Karen Bannerman, BACP

Karen Bannerman is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom with 25 years of experience. She focuses on helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and relationship difficulties. Karen aims to make the first steps into therapy straightforward and understandable for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

In sessions she creates an open space where thoughts and feelings can be talked through without judgement. She uses plain language and practical conversation so people can make sense of what is happening for them. If a specialist service would better meet someone’s needs, she will point them towards an appropriate agency or organisation.

Her work draws on a mix of approaches. Client-centred methods mean the person’s own goals shape the pace and focus of therapy. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour. Attachment-based and psychodynamic ideas help look at how early relationships influence current patterns.

Mindfulness practices are offered to help with grounding, stress reduction and building awareness in daily life. Sessions tend to combine discussion, practical exercises and simple skill-building that can be used between meetings.

Karen works in English and is registered with the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Before booking, people should confirm current session options and scheduling details through the Start Therapy process on the site.

How her approaches work in online therapy

Karen draws on client-centred work to put the person's goals first, creating space for honest reflection and practical planning. This approach helps when people want a collaborative pace and decisions shaped around their needs.

She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy, which focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of thinking and acting. CBT is often helpful for anxiety, low mood and developing coping strategies for everyday stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Karen will work together with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals and preferences. That means trying things out and adjusting the focus as progress is made.

If you are considering online work, confirm the exact session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when a full session is not needed. It can also be useful when quieter surroundings or less video use are preferred, but check what formats are offered before scheduling.