Photo of Karin Usher, Trauma Psychotherapist

Karin Usher MBACP
Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist


Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, or struggling with confidence. It's important that you feel comfortable, respected, and understood. My aim is to create a space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement.

I work with people who are dealing with a range of challenges — from anxiety and overthinking to low self-worth, relationship patterns, and the effects of past trauma. Whether you're trying to understand why you always put others first or working through the impact of childhood neglect, I'm here to support you.

Calming Green Leaves

My Approach:
Trauma-Informed and Integrative

My approach to therapy is flexible and centred around your unique needs. I understand that each person's experience is different, so I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques to support you in a way that feels right for you. My practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, which means I understand how past experiences can shape the way you think, feel, and relate to others. I use a blend of techniques, including:

  • Psychoeducation: Helping you understand why your brain and body respond the way they do.
  • Somatic Awareness: Exploring how emotions show up in the body.
  • Mindfulness: Building awareness of your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
  • Trauma Processing: Gently working through past experiences, through evidence-based techniques, that still affect your present.
  • ACT/CBT (when appropriate): Developing practical skills to manage distress and make meaningful changes.

Our work together will focus on helping you understand yourself better, rather than forcing change. You'll be encouraged to move at your own pace, building self-compassion and resilience along the way.

Bubbles and Stars

Why I Do This Work

Therapy isn't just my profession — it's something I'm genuinely passionate about. I know how overwhelming anxiety can feel because I've been there myself. For a long time, I struggled with severe anxiety, often feeling trapped and unable to leave the house. It wasn't an easy journey, but through therapy and a lot of self-reflection, I found ways to rebuild my life. That experience taught me how transformative the right support can be, and it's a big part of why I chose to become a therapist.

I don't share this to make it about me, but to let you know that I understand what it's like to feel stuck. It's also why I'm committed to creating a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your own challenges without judgement. Therapy helped me reconnect with myself and find a way forward, and I believe it can do the same for you.

Woman Brain Time

My Commitment to Supporting Women

I have a deep commitment to supporting women who have experienced childhood abuse — whether sexual, emotional, or physical — as well as those who have faced childhood neglect or survived rape. I understand how profoundly these experiences can shape your sense of safety, self-worth, and connection with others.

Working through the impact of trauma takes courage, and I believe it's important to create a space where you feel respected and supported as you make sense of your experiences. My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in empathy, focusing on helping you build the resilience and self-compassion needed to reclaim your sense of self.

Whether you're just beginning to explore what happened or are looking for ways to move forward after years of carrying the weight of these experiences, I'm here to support you at your own pace. Therapy is not about rushing the process but about helping you feel more in control and more at ease with your own story.

Peaceful Green Leaves

My Experience and Qualifications

I hold a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I adhere to their code of ethics and am committed to continuous professional development (CPD) to ensure my practice remains effective and informed.

I am committed to helping people address a wide range of challenges, offering support that is compassionate, practical, and tailored to your unique situation. I have developed my practice with a focus on creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. My experience includes supporting people with:

My practice is inclusive and welcoming, respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of each person I work with.

Relaxing stones in water

What to Expect

Therapy is about building trust and working together to make sense of what you're experiencing. You won't be pushed to share more than you feel comfortable with, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you. Whether we're exploring past trauma, building confidence, or understanding relationship patterns, our sessions will focus on finding practical ways to move forward.

My clients often tell me that therapy has helped them feel more in control, less overwhelmed, and more connected to themselves. I believe that by understanding your story and recognising your strengths, you can build the life you want — one step at a time.

Contact me to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions

CONTACT