Karen Bushell
Surrey,United Kingdom
Summary
Mental health professional with extensive training in clinical concepts and developmental psychology. Expertise in crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment, and substance abuse counselling, ensuring ethical practice and client confidentiality. Proficient in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, with a focus on neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism. Committed to delivering compassionate mental health support while advancing skills in innovative therapeutic techniques.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
EAP Counsellor
Health Assured
03.2024 - 11.2025
- Delivered time-limited Employee Assistance Programme counselling comprising six to ten sessions.
- Documented all counselling sessions accurately within the database.
- Ensured adherence to ethical practices and counselling standards.
- Alleviated client stress through diverse therapeutic methods.
- Facilitated resilience in clients coping with traumatic events.
- Managed confidential client records, maintaining privacy and security.
- Implemented mindfulness-based interventions that enhanced wellbeing.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, encouraging open communication.
EAP Counsellor Part time – Psychodynamic Counsellor
Health Hero
11.2023 - 11.2025
- Delivered time-limited counselling, facilitating up to ten sessions tailored to individual needs.
Maintained comprehensive records of counselling sessions in the database. - Developed and implemented effective coping strategies, facilitating recovery.
- Conducted psycho-social assessments to identify client needs.
- Managed confidential client records, ensuring privacy and security.
- Implemented mindfulness-based interventions resulting in enhanced wellbeing.
- Assisted clients in coping with traumatic events, fostering resilience.
- Employed cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety reduction.
- Participated in professional development training for skill enhancement.
- Led workshops on stress management, improving workplace wellness programmes.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, promoting open communication.
- Referred clients to additional services when necessary, broadening support network.
- Applied person-centred, cognitive-behavioural and mindfulness approaches, adapting techniques to individual preferences.
- Demonstrated ethical conduct, adhering to confidentiality guidelines and maintaining boundaries.
short term contract
Catalyst
Woking, Surrey
07.2025 - 09.2025
- Conducted assessments and triaged clients for counselling suitability.
- Maintained an up-to-date system with all relevant documentation.
- Referred unsuitable clients to appropriate organisations within Catalyst.
- Executed daily duties with accuracy and efficiency.
- Delivered tasks consistently within tight deadlines.
- Acquired new skills rapidly, enhancing overall productivity.
- Fostered a supportive team environment through respect and cooperation.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.
- Exhibited enthusiasm and energy in a fast-paced setting.
Counsellor
Well in Mind Therapy
Haywards Heath, West Sussex
01.2022 - 07.2025
- Client Risk assessments, Face to Face and Online Counselling. Client record keeping/ GDPR Working with clients in these areas: - Face to Face, Online and telephone.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for improved mental health.
- Employed cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety reduction.
- Provided crisis intervention during critical moments, mitigating risk.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, promoting open communication.
- Participated in professional development training for skill enhancement.
- Conducted psycho-social assessments to identify client needs.
- Ensured ethical practices at all times adhering to counselling standards.
- Assisted clients in coping with traumatic events, fostering resilience.
- Implemented mindfulness-based interventions resulting in enhanced wellbeing.
- Developed and implemented effective coping strategies, facilitating recovery.
- Conducted research to stay current with counselling trends and evidence-based practices.
- Documented all patient information outlined in service plans, treatment reports and progress notes.
- Formulated and implemented appropriate therapy to deal with underlying dynamics contributing to or exacerbating patients' illnesses.
- Built positive, productive client relationships for enhanced social support.
- Kept detailed, accurate records for well-maintained care continuity between support staff.
Counsellor
Alton Counselling Services (ACS)
12.2019 - 01.2022
- Conducted face-to-face and online consultations with clients.
Performed risk assessments to identify potential issues.
Maintained accurate records in compliance with GDPR and safeguarding regulations. - Managed confidential client records, ensuring privacy and security.
- Conducted psycho-social assessments to identify client needs.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, promoting open communication.
- Assisted clients in coping with traumatic events, fostering resilience.
- Employed cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques for anxiety reduction.
- Counselled diverse clients on mental health issues, addressing anxiety, depression, relationships, and substance abuse.
Field Sales Account Manager
Bidvest Foods LTD
12.2010 - 08.2015
- Consistantly achieving Monthly Sales targets Managing own Diary and communication to office and clients. Working on own and part of a team. Managing clients needs. Product Upsell / Promotions Regular weekly/monthly meetings with Clients. Helping clients to manage their stock and Seasonal Menu’s.
End of Life Care Assistant
Garth House Nursing Home
06.2009 - 12.2010
- Supporting key people through the process of death and bereavement. Importance of the environment. Managing symptoms of pain. Safeguarding awareness Training. Risk assessments and their application.
Field Sales Account Manager
Rentokil Initial
05.2007 - 12.2010
- Consistantly achieving Monthly Sales targets Managing own Diary and communication to office and clients. Working on own and part of a team. Managing clients needs. Product Upsell / Promotions / Contracts Regular weekly/monthly meetings with Clients and office. Liaising with all departments to achieve client’s needs.
Field Sales Account Representative
Lyreco Office Supplies
01.1996 - 05.2007
- Gaining New business and maintain client base Consistantly achieving Monthly Sales targets Managing own Diary and communication to office and clients. Working on own and part of a team. Attending regular sales meetings
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Psychodynamic Counselling
Nescot College
09.2019 - 07.2021
NCFE Level 1 award - Interpersonal Skills
Guildford College
09.2018 - 09.2019
Skills
- Organised
- Highly Motivated
- Passion for helping people
- Listening without judgment
- Clinical Concepts (psychodynamic)
- Developmental Psychology
- Safeguarding Training in Counselling
- GDPR training
- Neurodiversity course – ADHD and Autism
- Suicide risk assessment
- Case notes documentation
- Resilience to stress
- Substance abuse counselling
- Client-Centred approach
- Ethical understanding
- Mindfulness-Based cognitive therapy
- Anger management techniques
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Eating disorders awareness
- Trauma-Focused cognitive behavioral therapy
- Self-Harm prevention techniques
- Non-Judgemental attitude
- Therapeutic communication
- Abuse recognition
- Grief coaching
- In-person counselling
- Crisis Intervention
- Client assessment
- Mental health support
- Suicide risk assessments
- Client confidentiality
- Professional boundaries
Custom
- Client Triage and Risk Assessments. Time limited and long-term counselling sessions.
- Bereavement & Grief
- CBT Therapeutic approach
- Loss
- Miscarriage
- Terminal Illness
- Family Disputes
- Trauma
- Childhood Trauma
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexuality
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Safeguarding
- Mental Health (and under MHA)
- PTSD
- Sleep
- Fertility and IVF
- Self Confidence
- Suicidal ideation
- Neurodiversity ADHD/Autism/dyslexia/Aspergers.
- Education support and wellbeing.
- 2015-2019 – Mother – Stay at home mum to twin girls.
Timeline
short term contract
Catalyst
07.2025 - 09.2025
EAP Counsellor
Health Assured
03.2024 - 11.2025
EAP Counsellor Part time – Psychodynamic Counsellor
Health Hero
11.2023 - 11.2025
Counsellor
Well in Mind Therapy
01.2022 - 07.2025
Counsellor
Alton Counselling Services (ACS)
12.2019 - 01.2022
Diploma of Higher Education - Psychodynamic Counselling
Nescot College
09.2019 - 07.2021
NCFE Level 1 award - Interpersonal Skills
Guildford College
09.2018 - 09.2019
Field Sales Account Manager
Bidvest Foods LTD
12.2010 - 08.2015
End of Life Care Assistant
Garth House Nursing Home
06.2009 - 12.2010
Field Sales Account Manager
Rentokil Initial
05.2007 - 12.2010
Field Sales Account Representative
Lyreco Office Supplies
01.1996 - 05.2007