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Meet Karen

 

I am Dr Karen O’Neill, a Psychotherapist based in Colchester, Essex.  

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With a background in nursing, my interest in human wellbeing has always been holistic.  I have worked as a psychotherapist in a variety of settings including health, education, social care and have expertise in the fields of attachment and trauma offering a range of interventions.  My clinical approach is integrative, drawing on a wide range of therapeutic models to meet the unique needs of each client.  

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Whether you are an adult navigating life’s challenges, a child or young person finding it hard to cope, or a parent seeking to strengthen your relationship with your infant or better understand your child, I offer a safe, compassionate, and professional space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

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Areas of Focus:

  • Psychotherapy for adults and young people

  • EMDR therapy for children and adults

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Bereavement and loss counselling for adults and children 

  • Parent counselling and therapeutic parenting support

  • Perinatal Mental Health and parent-infant therapy


I am also the co-director of PIP Solutions with my colleague Tara McDonald delivering mental health training to therapists, schools, and social care services across the UK and internationally.​

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Therapy Qualifications​​

  • Doctorate in Psychotherapy

  • MA in Practice Based Play Therapy

  • EMDR Accredited Practitioner

  • Accredited Clinical Supervisor

  • Accredited Play Therapist

  • Child & Young Person’s Counsellor

  • Certified Theraplay® Practitioner

  • Circle of Security Facilitator

  • Video Interaction Guidance Facilitator

  • VEEP-SD Facilitator

  • Certificate in Education

  • General Nurse

Research

‘An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of How Play Therapists Experience Attachment Theory in Non-Directive Play Therapy’ (Doctorate Thesis)

 

‘Beyond Words: An Exploration of Play Therapists’ Personal Experiences of Silence with Clients within the Therapeutic Dyad’ (MA Dissertation)

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Affiliations:
I am registered with BACP, PTUK, EMDR, Theraplay® Institute.
I work to their Codes of Ethical Practice ensuring a high standard of care.

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Publications:
A Polyvagal Informed Approach to Therapeutic Work with Children and Young People (Karen O’Neill and Tara McDonald)

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Contributor:

Messy Play in the Early Years: Supporting Learning through Material Engagements (Sue Gascoyne)

Seeking Shelter, Seeking Safety. Clay Therapy with Families and Groups (Dr Lynne Souter-Anderson)

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