- Stress and anxiety
- Career and workplace
- Addictions support
About Karen
Karen Whitfield is an ACA counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, career uncertainty and depression. She also supports those coping with life changes and workplace strain. Karen writes simply and listens closely to understand what matters most to each person.
Karen practises Narrative Therapy, which treats problems as separate from the person. In sessions she helps people tell their story and discover their own strengths. The work focuses on identifying values and skills that already exist, and using those to reduce the influence of problems.
Her style is respectful and non-blaming. Karen aims to make sessions feel easy to talk in and judgement-free, so people can say what they think and feel. She works at the person’s pace and helps set small, practical steps when helpful.
With three years of counselling experience and a Master of Counselling, Karen draws on what has worked for each person before. She supports people to clarify life purpose, improve communication and make thoughtful career choices. The approach is collaborative and practical.
Sessions tend to focus on clear goals and achievable change. Karen helps people notice skills they already have and use those strengths in everyday life. She invites people to try new ways of managing stress, anxiety and difficult transitions.
How Narrative approaches translate to online therapy
Karen uses Narrative Therapy online, helping people tell and reframe the stories that shape their days. Narrative Therapy focuses on separating the problem from the person and identifying existing skills and values that can reduce the impact of difficulties. This approach suits work-related stress, anxiety and life changes where reframing can lead to clearer choices and steps.She also uses evidence-informed techniques that encourage small practical changes between sessions, such as naming strengths, setting simple goals and noticing what is already working. These techniques help people apply what they learn to their everyday routines and workplace challenges.
Finding the right method is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then shape sessions to fit those needs. This collaborative approach helps ensure the method chosen fits the person and their situation.
Please confirm current online session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Many people find online sessions useful because they can fit therapy around work, reduce travel time and use shorter check-ins when schedules are busy.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Karen commonly help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, career difficulties, depression and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include communication problems, life purpose, women's issues and workplace issues.
What is Karen's approach to therapy?
Karen uses Narrative Therapy, a respectful, non-blaming approach that helps people separate problems from their identity and build on existing strengths.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of counselling experience and holds a Master of Counselling.
What credentials and location are listed?
The profile lists ACA, the Australian Counselling Association, and Karen practises in Australia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Karen?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Karen?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.