Karlina Jordan is a counsellor in Cambridge, St Ives, and online




What attracted you to become a therapist? 

From when I was very young, I loved listening to people and understanding the reasons behind their decisions. I have always been fascinated by the mind and how our experiences dictate the choices we make and who we are. 

My interest led me to take up psychology at A level, followed by a degree in cognitive science and later a diploma in therapy.


Where did you train?

I trained for my diploma at City Lit in Covent Garden. I Have also undertaken many continued personal development courses, which have been incredibly comprehensive and valuable to my practice.


Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?

I am an integrative counsellor which involves combining person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapy, toward what will suit the client best depending on their therapeutic goal or needs. 

My approach is versatile and enables me to tailor therapy to what is happening in the room. I am a creative thinker and clients get the benefit of having therapy that they can collaborate with, whilst at the same time being truly heard and understood. 

I don’t believe a one-size-fits-all in therapy, I have found being creative with clients provides us both with the freedom to help make the changes they seek.


How does integrative therapy help?

My expertise lies in trauma, anxiety and building self-esteem. All these things often interrelate and reinforce each other negatively. 

When dealing with anxiety, for example, it’s important to look at a person’s relationship with it, where it affects them in life and why. Opening up in this way helps clients to get a better understanding of the drivers of their anxiety and provides them with greater self-awareness. From greater awareness, new choices and opportunities arise.


What sort of people do you usually see? 

I have an all-inclusive practice and I see clients from all life stages. I also volunteer as a counsellor for a charity in Cambridge one day a week.

Most clients come to me with anxiety in one form or another and also suffer from low self-esteem and low confidence. I believe in empowering my clients, acknowledging their wins, skills and abilities and helping them to understand where their low self-esteem has come from.

Understanding our core beliefs, paying attention to the negative voice in our head and generally shining a light on harmful messages that we have absorbed over time, enables us to build ourselves up and removes the weight of negativity.


Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

I’m seeing people being open to talking therapy, more than ever before. I think thanks to press coverage and social media, the stigma of seeking help has been diminished, people realise that if they are not happy, it makes sense to speak to someone about it. 

I have also had clients mainly wanting in-person therapy. It feels like we have been Zoomed out! Currently, 95% of new client referrals are wanting in-person therapy.


What do you like about being a therapist? 

I like the privilege of sharing clients’ journeys. It is a very special relationship and the human connection that enriches the client when therapy starts working also enriches me. Seeing clients move forward and feel better about themselves and who they are, makes this work very special.


What is less pleasant? 

It can be challenging hearing about the cause of deep trauma; once I feel connected to a client, I feel very deeply for them. My job is to hold the space so that the client is kept safe and able to immerse themselves in a contained way. This can often be the most vital part of a client’s journey.


How long have you been with welldoing.org and what do you think of us?

I’m quite new to Welldoing. I read an article in The Telegraph and liked the ethos and checked you out. Since I’ve joined I have appreciated how clients are matched up to therapists and found the website really user-friendly.


What do you do for your own mental health? 

I take time out to relax, watch comedies, spend time with loved ones. I also run regularly and take my dog out for walks. Being in nature calms me and helps me to feel alive and free.


You are a therapist in Cambridge and St Ives. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

Cambridge is a city that has developed itself around technologically based industries, I, therefore, have some highly academic clients there.


What’s your consultation room like? 

I work from two therapy rooms, they are both very comfortable and welcoming.


What do you wish people knew about therapy? 

Therapy relies on the client’s willingness to be open, brave and explorative. Clients that come to therapy determined for it to work will reap the benefits of the therapeutic space. 

For many, therapy helps them better understand their experiences from the past and helps prevent those negative experiences from impacting their future.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy? 

Negative experiences never go away, but once we get to a point of understanding and acceptance we are more informed and self-aware. This helped me to become better able to connect and empathise with others. Therapy is about cherishing the whole of ourselves and being ok with our imperfections. Our imperfections make both therapy and life-enriching.


Contact Karlina here

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