Welcome to Karen Mills Counselling Services

Karen Mills Counselling Services provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals (teens and adults) seeking professional counselling & psychotherapy. As a BACP registered counsellor I am dedicated to helping you navigate through life's challenges.

 

I have been working as a private practice counsellor for the past five years, during which I’ve supported individuals in navigating a wide range of challenges.  In my experience, negative, overthinking 'self talk' can run through most client issues and for me it has been a privilege to witness and share in my clients' journeys, seeing success in their ability to restructure unhelpful thinking, their resilience, committed efforts, and meaningful growth. Being part of their process of healing and self-discovery has been rewarding.

 

I specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) however, I am primarily an integrative counsellor who blends techniques from various counselling approaches to create a personalised and flexible session plan, tailored to each individual client. Rather than adhering strictly to one school of thought, integrative counselling draws from multiple modalities to best support the unique needs of the person I am working with.

 

What Is Integrative Counselling?

Integrative counselling is based on the idea that a single therapeutic approach suits everyone. It combines elements from different psychological theories and practices, such as:

  • Person-centred therapy: Focuses on empathy, acceptance, and helping clients reach their full potential.

  • Psychodynamic therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences to understand current behaviour.

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.

  • Humanistic approaches: Emphasise personal growth and self-awareness.

  • Gestalt therapy: Encourages clients to understand the whole of their experience, including thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Modes of Delivery

Individual Counselling

Face-to-face counselling for an in-person experience. 

Telephone Counselling

Offers comfort, privacy, and accessibility-support from anywhere, without the pressure of face-to-face.

Online Counselling

Convenient and confidential counselling from the comfort of your chosen safe space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What issues can counselling help with?

Counselling can help with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to: anger, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief/loss, trauma and stress. 

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies depending on individual circumstances and is flexible. We will discuss a session plan during your initial session.

Is counselling confidential?
Confidentiality is a top priority in our counselling sessions. Your information will be kept secure and private in accordance with professional standards.

What if I don't know what to say?

That’s perfectly okay. Many people feel unsure at first. I’ll help support the conversation, and silence can be part of the process too. There’s no pressure to perform or have all the answers.

Will you tell anyone what I say?

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of counselling. What you share stays private, except in rare cases where there’s a risk of serious harm to you or others, or if required by law. These limits will be explained clearly before we begin.

How long is a session & how much will it cost?

Your initial consultation is 50 minutes @ £10.00

Sessions thereafter are 60 minutes @ £50.00 per session

Do Student Counsellors get a discount?

Yes. With proof of being an active studying Student Counsellor, your session will cost £30.00 per session.

What is your cancellation policy?

Life gets busy, I understand this. I ask for 24 hours prior to your session to cancel without charge. This can be done via text, email or phone call - you do not need to explain why.  Without this notice, your full session amount will be charged.

I hear about GDPR - What is it & what is your UK Counselling GDPR Policy?

Privacy Policy – Counselling Services (UK GDPR & DPA 2018)

Privacy and Your Counselling Information

I’m a counsellor in the UK and I take your privacy seriously. I follow UK laws called the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 to keep your information safe and private.

What I Keep

I’ll collect some personal details like your name, contact info, and notes from our sessions. I only use this information to help with your counselling.

Who Sees Your Information?

Your info stays private and won’t be shared with anyone unless you say it’s okay — or if the law says I have to, for example if someone is at serious risk or there’s a court order. If I have to share your info, I’ll try to let you know first.

How Long I Keep Your Notes

I keep your notes for about 7 years after our sessions finish. If you’re under 18, I keep them until you’re 25 or for 7 years — whichever is longer.

This applies to all UK clients and outside of the UK clients. 

 

Fully Insured. Including working with people outside of the UK and the EU