Woking Counselling Support Karen Mackey

In Brief

Perhaps you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, low or angry. Maybe you keep having the same arguments, find yourself repeating patterns that aren't helping, or simply have a sense that something isn't right.

Sometimes talking to friends and family doesn't feel enough. They may care deeply about you, but can also be emotionally involved or offer advice that doesn't quite fit with how you see things.

Counselling gives you the time and space to step back, talk openly and make sense of what is happening.

I offer individual and couples counselling for adults in Woking and Guildford, with a direct, practical and collaborative approach. Together we can explore what is difficult, consider different perspectives and identify ways of moving forward that make sense for you.

Choosing a counsellor is an important decision, and feeling comfortable with the person you work with matters.

I offer a free 15-minute Zoom meeting so that we can meet face-to-face, discuss what you are looking for and see whether I might be the right counsellor for you. There is no obligation to book a counselling session. If you would like a meeting, please get in touch.


Individual counselling

You might come to counselling because you are:

- Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or low
- Struggling with stress or anger
- Finding relationships or communication difficult
- Dealing with addiction or substance-related difficulties
- Repeating patterns that you would like to change
- Feeling stuck or unsure about what to do next
- Finding it difficult to understand your thoughts, feelings or behaviour
- Experiencing a general sense that something isn't right

You don't need to have everything worked out before you contact me. We can start with whatever is happening for you now.

Counselling provides an opportunity to talk freely and be listened to without judgement. My role isn't to tell you what you should do. Instead, I will help you understand what is happening, explore different perspectives and consider your options so that you can make choices that feel right for you.

My approach is practical and collaborative. As an Integrative Counsellor, I draw on different therapeutic approaches and adapt my work to you and what you find helpful.

Couples counselling

Relationships can become caught in patterns that are difficult to change. You may find yourselves having the same arguments repeatedly, struggling to communicate, feeling distant from one another or unsure how to move forward.

Couples counselling provides a space where both people can be heard and understood.

I work with couples to develop greater awareness of what is happening between them and to encourage calm, clear and thoughtful communication. We can explore the patterns that have developed within the relationship and consider what each person needs and wants.

I welcome heterosexual and same-sex couples, as well as couples experiencing a wide range of relationship difficulties. I also work with adult parent-and-child relationship difficulties.

A counselling approach that works with you

Each of us has our own way of understanding the world. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why I believe counselling needs to be responsive to the individual rather than following a fixed formula.

I work collaboratively with you, taking time to understand what matters to you and what you want from counselling.

I may offer a different perspective or gently challenge the way you are looking at something, while respecting that you are the person who ultimately decides what is right for you.

For people who are neurodivergent, including those with ADHD or ASD, feeling accepted and understood can be particularly important. I aim to provide an affirming space where you can talk about your experiences without feeling that you have to fit somebody else's idea of how you should think or behave.

My aim is for counselling to feel welcoming, useful and relevant to you from the very first contact.

My experience

Alongside my private counselling practice, I volunteer with RASASC in Guildford, an organisation supporting survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

I have previously worked with Catalyst, a substance misuse and mental wellbeing charity, and Dialogue, the YMCA counselling service in Guildford.

This experience has given me the opportunity to work with people facing a wide range of personal, emotional and relationship difficulties.

What happens when you contact me?

Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, so I try to make the process straightforward.

1. Get in touch

Contact me and tell me a little about what you are looking for from counselling.

2. You have the option of a free 15-minute Zoom meeting

We can meet online, talk about what you need and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

3. Decide whether I am the right counsellor for you

Finding someone you feel comfortable with is important. There is no obligation to continue after our introductory meeting.

4. Begin counselling

If we both feel that working together would be helpful, we can arrange your first counselling session.

Fees and appointments

I offer both short- and long-term counselling for adults aged 18 and over.

Individual counselling: £60 per session

Couples and relationship counselling: £70 per session

I also offer a limited number of lower-cost places for individuals and couples who are on a low income and unable to meet the full cost of therapy.

My counselling room is on the outskirts of Woking, with easy parking. It is also within walking distance of several bus routes and approximately a 30-minute walk from Woking station.

Is counselling right for you?

You don't need to be certain that counselling is what you need before getting in touch.

If something in your life isn't working, you're feeling stuck, or you simply want some space to understand what is happening, we can talk about it.