- CPD Compassionate Inquiry.

I have travelled and lived in different cultures and communities around the world: India, Hong Kong, Nepal, Portugal and France. I have learnt a lot from all and am grateful to have had these experiences and to have spent time with wise, insightful everyday humans, doing their best in embodying compassion, kindness, patience and unconditional love. I bring the theory, knowledge and counselling skills I've learnt from my studies as well as the insights and wisdom from all the people I've met and learnt from.

I am a Registered Member of the BACP and adhere to their Code of Conduct and Ethical Framework. I work with individuals from the age of 18 and over, working on a short term or long term basis depending on the needs of the client.

My working hours are Monday to Wednesday 10am - 6pm GMT, I also add additional availability outside of these hours too, please check my schedule.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions, I look forward to working with you!

***Please note BetterHelp counsellors including myself do not provide a crisis service. If you need to speak to someone immediately, if you are within the UK, please contact NHS 111, your GP, the emergency services or the Samaritans freephone 116123 or the equivalent within your country of residence through the link on your therapy page.