Karen Nickelson, AASW

Karen Nickelson is a social worker and counsellor practising in Australia who combines professional training with lived experience to support people through difficult changes. She is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Mental Health Practice, a Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) with a Child and Family focus, and a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling. The master's degrees reflect advanced graduate training in social work and mental health practice, the bachelor provides counselling foundations for work with children and families, and the Certificate IV indicates specialist training in telephone-based counselling.

With six years of professional experience, Karen works with individuals facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem and other life transitions. She also supports people dealing with abandonment, ageing and geriatric concerns, attachment issues, autism and Asperger Syndrome, blended family dynamics, body image, cancer, caregiver stress, co-morbidity, codependency, commitment and communication problems, control issues, separation and domestic violence.

Her approach is warm, compassionate and empathetic, grounded in honesty to help create a non-judgemental space for sharing. Karen has a particular interest in grief and loss, supporting carers and palliative or end-of-life matters, and she is committed to helping clients find practical coping strategies and emotional relief. She welcomes enquiries from people ready to begin therapy and looks forward to working together.

Evidence-based techniques and online therapy tailored to your needs

Karen uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on thoughts and behaviour to help manage symptoms of anxiety and stress. These approaches involve identifying unhelpful patterns, learning practical coping skills and practising new ways of responding to difficult situations, which can be particularly useful for anxiety, stress and relationship concerns.

She also applies supportive, skills-based methods designed to assist with grief, loss and life transitions. This work aims to help people process emotions, strengthen resilience and develop strategies for caregiving or end-of-life challenges, drawing on her training and experience in palliative and carer support.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Karen works collaboratively with each person to explore what techniques feel most helpful, and she tailors her methods to the client's needs, goals and preferences. If additional input is needed, appropriately qualified or registered professionals and other therapists can be involved as part of a broader care plan.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy lives. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging provide flexibility and make it easier to attend sessions from home or while managing caregiving responsibilities. These options help maintain continuity of care and let people choose the communication style that best suits their situation.