Karen Whitfield , ACA

Karen Whitfield is an ACA counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, career uncertainty, depression and major life changes. She takes a respectful, non-blaming approach and centres clients as the experts in their own lives. Her style is gentle and practical, aimed at helping someone feel steadier each week.

Karen uses Narrative Therapy to separate problems from people. That approach helps clients see difficulties as external issues they can address, rather than fixed parts of themselves. She works alongside people to notice strengths and skills they already have and to use those strengths to reduce the impact of problems.

Sessions are conversational and focused on the client’s priorities. Karen encourages people to talk about what matters most, then tries out small, achievable changes between sessions. She keeps language simple and practical so insights can be used in day-to-day life.

Her background includes a Master of Counselling and registration with the Australian Counselling Association, Level 3. She has three years' experience supporting people through grief, workplace stress, communication problems and questions about life purpose.

Karen offers a calm, non-judgemental space where people can talk through hard moments and map a path forward. She aims to help each person clarify what they want, identify next steps and build on what already works for them.

Approaches and online options for everyday struggles

Karen primarily uses Narrative Therapy, which treats problems as separate from people and helps clients rewrite how issues fit into their stories. This approach can be useful for anxiety, depression, addictions and workplace stress because it highlights strengths and alternative perspectives.

She also draws on general evidence-based techniques that encourage practical change between sessions, such as setting small goals and trying behavioural experiments. These methods aim to build manageable steps that reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning.

Deciding which approach suits someone is a shared process. The therapist will work with the client to identify goals, try different strategies and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. Collaboration helps match methods to the client's needs and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls are good for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions are useful when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging can fit into busy days, allow shorter updates, and suit people who prefer writing over speaking.

These options make counselling more flexible, letting people fit sessions around work, family and other commitments while still working with an appropriately qualified therapist.