About me

Karen Aspden

I am a qualified integrative therapist working with adults aged 18 and over. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), one of the UK’s national accrediting bodies.

My own journey with fertility led me to seeking out counselling and this was the catalyst to making changes in my life and subsequently training to be a counsellor myself. I passionately believe that change is possible and that sometimes all we might need is someone to walk alongside us to help get to where we want to go. The process will be as long as you want it to be, short or long term, and at times may seem challenging, but together clarity and growth will prevail.

I am integratively trained, which means I draw from the humanistic, person-centred, psychodynamic, cognitive and systemic approaches. I tailor the work to each client's needs and circumstances rather than offering a 'one size fits all' approach. I work collaboratively and at your pace to help you explore and make sense of what brings you to counselling. I believe that understanding is the first step towards making the changes we want in life, and that you know what is best for you. I can help you develop strategies and skills to manage issues and to find a positive way forward.

Experience & Qualifications

Currently I work in private practice and am able to offer face to face counselling from the Dynamic Counselling Practice in Stansted Mountfitchet. I work with individuals and couples and I offer both long and short term therapy.

Counselling approaches and techniques that I use within my work include:

Psychodynamic - focusing on the past and past attachments and their connections to the present
Person-Centred - focusing on the client and building relationships and interpersonal skills
Systemic Therapy - this looks more at our patterns and ways of relating in the present
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - focusing on practical coping strategies and skills & tackling negative thought processes

Qualifications

Fully-qualified therapist with a Diploma in Integrative Counselling - BACP Accredited Course
I completed my area of specialist research in - Does Fertility and Reproductive Trauma lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and How can Therapists better understand the impact of Reproductive Trauma?
I am currently completing my Level 5 Couples Counselling course with RELATE in Relational Counselling - CPCAB Accredited
I am a member of BICA, (the British Infertility Counselling Association) Member No M100201 and working towards accreditation
I am also a member of The Donor Conception Network and The Fertility Network.
I have completed the BICA Foundation Course for Infertility Counselling CPCAB Accredited and scheduled to complete the BICA Advanced Course in a couple of months.
I have trained with CRUSE Bereavement Care and worked with them as a Bereavement Support Volunteer since 2020. I have worked with many issues related to loss and bereavement, including those affected by sudden death trauma and the suicide of a partner or loved one. Individual training including Bereavement Foundation Course, Safeguarding, Induction, and Trauma Awareness.
I am strongly committed to continuing professional development and regularly attend conferences and training events.

I hold an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS). This means I work in accordance with professionally recognised standards. I have full Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance, and have regular supervision.

Location

I offer Face-to-Face Counselling from the Dynamic Counselling Practice located at the Forest Hall Therapy Centre, The Courtyard, Forest Hall Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8TS