Online Therapy & EMDR
Stuck in patterns that don't seem to change?
Anxiety that never fully settles. Maybe a relationship is struggling and is painful for you, or you're exhausted from holding everything together.
Or maybe in your relationships, you feel caught between wanting closeness and needing to pull away.
Sometimes, these patterns trace back to earlier experiences - moments when you didn't feel fully safe, seen, or supported - and parts of you had to adapt to cope. Those ways of coping can stay with us, even when they are no longer serving us well.
If any of this resonates, you're in the right place. My role is to work alongside you, helping you reconnect with who you are beneath the patterns - the parts of you that have always been there, waiting to be seen, heard, and cared for.
You don't have to carry this alone
Client Experiences
What it's like to work together
Karen has a calm, empathetic approach and gently guides you to places you may not realise you need to go. She listens without judgement or pressure, always creating a strong sense of safety and trust.
Following a divorce and two subsequent relationships that didn't work out, I found myself feeling anxious, confused and blaming myself for repeatedly ending up with emotionally unavailable partners. In my late 50's, I finally plucked up the courage to seek therapy with Karen.
Through EMDR therapy, we explored patterns in my romantic relationships, particularly my difficulty in asserting my needs. This work led to me processing unresolved childhood experiences that were closely linked to why I had come into therapy, helping to understand my long-standing struggles with feeling "not good enough."
The therapy has helped me to discover a new sense of confidence in handling difficult situations and relationships. Where I once people-pleased, now I feel more able to set boundaries and express myself with calm assertiveness.
After a few months, my therapy journey has come to a close, and I can genuinely say I've experienced meaningful, positive change. I am more able to express my opinions and take time to consider what I want and prioritise myself. I can even buy something for myself now without feeling anxious or guilty! I'm sleeping better and feel generally happier, whilst accepting the normal ups and downs of life.
As the saying goes, the best way out is always through - so you've got to be brave. Therapy can feel daunting at first, and messy along the way, but it is truly worth it in the end. Thank you Karen.
- Juliette
From first meeting Karen and throughout the work we did together, I could feel a positive shift in my self-confidence and sense of self worth. The structure and techniques of our weekly sessions helped me understand myself better, identify personal triggers and manage them in a more effective way.
Coming into therapy from a low point in my life and feeling a little lost, using EMDR I was able to explore and resolve escalating issues, see the links to past experiences, and understand their relevance to my current life. I have learned to respond to both negative and positive experiences in a much healthier way.
Overall, my mental, physical and general wellbeing is in a much better place, and this shows in my daily interactions and how I navigate life's pressures.
I would highly recommend regular sessions with Karen to anyone. I see the work we have done as equally important as fitness and wellbeing practices - it has truly made a difference.
Right now I feel capable and confident in moving forward on my own, though I know I would return to Karen in the future if the need arises.
- Liam
Karen's compassionate approach created a safe and supportive space, allowing me to explore difficult topics with confidence. I always felt seen, heard and understood in our sessions.
I had the privilege of working with Karen during a pivotal time in my life. Her wealth of experience and keen insight helped me navigate long-standing early life and family issues that I had struggled with for years.
I am deeply grateful for the tools and strategies she provided, which continue to help me every day. I strongly recommend her to anyone seeking guidance and support.
- Jack
Working with Karen has made a real difference to a specific relationship in my life. She was supportive, compassionate, and her experience made the work meaningful and uniquely suited to me.
I still reflect on our discussions, and they continue to guide and help me in my daily life.
- Benjamin
Sound Familiar?
Maybe you're here because...
The same patterns keep repeating
In your relationships, your reactions, your life - the same cycles play out and you can't seem to break free
The past still running the show
Anxiety, flashbacks, or an uneasy sense of dread could be your mind and body's way of carrying echoes of experiences that shaped you long ago.
You're exhausted from holding it all together
People-pleasing, self-sabotage, procrastination - the coping strategies that once protected you can now feel like they are holding you back
If any of this resonates, you're in the right place.
I'll work alongside you to help you rediscover a sense of yourself that feels more steady, more connected, and more like you.
The person you were always meant to be.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply show up and be seen.
Brene Brown
About Me
A therapist who understands what lies beneath
I'm Karen, a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Europe Consultant and Clinical Supervisor with 26 years of experience working with adults - individuals and couples.
I specialise in trauma and relationship therapy. Many of the difficulties people bring to me - anxiety, anger, feeling stuck, or patterns in relationships that keep going in circles - often have roots that were never fully processed.
These can include adverse life experiences, past relationships that created trust issues, or a general sense that the world isn't fully safe.
I use attachment theory as a framework to understand how your early experiences shaped the way you relate to yourself and others today. The therapy aims to create a corrective experience - building healthier connections and new patterns that counter the negative beliefs left by the past.
Whilst the approach and methods are important, one of the most powerful factors in change is the connection we share. Just as in life, one size does not fit all in therapy. The best predictor of positive change comes from a strong, collaborative relationship and an approach that feels right for you, providing a safe, facilitative space where you can explore what's really going on - without judgement, and at your pace.
Qualifications
- Adv Diploma in Person Centred Therapy (1999)
- PG Diploma in Psychology (2001)
- Diploma in Person Centred Supervision (2002)
- Post Grad Diploma in Hypno/Psychotherapy (2003)
- Relate: Certificate in Couples' and Relationship Therapy (2004)
- UKCP Registered Psychotherapist (ongoing since 2009)
- Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT, 1 & 2, 2011)
- EMDR UK Accredited (2014)
- EMDR Europe Consultant (2016)
- Brainspotting Phases 1-3 (BPSUK, 2016/17)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) - Informed by workshops and practical experience, not formally trained
Other Qualifications
- HNC Business Studies (1986)
- Certificate in Education FE/HE (1987)
- BA in Business & Management Studies (1990)
- Masters in Education (1996)
- PG Diploma in Education (1997)
Courage doesn't happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.
Shannon L. Alder
Services
How I can help
I work with adults aged 18 and above - both individuals and couples, in heterosexual, same-sex and consensually non-monogamous relationships. I have experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and take a sexual diversity affirmative approach. Sessions are offered online, on a weekly or fortnightly basis, providing flexibility to fit your needs.
Availability
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 am - last appointment at 4:30 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - last appointment at 11:30 am
Individual Therapy
We trace back to the root of what's causing you distress - like an oak tree, the work starts at the acorn. Whether it's trauma, anxiety, grief, addiction, self-sabotage or something you can't quite name, we work together using mind and body approaches to reprocess what's stuck and help you move forward.
Couples Counselling
Couples often struggle when old wounds show up in present conflicts. We usually start with joint sessions. In some cases I may suggest starting with an individual session before beginning couples work.
In the joint sessions we often explore communication patterns, attachment-related insecurities, and the experiences that shape how you relate to each other. There may be individual sessions too.
The aim is to foster empathy towards each other's experiences, rebuild trust and support you both in connecting.
EMDR Supervision
I provide EMDR Supervision for both trained and trainee practitioners at any stage of their EMDR UK training. As an EMDR Europe Consultant, I support clinicians in developing and deepening their skills, integrating EMDR into safe and effective practice and supporting growth, confidence and reflective practice. I personally engage in monthly supervision myself.
What Brings People to Therapy
Click on any area below to learn more about how therapy can help.
Trauma & PTSD
Support in processing past traumatic events and reducing their impact on daily life.
Complex Trauma
Working with prolonged or repeated trauma that affects relationships, emotions, and self-perception.
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Learning to manage worry, fear, and sudden episodes of panic.
Depression & Low Mood
Finding ways to feel more connected, motivated, and hopeful.
Relationship Difficulties
Improving communication, understanding attachment patterns, and resolving conflict.
Bereavement & Loss
Coping with the death of a loved one, including miscarriage, infant loss, or other significant losses.
Childhood Experiences
Exploring how early experiences shape your beliefs, emotions, and relationships today.
Addictions
Support for reducing or managing addictive behaviours and understanding underlying causes.
Sleep & Nightmares
Helping address insomnia, nightmares, or sleep disruptions linked to stress or trauma.
Flashbacks
Working with intrusive memories to regain safety and control in daily life.
Low Self-Esteem
Building a more compassionate and confident relationship with yourself.
Trust & Betrayal
Processing breaches of trust and learning to rebuild healthy connections.
Affairs & Infidelity
Supporting individuals and couples through betrayal, grief, and relationship repair.
Sexual Difficulties
Exploring sexual challenges and intimacy issues with understanding and sensitivity.
Anger & Overwhelm
Learning to manage strong emotions and reduce feelings of being stuck.
Phobias & Fears
Overcoming specific fears that interfere with life and wellbeing.
People-Pleasing
Understanding why you over-prioritise others and finding balance.
Imposter Syndrome
Challenging self-doubt and building confidence in your achievements.
Self-Sabotage
Identifying patterns that hold you back and creating healthier ways forward.
Procrastination
Exploring underlying causes and developing strategies to take action.
Inner Critic
Soothing critical self-talk and strengthening self-compassion.
Life Transitions
Support through major changes, such as career, relocation, or personal milestones.
Isolation & Loneliness
Addressing feelings of disconnection and building meaningful connections.
Accidents & Injury
Processing trauma and emotional impact from accidents or physical injuries.
Grief About Life Changes
Not just bereavement, but transitions like divorce, retirement, or relocation.
Miscarriage & Loss of Baby
Support for navigating the emotional, physical, and relational impact of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.
Chronic Stress & Burnout
Coping with work or life stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm.
Medical & Health-Related Anxiety
Concerns about illness, surgery, or chronic conditions.
Career & Work Issues
Job stress, career transitions, or imposter feelings at work.
Identity & Self-Discovery
Exploring personal values, sexuality, gender identity, or life purpose.
Performance Anxiety / Public Speaking
Specific situational fears or pressures.
Body Image & Eating Concerns
Struggles with self-image, diet, or disordered eating patterns.
Persistent Pain & Complex Trauma
Sometimes trauma isn't just emotional - it's stored in the body. Long-term stress, unresolved experiences, or complex trauma can show up as chronic pain, tension, or physical symptoms. Therapy can help address these connections and support both body and mind.
Owning our story can be hard, but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.
Brene Brown
My Approach
It's not the story - it's the imprint it left behind.
Many distinguished trauma therapists recognise that talking therapy alone isn't always enough to treat trauma. It's not just about understanding what happened to you - it's about changing what that experience left behind in your brain and body.
When we experience something overwhelming, the brain stores it in a way that keeps it active. The past doesn't stay in the past. It can show up as anxiety, hypervigilance, angry outbursts, emotional numbness, or that constant feeling that something bad is about to happen.
Long-term trauma isn't just what happened - it's what stayed with you. Your body and nervous system can hold onto experiences long after they've passed.
Dr Amir
Trauma is not just a single isolated event. It can be the accumulation of smaller wounds - inconsistent care, childhood neglect, having to take care of a parent or caregiver as a child, walking on eggshells in a relationship, or always being the one who adjusted to keep others safe or stay connected to your caregiver. Often these smaller, repeated experiences can leave deeper marks than the obvious larger traumas.
These experiences can leave an imprint on the nervous system. When overwhelming or chronic stress persists over time, the body and brain can become stuck in survival mode, keeping the alarm system turned on long after the original experiences have passed.
My approach is mind-and-body-based. Whilst EMDR is central, I also use complementary methods - such as somatic techniques, mindfulness, Brainspotting, EFT, and parts work - to support deeper healing tailored to what's right for you.
These approaches aim to create corrective experiences - helping your nervous system to return to regulation, fostering healthier emotional responses, and replacing negative core beliefs with more truthful ones. The goal is not just understanding your pain - it's about learning to release it and move forward.
EMDR Therapy
A structured, evidence-based approach that helps your brain reprocess stuck memories and reduce their emotional impact. Recommended by the NHS and the WHO.
Brainspotting
A gentle, focused approach that uses your field of vision to access and release trauma stored in the body and brain.
Parts Work & IFS
Helps to better understand and relate to different parts of yourself, such as the wounded child or inner critic - so you can heal old wounds, reduce internal conflict and respond to life with greater compassion and clarity.
Attachment-Informed Therapy
Understanding how your early relationships shaped your patterns and discovering ways to create more secure, supportive connections in your life.
EFT & Somatic Work
Body-based approaches that combine Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), mindfulness and compassion-focused practices to help release tension and regulate emotions.
Couples Therapy
Trauma-informed, Relate-trained work that uncovers what's really driving conflict in your relationship.
The Process
What to expect
Starting therapy can feel daunting. Here's what the process looks like, so you know what to expect - no surprises.
Reach Out
Send me an email outlining what you would like to focus on and the changes you'd hope to make. Or arrange a free 15-minute introductory call - no pressure, no commitment.
First Session
We meet online to explore what has brought you into therapy and gather some background information. Together, we start to build a picture of what's going on and identify the changes you'd like to make and outcomes you'd hope to achieve. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your goals guide the work we do.
Your Therapy Plan
Together we create a treatment plan and agree on goals. Some issues can be addressed in a single session or in short-term therapy for here-and-now concerns. Much of my work, however, involves complex trauma which often takes much longer to work through because experiences are deeply embedded in the body, mind and relationships.
Progress & Review
During the course of therapy, we periodically review how things are going and adjust the plan as needed. Goals can shift and aspects of the focus may also change as the work deepens. You can pause or stop your therapy at any point, with up to 48 hours' notice, in line with my cancellation policy.
About Online Therapy
All sessions take place online, from the comfort of your own space. You'll need a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted, with a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera. For your own security and privacy, ensure your device is password-protected.
Your safety and privacy are important to me. Whilst technology is not perfect and human errors can occur, I take every precaution to protect your privacy and create a safe, supportive environment. Your sessions are fully encrypted and confidential. I use Zoom (HIPAA compliant), and Bilateral Base - a specialist platform designed for trauma therapy at a distance. Research has confirmed that online EMDR is just as effective as in-person.
I am registered with several insurance providers. If your therapy is covered, we can discuss terms before booking.
Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection, courage and change.
Brene Brown
Fees
What a session costs
Individual Sessions
Couple Sessions
Payment
Bank transfer. All booked sessions are chargeable, including your first session.
Cancellation Policy
A minimum 48 hours' notice is required. Sessions cancelled or missed without sufficient notice will be charged in full.
Ending Therapy
You're free to end therapy at any point. Where possible, it can be helpful to plan endings together for a thoughtful and supported close.
Common Questions
Things people ask before starting
I'm not sure if what I'm dealing with is 'bad enough' for therapy.
There's no threshold you need to meet.
Trauma doesn't have to be a single dramatic event - it can be the accumulation of smaller experiences, such as inconsistent care in childhood, a relationship where you never felt safe, always being the one who has to adapt to others.
If something is affecting your daily life, your relationships, or how you feel about yourself, that's enough.
What is EMDR and what does it actually feel like?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. During a session, I'll guide you to focus on a difficult memory while following a visual or sensory cue. This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it loses its emotional charge.
You don't forget what happened - but it stops controlling how you feel today. Most people describe it as tiring but relieving, like something heavy has been shifted. You remain fully conscious and in control throughout.
Does online therapy really work as well as face-to-face?
Yes. Research shows that online EMDR is just as effective as in-person sessions. Many clients actually prefer it - being in your own space can make it easier to open up, and there's no travel time or waiting rooms.
You will need a private room, a stable connection and a device with a camera.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends. Some people come for a single session or for short-term therapy to address a specific here-and-now issue. Others have deeper concerns that benefit from medium to longer-term work. Periodically we review how things are going and adjust the focus as needed. You're never locked in. You always have a choice in how you would like to move forward.
What happens in the first session?
We talk about what's brought you here, what you're hoping to change, and any relevant background. Together, we start to build a picture and formulate a treatment plan. You can ask me anything - it's just as much about you deciding if I'm the right fit as it is about me understanding your situation. There's no pressure to commit beyond that first session.
Will I have to talk about everything that happened to me?
No. One of the strengths of EMDR is that you don't need to describe traumatic events in detail. The therapy works with the memory at a level your brain can process, without requiring you to relive or narrate the full experience. You share only what feels right.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is confidential. Sessions are fully encrypted, and I don't store notes electronically. The only exceptions are the standard legal ones - if there's a risk of serious harm to you or someone else. We review all of this before therapy begins. All of this is outlined in the Statement of Understanding, which I send to you before your first session.
I've had therapy before and it didn't help. Why would this be different?
Talking therapy helps you understand your problems, but it doesn't always change how your body and brain respond to them. EMDR works differently - it targets the root of the distress, not just the story around it. Many of my clients have tried other approaches first and found that EMDR was the thing that finally brings a shift.
Trauma is not just a single isolated event. It can be the accumulation of smaller wounds - inconsistent care, childhood neglect, having to take care of a parent or caregiver as a child, walking on eggshells in a relationship, or always being the one who adjusted to keep others safe or stay connected to your caregiver. Often these smaller, repeated experiences can leave deeper marks than the obvious larger traumas.
This can leave an imprint on the nervous system. When overwhelming or chronic stress persists over time, the body and brain can become stuck in survival mode, keeping the alarm system turned on long after the original experiences have passed.
How do I know if I am suffering from trauma?
Some signs might include:
- Your life lacks sufficient pleasure, joy or connection
- You don't trust your gut or your own feelings
- You feel unsafe in your own body
- You feel like you don't belong
- You've become expert at pushing down your feelings to numb the effect, yet triggers still arise - by something you hear, see, smell, or a fleeting thought
- You may withdraw, drink more, or engage in other behaviours that dampen your nervous system
The challenge is that when we dampen the pain, we often dampen the joy as well.
Get Started
Ready to take the first step?
You don't need to have it all figured out. Send me an email or arrange a free 15-minute introductory call. No pressure, no commitment - just a chance to see if we're a good fit.
Free 15-minute introductory call available