Dr. Karen Denise Gonzalez
PhD, MSc, MBACP, MBPsS, SEA member
Languages - English & Spanish
About Me
I am a BACP-registered psychotherapist and an accredited ontological coach, with experience working across charities, the NHS, and private practice, both in the UK and internationally.
I believe we all have the innate capacity to grow, heal, and thrive, and that therapy is a vital step toward a more fulfilling life. I support clients through a wide variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, chronic pain, and issues related to sexual orientation, cultural identity, motherhood, and climate anxiety.
My practice includes a dedicated focus on behavioural challenges and neurodivergence, such as ADHD and conduct disorder. I work directly with individuals navigating these experiences, as well as with their families—offering a much-needed, non-judgmental space for loved ones to process their own needs and learn how to best support one another.
Additionally, as an immigrant by choice, I am deeply passionate about working with others who have chosen to relocate. While much attention is rightfully given to the impacts of forced migration, the complex psychological nuances of voluntary immigration are often overlooked and represent an important, rich area for exploration.
Professional Background
People seek therapy for many different reasons, but at its core, it is a space for self-exploration. Our actions and desires are deeply influenced by our emotions, and understanding them is key to navigating life's struggles. By exploring how you view the world, we can re-evaluate your values, open up new possibilities, and empower you to make choices that enhance your quality of life.
Using powerful questions, my goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment. Together, we will make sense of your difficulties and build the skills you need to gain meaningful insight into your challenges.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
My journey began with an undergraduate psychology degree in Mexico City, where I provided psychological assessments and counselling to young offenders dealing with complex trauma.
To deepen my understanding of human behaviour, I completed an MSc in Neuroscience at King's College London, followed by a PhD at the University of Southampton, where I researched brain differences in children with behavioural conditions like ADHD. While this research was fascinating, I realized that studying brain processes alone cannot capture the full complexity of human nature. I wanted to understand what makes us human on a deeply subjective level.
This realization led me to my Doctorate in Counselling Psychology at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, where I practice from an existential-phenomenological perspective.
My current research focuses on the impact of the climate crisis on mental health—specifically regarding women who choose not to have children due to climate change. The decision of how and whether to mother can be an exhausting journey. For many, climate concerns trigger profound feelings of anxiety and hopelessness about the future, directly shaping this deeply personal choice.