

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Searching for clarity, resilience, and a path to greater fulfilment?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself.
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With extensive experience supporting both children and adults across public and private sectors, I offer a compassionate and thoughtful counselling service grounded in existential principles. My approach encourages clients to explore their emotions, behaviours, and the deeper roots behind them—empowering you to build resilience and discover new, healthier ways of coping.
Whatever difficulties you’re facing, I can help you reconnect with your core values and beliefs, and make them central to your life once again. Together, we’ll work towards meaningful, positive change.
About
Karen Baker
Existential counsellor based in Waltham Abbey, Essex.
My Experience
About Me
I am a qualified and experienced counsellor currently
leading a bereavement service within a hospice setting
and managing the counselling division of a charity
supporting individuals affected by a debilitating illness.
My work spans a wide spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety,
low self-esteem, family and relationship difficulties, and bereavement.
Over the years, I’ve worked with both children and adults across public and private sectors, including volunteering
and professional roles with organisations such as MIND,
the NSPCC, and addiction recovery services. I have
supported individuals facing complex and often
interrelated issues such as substance misuse, domestic violence, trauma, and co-occurring mental and physical
health conditions.
My experience also includes counselling children and
young people who are navigating self-harm, suicidal
ideation, bullying, and the impact of neglect, sexual
abuse, physical abuse, and emotional trauma.
I take an existential approach to counselling, helping
clients explore the deeper roots of their emotions and behaviours, build resilience, and reconnect with their core values. My practice is grounded in empathy, integrity,
and a commitment to meaningful change.
Qualifications & Specialist Training
I hold a Level 8 Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy, reflecting the highest level of academic
and clinical training in the field. In addition to this, I have completed a wide range of specialist certifications,
including:
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Safeguarding Children & Child Protection
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Safeguarding Adults under the Care Act
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
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Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
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Mental Health Studies
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First Aid
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Recognising and Preventing Female Genital Mutilation
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Loss and Bereavement Support
These qualifications reflect my dedication to professional excellence and my commitment to providing safe,
informed, and compassionate care for every client.
My Counselling Services
The Counselling Relationship
I offer a safe, confidential space where you can speak openly and feel genuinely heard. My approach is empathetic, non-judgemental, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will explore the challenges you’re facing, gain clarity around your experiences, and work towards meaningful, lasting change.
I place great importance on cultivating strong therapeutic relationships built on trust, respect, and discretion. These relationships form the foundation of effective counselling, enabling clients to feel supported, empowered, and understood throughout their journey.
Flexible Support That Fits Your Life
I recognise that life’s demands can make it difficult to prioritise mental health. That’s why I offer flexible counselling options designed to accommodate your schedule and lifestyle.
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Weekly sessions at a fixed for consistency and routine
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Flexible weekly sessions with variable times to suit changing commitments
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Multiple sessions per week, if additional support is needed
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Online/text/email/face to face counselling via Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, or Messenger for all clients​
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Whether you’re seeking regular therapeutic support or occasional guidance, I will adapt to your needs to ensure counselling remains accessible, effective, and aligned with your goals.