Counsellor profile
Karen Barnitt, BACP
Counsellor - trauma and relational concerns
See online counselling options- Client-Centred
- Narrative Therapy
- Trauma-Focused
About Karen
Counsellor and BACP member, Karen Barnitt has 13 years' experience working with people in the United Kingdom. She works with a wide range of concerns including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression and relationship and family issues. Karen also supports people dealing with parenting stresses, career pressures, low self-esteem and life changes.
Karen uses a client-centred style. She encourages people to speak openly and to set the pace. Her approach focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person in front of her.
She brings specific experience with trauma-informed care and trauma-focused methods. That means she pays attention to how past events affect present day feelings and coping, and she will help people develop strategies to manage distress and build resilience.
Karen also draws on narrative ideas, helping people look at the stories they tell about themselves and consider different ways of understanding their lives. Sessions can include practical work on boundaries, emotional regulation and problem-solving alongside reflective conversation.
Her practice covers many related issues such as adoption and foster care, postpartum depression, caregiver stress, substance and alcohol problems, sexual and intimacy topics including BDSM and kink, and difficulties arising from separation or domestic violence. People meet her to talk about guilt, shame, isolation, life purpose and vocational concerns.
If someone wants to start, they use the site’s matching process and schedule a first session. Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
Approaches Karen uses for online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of sessions. The counsellor listens without judgement and follows the client’s own priorities, helping them to make sense of their feelings and choices. This approach is useful for low self-esteem, stress and relationship concerns.Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about their lives. It helps to separate problems from identity and to explore alternative meanings. This is often helpful for issues like guilt, shame, life purpose and family of origin difficulties.
Trauma-Focused Therapy pays attention to how past events shape current reactions. It involves working carefully on memories, triggers and coping strategies. People contact Karen about trauma, PTSD-related symptoms, addiction links and the impact of abuse or loss.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Karen will discuss options with the client and test what feels most helpful. She aims to decide collaboratively, using the person’s goals and preferences to guide the plan.
Session logistics should be checked before booking because the profile does not list specific formats. Please confirm which session types are available when you arrange your first appointment. Online counselling can make it easier to fit therapy around work, childcare or travel. It can also allow shorter check-ins, meetings without video, or sessions at times that suit a busy week.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
She works with trauma, addictions, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, plus parenting and career stress.
What is her basic therapeutic style?
Her work is client-centred and responsive. She listens and follows what the person brings to each session.
How much experience does she have?
She has 13 years' experience working with people on a wide range of concerns.
Which professional body is she a member of?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered to people in the United Kingdom only; international clients are not accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed in the profile.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.