Karen Whitfield, ACA

Karen Whitfield is registered with the Australian Counselling Association (Level 3) and has completed a Master of Counselling, bringing a compassionate and collaborative approach to supporting people through difficult times. She specialises in Narrative Therapy, a respectful, non-blaming method that treats people as the experts in their own lives. Narrative Therapy separates problems from the person and draws on each individual’s existing skills, values and commitments to reduce the influence of difficulties in daily life.

Karen has experience helping people manage stress and anxiety, cope with addictions, navigate career challenges, and process grief, loss and depression. She also supports clients through major life changes and the everyday pressures that can affect wellbeing. Her practice emphasises practical coping strategies alongside reflective conversation so clients can build resilience and clearer direction.

In sessions Karen works to create an open and non-judgemental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored safely. Her style is collaborative and strengths-based, aiming to help people reconnect with their competencies and make meaningful changes that align with their goals and values.

How narrative and evidence-informed approaches work online

Karen uses Narrative Therapy to help people separate their problems from their identity, explore the stories that shape their experience and identify strengths and values that support change. This approach helps when dealing with anxiety, depression, addictions and transitions by reframing difficulties and highlighting personal resources.

Alongside narrative work, Karen draws on evidence-informed, skills-based techniques to build practical coping strategies for stress, workplace pressures and career challenges. These techniques focus on establishing concrete tools clients can use between sessions to manage symptoms and reach goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Karen collaborates with each client to determine which combination of narrative exploration and skills-based methods best fits their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy with Karen is offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging, providing flexible access that can fit around work, family and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access support from home or other convenient locations.