Directory entry

Karen McClurkin, BACP, NCPS

Credentials: BACP, NCPS
Experience: 7 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief Self esteem

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Karen McClurkin uses a blend of conversational, practical approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety and relationship difficulties. She aims to create a non-judgemental space where people can talk through current problems or issues from the past. Karen holds BACP and NCPS credentials and has seven years' experience working with a wide range of concerns.

In session she focuses on building a steady therapeutic relationship. That gives people the room to raise things they find hard to speak about.

Background and approach

Karen draws on attachment work to look at how early patterns affect present relationships. She also uses cognitive behavioural ideas to spot unhelpful thinking and dial down anxious responses. Mindfulness techniques are used to develop present-moment skills for managing stress and sleep problems.

Dialectical behaviour therapy tools help people manage strong emotions such as anger and intense mood swings. Sessions can include practical exercises and short skills practice between meetings. Her background includes work with addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues and ADHD.

She also supports people dealing with chronic illness, fertility challenges and the aftermath of separation. Karen adapts her approach to each person, mixing methods to suit the problem and the goals. For people worried about feeling judged, she emphasises a steady, compassionate tone and clear explanations of each step.

The aim is to help people develop coping tools, understand patterns and make changes that fit their life.

Therapeutic approaches you can use online

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns. It helps people understand why they respond a certain way in close relationships and reduce repeating unhelpful cycles. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on linking thoughts, feelings and actions. It teaches practical steps to challenge unhelpful thinking and change behaviours that keep problems going.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals and preferences and suggest tools that fit. Decisions about which methods to use are made together and can change as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video is useful for longer therapy and exercises that benefit from seeing each other. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier during a short break. Chat and messaging suit quick check-ins, brief problem-solving or people who prefer not to use audio. These options help people fit therapy around work, family and daily routines.

What concerns does Karen help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, self-esteem, addictions and trauma among other concerns.

What style of therapy can I expect?

Sessions are collaborative and client-centred, using attachment, cognitive behavioural and mindfulness ideas to guide practical work.

How much experience does she have?

Karen has seven years of experience addressing a broad range of mental health issues and life challenges.

Where is she based and what are her credentials?

She practises in the United Kingdom and lists BACP and NCPS among her credentials.

Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?

International clients are accepted and sessions can be arranged across different time zones.

Which session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is billed via a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also listed

Abandonment
Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Antisocial personality
Attachment issues
Bipolar disorder
Body image
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Commitment issues
Coping with life changes
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Fertility issues
First responder issues
Grief
Guilt and shame
Hoarding
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Intimacy-related issues
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Self esteem
Self-harm
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Sleeping disorders
Trauma and abuse
Women's issues
Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 7 years
Registered with: BACP, NCPS
Languages: English

Contacting Karen

Karen takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Karen McClurkin, BACP, NCPS

Background and approach

Therapeutic approaches you can use online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety