Karen Bateson
MA, MBACP

I made the decision to begin studying psychology with the Open University 10 years ago, during my own personal therapy. This lead to my choice to study psychotherapy and counselling alongside my work coaching and mentoring students with specific learning differences (SpLDs) and mental health difficulties.

I undertook my training as a psychotherapist and counsellor at the University of Leeds, where I graduated with distinction. The BACP accredited course at Leeds consisted of trainee practice hours, supervision,  personal therapy and a research project. I have experience of working with a number of counselling services in the north and south of England and am currently working in an associate counsellor post at Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS), a BACP accredited service.

I see private counselling and psychotherapy clients who may present with a wide range of issues and life concerns from Yanley Court Complementary Therapy Centre in Long Ashton, a tranquil, countryside retreat that is 10 minutes drive from Bristol city centre, as well as at my home in Portishead, which is located near the Marina and the Severn Estuary nature reserve, around 10 minutes drive from Junction 19 on the M5.

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Current Employment
University of the West of England (UWE) - Specialist SpLD Study Skills Tutor (2018-current)
Gloucestershire Counselling Service (GCS) - Associate Counsellor (2018-current)

Past Employment - 10 years
Bristol Mind - Volunteer Counsellor (2017-2018)
Oasis-Talk - Freelance Psycho-Educational Facilitator (2018)
Contact Associates - Specialist Mentor/Specialist SpLD Study Skills Support Tutor (2017-2018)
Cancer Support Yorkshire - Trainee Counsellor (2016-2017)
University of Bradford - Trainee Counsellor (2015-2016)
Clear Links - Specialist Mentor/Specialist SpLD Study Skills Support Tutor (2013-2017)
University of Worcester - Specialist SpLD Study Skills Support Tutor (2009-2013)

Qualifications
MA Psychotherapy and Counselling - University of Leeds (2015-2018)
Dip HE (Open) inc. Psychology, Counselling and Mental Health - Open University (2008-2014)
PG Dip Visual and Verbal Representation in Britain (1840-1940) - University of Reading (1999)

Membership and Insurance
BACP:  Individual, Registered
Dyslexia Guild: Associate
Towergate Professional Indemnity Insurance

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Working with the Body in Counselling and Psychotherapy; Margaret Landale; 1 day; GCS, Stroud [June 2019]
Suicide and Suicide Ideation; 1 day; BACP, Bristol [June 2019]
Let's Talk Groups: A Group-Analytic Approach; 1 day; GCS, Stroud [June 2019]
BACP Research Conference, 2 days; BACP, Belfast [May 2019]
Adolescence; Margot Waddell; 1 day; GCS, Stroud [May 2019]
Working effectively with Autistic University Students; 1 day; UWE [Jan 2019]
Trauma informed Practice; 1/2 day; Postive Minds, Bristol [Dec 2018]
Private Practice Conference - Loss; Webcast; BACP [Nov 2018]
The Science of Breaking Free from Domestic Abuse; 1 day; Sian Hill [Oct 2018]
BACP Research Conference, 2 days; BACP, London [May 2018]
25th Anniversary Conference: On Being Alive to Death; 1 day; The Harbour, Bristol [Oct 2017]
Child Sex Abuse: Hope for Healing; 1 day; PODS [Jun 2017]
Dissociation and DID: The Fundamentals; 1 day; PODS [Jun 2017]
Trauma and the Body; Online; PODS [Jun 2017]