Karen Bell, BACP

Karen Bell is a UK counsellor with 18 years of practice who places the person at the centre of therapy. She is a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and aims to offer a non-judgemental space where clients can speak freely about what matters to them. Karen emphasises listening and understanding before suggesting ways forward.

Her background includes work in a GP surgery, trauma counselling with an organisation supporting people who have been suicidal or self-harmed, and occupational health counselling for Northumbria Police. These roles shaped her experience with stress, anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship problems and trauma. She also has experience supporting people who have faced child sexual abuse and workplace-related trauma.

Karen uses a person-centred approach that focuses on a client’s thoughts and everyday habits. She also draws on attachment-based ideas and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy when helpful. EMDR and existential ideas may be used where appropriate to the person’s needs.

She welcomes people of all genders and sexualities and encourages those with protected characteristics, neurodivergence such as autism spectrum conditions, and ADHD to share their needs and interests. Karen often works with issues around addiction, self-esteem, intimacy and parenting, as well as grief and coping with life changes.

Karen offers sessions by chat, phone and especially video, and asks new clients to use the Start Therapy button to begin. She supports clients who want to change unhelpful habits, make sense of difficult experiences, or build clearer ways of coping with everyday stressors.

How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions

Karen often uses client-centred work, attachment-based ideas and cognitive behavioural approaches in online therapy. Client-centred counselling focuses on listening, empathy and the client’s own pace; it helps when someone needs a non-judgemental space to talk through feelings. Attachment-based work looks at patterns in relationships and early bonds to help understand current difficulties with trust and closeness. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify and gently shift unhelpful thoughts and everyday habits that contribute to anxiety, low mood or sleep problems.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Karen works collaboratively to decide what fits the client’s needs, goals and preferences. She will discuss options and adapt methods as sessions progress so the plan matches what is actually helpful for the person.

Practical benefits of online therapy include greater flexibility to fit sessions into busy lives and easier access when travel is difficult. Video can support face-to-face style conversation, while phone or chat can suit shorter check-ins or times when being on camera is not convenient. Confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered for scheduling and practical planning.