About Karen

Hello and Welcome!

I hold a Master’s in Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapy (Clinical) and work in line with the ethical standards of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP).

My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began by studying a degree in the life sciences; physiology and pharmacology, driven by a fascination with how the body and brain work — and how we try to ease suffering through medical means. As I progressed in this field, I came to understand that human suffering is rarely surface-level. I found that people—often even those I didn’t know well—felt safe enough to confide deeply personal and sometimes traumatic experiences with me.

These interactions reinforced my awareness that behind every symptom lies a broader story shaped by past experiences, relationships, and environment. They strengthened my commitment to looking beyond presenting issues and understanding the deeper factors influencing behaviour, choices, and emotional wellbeing.

This led me to retrain in integrative and humanistic psychotherapy, where I found a more holistic and meaningful way of understanding and provide a safe holding for the distress—not as something to simply "fix," but as something to process with compassion and curiosity.

My science qualification provided a solid grounding into how the brain and body works, but psychotherapy opened a door into the emotional and relational complexity of human life. Studying neuroscience through the lenses of psychology and somatic experiencing added yet another dimension—one that deeply resonated with me.

I began to understand how trauma, various differnet attachment styles and stress are not only psychological, but also physiological—shaping the nervous system in ways that can keep us stuck in survival states. Studying literature from  Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, and Gabor Maté, I learnt that responses such as freezing, shutting down, or going blank are not pathologies but normal, adaptive responses to a traumatic event or situation. 

Past experiences cannot be undone, but we can change how we respond to them through insight, exploration, and the development of new coping tools. Processing strong emotions in a safe and healthy way—rather than repressing or suppressing them—can help prevent unresolved feelings, such as anger, from emerging unintentionally or in ways that feel difficult to manage.

We are wired for connection—being emotionally understood and experiencing a sense of safety within ourselves and in relationship with others. Within the therapeutic space, I have seen how being genuinely seen, heard, and understood in a safe, confidential, and attuned relationship can support profound internal change. Clients often arrive with a felt sense of their struggles, and through the process of naming and gradually tolerating previously overwhelming experiences, clarity begins to emerge.

Reflective dialogue—exploring new perspectives and strategies—can lead to those meaningful “light bulb” moments. 

To remain grounded and ethical in my work, I attend regular clinical supervision and engage in ongoing personal therapy. I prioritise my own wellbeing and am committed to continuous professional development.