A counselling space where every part of you is welcome
Hi — I’m Karen (she/her),
Social Worker & Counsellor
I support women, LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent folks, and young people who want a counselling space that feels safe, affirming, and grounded in real understanding.
My practice is built on the belief that healing happens in relationship — in spaces where your identity is respected, your autonomy is honoured, and your story is held with care.
Parts & Pride Counselling is a place where you don’t have to explain or justify who you are. You get to show up as your whole self.
"A trauma-informed, identity-affirming counselling service supporting women, LGBTQIA+ people, neurodivergent folks, and young people in the ACT and online."
Who I Work With
I work with people who are navigating experiences such as:
• Trauma, complex trauma, or childhood harm
• Identity exploration, gender affirmation, or sexuality questions
• Neurodivergence, burnout, masking fatigue, or sensory overwhelm
• Relationship challenges, boundaries, or family stress
• Anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or feeling “too much” or “not enough”
• Life transitions, grief, or feeling disconnected from yourself
If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or unsupported in other services, you’re not alone — and you’re welcome here.
We are dedicated to creating safe and affirming environments. We believe in respect, inclusivity, and accessibility of mental healthcare for all.
How I Work
My approach is trauma‑informed, identity‑affirming, and neurodiversity‑affirming.
This means:
• You set the pace — nothing is rushed, forced, or pushed
• Consent and collaboration guide every session
• Your lived experience and cultural identity are respected
• Your nervous system, sensory needs, and communication style matter
• We work with your strengths, not against them
I draw on parts‑based work, somatic awareness, narrative approaches, and evidence‑informed trauma modalities.
Everything is adapted to your needs, your capacity, and your goals.
My Values & Commitments
These values shape every part of my practice:
Safety
Emotional, cultural, and identity safety are foundational. You deserve a space where you can breathe.
Autonomy
You are the expert in your own life. I support your choices, your pace, and your boundaries.
Affirmation
Your gender, sexuality, neurotype, culture, and lived experience are valid and celebrated.
Transparency
You’ll always know what to expect, what we’re working on, and why.
Community
My work is grounded in social justice, lived experience leadership, and community care.
What You Can Expect
People often tell me they feel calmer the moment they walk in — or log in — because the space feels warm, grounded, and free of judgement.
In our work together, you can expect:
A gentle, steady pace
- Clear communication
- Space to explore without pressure
- Support that adapts to your needs
- A counsellor who genuinely cares about your wellbeing
You don’t have to have the “right words” or a clear plan.
You just have to show up as you are.
My Background
I’m a qualified Social Worker with a Master of Social Work and extensive experience in trauma‑informed practice, LGBTQIA+ community work, youth support, and lived‑experience‑led programs.
I’ve spent years supporting people through complex trauma, identity exploration, neurodivergence, and systemic barriers.
My work is shaped by both professional training and deep community connection.
"Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul" - Carl Jung.
Why I Do This Work
I believe in the power of being truly seen. I’ve witnessed how transformative it is when someone finally feels understood — not pathologised, dismissed, or talked over.
Parts & Pride Counselling was created to offer the kind of counselling space I wish more people had access to: one that is gentle, affirming, and grounded in dignity.
This work is personal to me. It’s rooted in values, community, and a commitment to creating safer spaces for people who have too often been let down by systems.
If this feels like the right fit…
You’re welcome to reach out, ask questions, or book a session when you’re ready.
There’s no pressure — just an open door.