Hello, my name is Karolina, I am an empathic and reflective psychotherapist with a strong commitment for a positive regard of others. My blend of humour and a caring demeanour has proven to be invaluable in my counselling practice. With a strong passion for mental health, I bring together a robust understanding of psychological theories and hands-on experience.
I have got an excellent academic background. My undergraduate degree in psychological sciences included elements of neuroscience, human physiology and psychopathology – these were necessary for me to understand the objectives of hard science, and further developed my analytical skills. I continued the path by studying existential psychology and psychotherapy at postgraduate level. Consequently, I gained a deep understanding of Existential Philosophy which can inform and enrich any therapeutic encounter. It is also very relevant in terms of the reconstruction and understanding of social structure and how culture and the society influences us as individuals. More recently, I have completed a postgraduate course in clinical supervision at Derby University.
To date, I have worked for a wide range of organisations including Turning Point (Substance Misuse Service), Rethink Mental Illness, NHS, a number of IAPT provisions, Gloucestershire Counselling service and various Universities (Kent University, Open University, Christchurch University, Middlesex University). I believe my experience of working in a context of higher education institution gave me the chance to focus predominantly on the resources and accomplishments of my clients, and therefore brought about more ‘positive’ components of human experience to the therapy room. Whereas my experience of Art Therapy, while working within the NHS (Secondary Care), helped me to integrate more creative and abstract problem-solving skills while trying to comprehend clients’ situations. I also worked as a psychodynamic therapist for a homeless charity. I worked with homeless (or in danger of becoming homeless) clients. I offered long term open-ended therapy. Long term therapy provides an opportunity to develop a good therapeutic relationship with clients who need more in depth, historical exploration of their lives.
Presently, along my private practice, I work at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Canterbury. Priory is a leading independent provider of mental healthcare and adult social care in the UK.
In addition, I am a mother of two children, and I frequently use the knowledge and experience of being a parent in a therapy room.
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Supervision at The University of Derby.
- Level 6 Part 1 Diploma in Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Training.
- MSc in Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy – Middlesex University.
- Foundation Course in Cognitive Analytical Therapy (CAT), Theory and Practice, Psychological Therapies Training Resource, South Kensington and Chelsea Mental Health Centre (Chelsea &Westminster Hospital), Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
- BSc Psychological Sciences, Westminster University, Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Psychological Sciences with Upper Second Class Honours (2:1)
- Barnet College, London: Access to Health Professions and Nursing Studies.
Professional organisations
- Registered Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (see www.bacpregister.org.uk/check_register)
Ethics
I am bound by BACP’s Ethical Framework (see www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework)
