Online Counselling, Psychotherapy and Imago Relationship Therapy
Online Couples Counselling for Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD Partners:
Break the cycle of conflict, and miscommunication.
Are you having the same arguments with the same results? Couples Counselling could help.
You may not argue all the time, but something isn’t working.
You may recognise that:
- You feel stuck, disconnected, and quietly disappointed
- When things are good, they’re great, but when they shift, you feel like enemies
- Despite your best efforts, you still feel misunderstood
- The relationship can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s exhausting
How could Couples Therapy benefit your relationship?
I work in a neuro-affirming, collaborative way. This means that we co-create a space that accommodates how you each process and communicate. Doing therapy in this way can help you to:
- Make sense of the patterns behind your conflict
- Reduce overwhelm and escalation
- Communicate in ways that are easier to understand and process
- Rebuild trust, emotional safety, and hope.
I have supported individuals and couples with a range of challenges, including the impact of sexual, emotional and physical abuse, grief and loss, the impact of racism, affairs and ongoing relationship difficulties, as well as the search for meaning and direction in life.
For individuals who are feeling stable but stuck, reliving a traumatic event, and needing some help to put it where it belongs - in the past, I am trained in, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and offering a number of reduced fee spaces whilst I work towards my accreditation.
If you would like to explore your relationship, or whether EMDR is right for you, get in touch.
“You may not control all of the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou
Couples Counselling
I am a Relate trained Couples Counsellor. I am also an Imago Therapist, and now work exclusively with the dynamic and empowering model that is Imago Relationship Therapy.
My particular focus is couples who are committed to restoring their love relationship. It may feel as if your marriage is suddenly on the rocks after an affair, or, over time, the things that drew you to each other before marriage, now feel like intense sources of irritation. Your communication struggles may even feel like a mystery to you.
Through the Imago Dialogue process, we can co-create a safe space where you can both share your truths, feel heard, understood and valued, and where intimacy and love can grow.
If this resonates with you, get in touch.
Counselling is also for Christians
I am a Christian who is trained to a high level in counselling and psychotherapy; if you would like our work to have a Biblical perspective, we can do that.
I know that some well-meaning people can place a heavy burden on Christians, because they don't think that it is God's will to see a counsellor for emotional pain, whilst they might not question seeing a dentist for a toothache. Obviously, I don't share such a view, and will never judge anyone for seeking help.
You may be newly engaged and eager to address issues that you ignored whilst courting, or you could be a model of covenant marriage in public, whilst privately struggling with the effects of an affair. It could be that your dedication to your calling has caused you to neglect your partner and you need help to reconnect.
If you would like to heal, and grow stronger, together, get in touch.
Individual Counselling -
Space to ‘Be’
In a world where we can be so busy 'doing': earning love and respect, and generally proving our worth, I provide a space where you can take the time to breathe and 'be'. As we work together, you can be many things: still, heard, real, understood, co-creative, accepted, you.
If you are ready to overcome your past, and rewrite what seemed to be an inevitable future, whilst growing in hope and resilience, get in touch and we can discuss your specific needs.
Online sessions mean that location is no longer a barrier. Wherever you are, Manchester and beyond, your emotional well-being is worth the effort, so take that step and get in touch.
Hello and welcome
I'm Karen, a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist and BACP Accredited counsellor. I specialise in couples counselling for neurodivergent partners, including those who identify as Autistic, having ADHD, or both. Many of the people I work with are married, or engaged and preparing for marriage.
My focus is on the patterns between you, addressing your communication differences, and the results of mutual misunderstandings, i.e. bickering, ferocious arguments, withdrawal, and affairs. Together, we will work towards greater understanding, whilst repairing and deepening your connection.
I am also an EMDR therapist and work with individuals, integrating EMDR with my wider therapeutic approach, where appropriate.
Qualifications and CPD
- Imago Relationship Therapy
- Advanced Training in Transactional Analysis
- University Advanced Diploma: Introduction to Couple Counselling (Relate, Level 6)
- EMDR Therapy Parts 1, 2 & 3
- Best Practice When Supporting Autistic Clients
- An Insight Into The world Of Autism
- Working With Neurodivergent Couples
- ADHD In The Therapy Room
- The Reality Of Living With ADHD
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Certificate in Counselling Skills
- PGCE - Primary education
- Psychology and Anthropology BSc (hons) (2:1)
Do I have a specialism?
I specialise in couples counselling, using Imago Relationship Therapy.
The majority of people who contact me identify as Christians, and/or neurodivergent, typically, autistic, dyslexic, or as having ADHD.
Common frustrations are:
feeling misunderstood
feeling rejected
feeling disconnected and alone
a sense of shame
The nature of Imago dialoguing can be comforting to those of us who require
structure, predictability, and space to think.
The skills that you develop during the Imago Dialoguing process can be used at any time, to safely address your frustrations, whilst working towards a shared vision for a mutually fulfilling relationship.
Personal approach
My main approach to mental health is based in Transactional Analysis which has the core beliefs of: I'm OK, You're OK - in other words, we all matter, (even if it seems hard to believe, you matter) and are worthy of respect.
We can all think and influence the outcome of our lives, unless we have sustained brain injury which undermines this ability. Decisions can be changed - especially those life limiting decisions that helped us to survive as children, but are no longer helpful.
From the perspective of Imago Relationship Therapy, I believe that intimacy flows from a safe, conscious connection, and view conflict, but not violence, as an opportunity for growth.
I don’t believe that one size fits all in therapy, which led me to train in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), an advanced therapy which further support the processing of traumatic experiences.
Get in touch
Whether you want to address a specific trauma, or are struggling with undefined, uncomfortable feelings, I am here to support you. Together, we will focus on your goals, helping you to grow towards a life that feels right for you.
To start your journey, please include your availability, and I'll get back to you within 48 hours, often less.
Frequently asked questions
No, I only offer online couples counselling.
Successful Imago therapy sessions do not require us to be in the same room, just that we all have excellent internet connections, and up to date equipment.
For me, the ideal is that you and your partner are in the same room, where you can touch and soothe each other when needed, laugh together, and celebrate your wins.
If you are unsure about online therapy, I am happy to have an exploratory session with you and your partner, just send me an email.
No, I do not offer free couples counselling sessions. A Google search may bring up the names of any charities that offer free therapy.
I do offer an opportunity to discuss Imago Therapy, how it might benefit you and your partner, and how we might work together, via a telephone or video call, of approximately 20 minutes.
The call is free of charge.
It will not be a therapy session and I will not delve into your reasons for wanting therapy.
If you would like to explore the benefits of Imago Therapy for your relationship, please get in touch.
An initial consultation lasts for 60 minutes.
Following the initial consultation, sessions are weekly, and can be 60 or 90 minutes in duration.
You can book a session by calling or sending an email.
Individuals
Exploratory Session: £80
60-minute sessions: £80
90-minute EMDR Sessions: £120
Couples & Families (Two Adult Relatives)
Exploratory Session: £100
75-minute sessions: £125
90-minute sessions: £150
REDUCED FEE SPACES
Individuals
Exploratory Session: £50
90-minute EMDR Sessions: £75
Couples
Exploratory Session: £60
75-minute Sessions: £75
90-minute Sessions: £90
All bookings remain provisional until you have paid.
Once we have agreed, the date and time of our FIRST session, I will hold that space for 24 hours to give you time to pay.
For subsequent sessions the following notice is required:
Weekly sessions: 3 days
Fortnightly sessions: 7 days
If less notice is given, the full fee will still be payable.
Fee Increases: I experience increases in the associated costs of being a therapist, i.e. insurance, supervision, advertising etc. and this may be reflected in my fee, which I review on an annual basis.
No.
I also work with individuals, siblings, friends, colleagues, and parents with an adult child. I am happy to discuss your needs and how Imago therapy might help.
Your sessions will be tailored to your needs, and you can have as many sessions as you need to achieve your desired outcome.
Short term work with individuals is usually between 12 and 24 sessions.
For couples therapy, we usually agree to between 5 and 12 sessions, in the first instance.
Long term work is open-ended, but punctuated by regular reviews.
Counselling and psychotherapy require commitment: to regular attendance, to being open, to processing outside of sessions. However, you are under no obligation to continue in therapy, and when you feel ready to end the contract, I ask that we do this in a planned way, so that we can tie up any loose ends.
I am an accredited member of the BACP - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (membership no. 00919098).