Online Counselling, Psychotherapy and Imago Relationship Therapy

Welcome to

Thyme to Be

Online Counselling, Psychotherapy and

Imago Relationship Therapy

Hello and welcome

I'm Karen, an Imago Relationship Therapist. I provide couples counselling for couples who identify as neurodivergent, and for those who do not. The majority of my clients identify as Autistic, having ADHD, or both. Typically, people who seek my support are married or engaged and wanting pre-marriage counselling.

My approach is warm and personalised, with a focus on addressing your communication differences, and the results of mutual misunderstandings, i.e. bickering, ferocious arguments, withdrawal, and affairs, whilst repairing, and deepening your connection.

Using Imago Relationship Therapy, we will co-create a safe space where you can both be honest, you both feel heard, and valued.

If you are looking for a therapist who is well trained, experienced, and good at what they do, feel free to get in touch.

You're probably wondering, 'what can this counsellor do for me?'

Well, if you are willing to attend regularly, and are committed to the process, both within AND between sessions, I can help you to:

Clarify your reasons for seeking couples counselling and what you both hope to gain.
Bring into awareness, underlying motivations for unhelpful and repetitive thoughts, feelings and actions.
Improve your communication skills.
Speak your truth and also learn how to hear what is true for your partner.
Deepen your understanding and acceptance of yourself and your partner.
Connect or reconnect with your self-worth, and your inner strengths.
Develop a safe, loving, and intimate connection with your partner.

I have worked successfully with a variety of issues, for instance: sexual, emotional and physical abuse, grief and loss, the impact of racism, affairs and strained relationships, alongside the search for meaning and direction in life. I often work with issues around identity.

My passion is transgenerational trauma; the passing of trauma between the generations of a family, and I often work with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, and express their pain through anger, depression or high levels of anxiety.

I’m ready to grow

“You may not control all of the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” — Maya Angelou

Couples counselling

I am a Relate trained Couples Counsellor. I am also an Imago Therapist, and now work exclusively with the dynamic and empowering model that is Imago Relationship Therapy.

My particular focus is couples who are committed to restoring their love relationship. It may feel as if your marriage is suddenly on the rocks after an affair, or, over time, the things that drew you to each other before marriage, now feel like intense sources of irritation. Your communication struggles may even feel like a mystery to you.

Through the Imago Dialogue process, we can co-create a safe space where you can both share your truths, feel heard, understood and valued, and where intimacy and love can grow.

If this resonates with you, get in touch.

Counselling is also for Christians

I am a Christian who is trained to a high level in counselling and psychotherapy; if you would like our work to have a Biblical perspective, we can do that.

I know that some well-meaning people can place a heavy burden on Christians, because they don't think that it is God's will to see a counsellor for emotional pain, whilst they might not question seeing a dentist for a toothache. Obviously, I don't share such a view, and will never judge anyone for seeking help.

You may be newly engaged and eager to address issues that you ignored whilst courting, or you could be a model of covenant marriage in public, whilst privately struggling with the effects of an affair. It could be that your dedication to your calling has caused you to neglect your partner and you need help to reconnect.

If you would like to heal, and grow stronger, together, get in touch.

.

A space to be

In a world where we can be so busy 'doing': earning love and respect, and generally proving our worth, I provide a space where you can take the time to breathe and 'be'. As we work together, you can be many things: still, heard, real, understood, co-creative, accepted, you.

If you are ready to overcome your past, and rewrite what seemed to be an inevitable future, whilst growing in hope and resilience, get in touch and we can discuss your specific needs.

Online sessions mean that location is no longer a barrier. Wherever you are, Manchester and beyond, your emotional well-being is worth the effort, so take that step and get in touch.

About Me

My name is Karen, and following a late diagnosis, I identify as neurodivergent, more specifically AuDHD. In practice, this means that I am good at thinking outside the box, and also at focusing on its contents!

I understand that it can be difficult acknowledging that you need to speak with a counsellor, after all, you may never have sought help before, let alone from a stranger. If you are neurodivergent, you may also be carrying the baggage of a lifetime of misunderstandings, about you and by you.

What can you expect from me?

You can expect me to see your worth, and treat you with respect.

You can expect me to be engaged and fully committed to our therapeutic relationship, working at your pace on the things that concern you.

You can expect ethical practice. I have regular supervision and also seek advice from the BACP when necessary. If I feel that I cannot meet your needs, I will say so, within the limits of my position, and do my best to help you to find another therapist.

Qualifications and CPD

Imago Relationship Therapy
Best Practice When Supporting Autistic Clients
An Insight Into The world Of Autism
Working With Neurodivergent Couples
ADHD In The Therapy Room
The Reality Of Living With ADHD
Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
Advanced clinical training in Transactional Analysis
University Advanced Diploma: Introduction to Couple Counselling (Relate, Level 6)
Certificate in Counselling Skills
PGCE - Primary education
Psychology and Anthropology BSc (hons) (2:1)

Do I have a specialism?

I specialise in couples counselling, using Imago Relationship Therapy.

The majority of people who contact me identify as Christians, and or neurodivergent, typically, autistic, dyslexic, or as having ADHD.

Common frustrations are:

feeling misunderstood

feeling rejected

feeling disconnected and alone

a sense of shame

The nature of Imago dialoguing can be comforting to those of us who require

structure, predictability, and space to think.

The skills that you develop during the Imago Dialoguing process can be used at anytime, to safely address your frustrations, whilst working towards a shared vision for a mutually fulfilling relationship.

Personal approach

My main approach to mental health is based in Transactional Analysis which has the core beliefs of: I'm OK, You're OK - in other words, we all matter, (even if it seems hard to believe, you matter) and are worthy of respect.

We can all think and influence the outcome of our lives, unless we have sustained brain injury which undermines this ability. Decisions can be changed - especially those life limiting decisions that helped us to survive as children, but are no longer helpful.

From the perspective of Imago Relationship Therapy, I believe that intimacy flows from a safe, conscious connection, and view conflict, but not violence, as an opportunity for growth.

Get in touch

Whether you have a specific challenge, or undefined, uncomfortable feelings, I am here to support you. I won't be 'working on', or trying to 'fix' you. Together, we will focus on your goals, helping you grow towards a life that feels right for you, as an individual and as a couple.

To start your journey, please include your availability, and I'll get back to you within 48 hours, often less.

Frequently asked questions

No, I only offer online couples counselling.

Successful Imago therapy sessions, do not require any of us to be in the same room, just that we all have excellent internet connections, and up to date equipment.

For me, the ideal is that you and your partner are in the same room, where you can touch, and soothe each other when needed, laugh together, and celebrate your wins.

If you are unsure about online therapy, I am happy to have an exploratory session with you and your partner, just send me an email.

No, I do not offer free couples counselling sessions. A Google search may bring up the names of any charities who do offer free therapy.

I do offer an opportunity to discuss Imago Therapy, how it might benefit you and your partner, and how we might work together, via a telephone or video call, of approximately 20 minutes.

The call is free of charge.

It will not be a therapy session and I will not delve into your reasons for wanting therapy.

If you would like to explore the benefits of Imago Therapy for your relationship, please get in touch.

An initial assessment for couples and individuals, is 60 minutes.

Subsequent sessions can be 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

There is the possibility to have longer sessions; fees will be charged accordingly.

You can book a session by calling or sending an email.

50 minute sessions

Individuals: £75

60 minute sessions

Couples: £100

90 minute sessions

Couples: £150

All bookings remain provisional until you have paid.

Once we have agreed, the date and time of our FIRST session, I will hold that space for 24 hours to give you time to pay.

For subsequent sessions, I ask that you pay, 7 business days before each session, via bank transfer.

Non-payment, for a first session, will be taken as a cancellation. For subsequent sessions, a notice of 7 days is required for a cancellation, if less notice is given, the fee will still be payable.

Fee Increases: I experience increases in the associated costs of being a therapist, i.e. insurance, supervision, advertising etc. and this may be reflected in my fee, which I review on an annual basis.

No.

I also work with individuals, siblings, friends, and parents with their adult child. I am happy to discuss your needs and how Imago therapy might help.

I've had clients who found that a single session was all that they needed to kick start the growth that they desired. More commonly, I have clients who prefer to work on a long term basis. Essentially, our work together will be tailored to your needs, and you'll have as many sessions as you need to achieve your desired outcome.

Short term work with individuals, is usually between 8 and 12 sessions.

For couples therapy, we usually agree to between 4 and 15 sessions, which can be adjusted, as required.

Long term work is open-ended, but punctuated by regular reviews.

Counselling and psychotherapy require commitment: to regular attendance, to being open, to processing outside of sessions. However, you are under no obligation to continue in therapy, and when you feel ready to end the contract, I ask that we do this in a planned way, so that we can tie up any loose ends.

I am an accredited member of the BACP - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (membership no. 00919098).

I am also a member of Imago UK.

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