Practitioner Spotlight: Meet Karen Rushbrook – Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor

Discover the benefits of working with a Counsellor and Psychotherapist.

At Ease Wellness, we believe that mental and emotional wellbeing are just as important as physical health.

Sometimes, life presents challenges that feel too heavy to carry alone—and having the right support can make all the difference.

We're delighted to welcome Karen Rushbrook to the Ease Wellness community.

Karen is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Certified Clinical Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience helping adults and couples navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, confidence and resilience. Her calm, compassionate approach creates a safe space where people feel genuinely heard, understood and supported, whether they're experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, stress, or significant life transitions.

Drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches—including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy and EMDR—Karen tailors every session to the unique needs of the individual. Her goal isn't simply to reduce symptoms, but to help clients build lasting emotional wellbeing and create meaningful, sustainable change.

We recently sat down with Karen to learn more about her approach, what inspires her, and why she's passionate about helping people transform struggles into strengths.

Q&A with Karen Rushbrook

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? I'm Karen, a Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years' experience supporting people through life's challenges.

My journey into counselling came from a genuine interest in understanding people and helping them find a way through difficult times. Over the years I've worked in schools, community organisations and private practice, supporting individuals and couples from many different backgrounds.

I feel privileged to do work that allows people to feel heard, understood and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Q: What is your area of expertise, and what services do you offer at Ease Wellness?

I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, low self-esteem and life transitions.

My approach is tailored to each person and draws on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR for trauma.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I work collaboratively with clients to find strategies that genuinely suit them and their circumstances.

Q: What do you love most about the work you do?

The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing people discover strengths they didn't realise they had.

Seeing someone move from feeling overwhelmed, stuck or hopeless to feeling more confident, hopeful and in control of their life is incredibly rewarding. I also value the trusting relationships that develop through therapy and the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most important moments in their lives.

Q: Who do you most love to work with?

I particularly enjoy working with adults who have been carrying the weight of stress, anxiety or relationship difficulties for a long time and are ready to make lasting changes.

Many of my clients are highly capable people who have spent years putting everyone else first before realising they need support themselves. I also enjoy working with couples who want to rebuild trust, improve communication and strengthen their relationship.

Q: What can someone expect in a first session with you?

The first session is really about getting to know you.

We'll explore what's brought you to counselling, what you'd like to achieve, and what has or hasn't worked in the past. There is no pressure to share everything immediately—you can move at a pace that feels comfortable.

My aim is to create a warm, non-judgemental environment where you feel safe to talk openly. Most people leave their first session feeling heard, with a clearer understanding of what's happening for them and some practical strategies they can begin using straight away.

Q: Why do you feel a holistic approach to health is so important?

Our emotional wellbeing doesn't exist in isolation.

Our physical health, relationships, work, lifestyle, thoughts and environment all influence how we feel. A holistic approach recognises that lasting wellbeing comes from addressing the whole person rather than simply focusing on symptoms.

Counselling can help people better understand themselves, improve their relationships, manage stress more effectively and create healthier, more balanced lives.

Q: What does being part of Ease Wellness mean to you?

I'm excited to be part of Ease Wellness because it brings together practitioners who genuinely care about supporting the whole person.

I value working within a collaborative environment where different health professionals can complement one another and where clients have access to a range of services that support their overall wellbeing.

It's wonderful to be part of a community that shares the same commitment to compassionate, client-centred care.

Q: What inspires you most in your personal life?

Outside of work, I find inspiration in nature, travel and spending time with the people who matter most to me.

I also enjoy playing pétanque, which gives me the opportunity to connect with others while spending time outdoors. Exploring new places and creating quiet moments to recharge remind me of the importance of balance, curiosity and self-care—values I also encourage in my clients.

I believe we're all continually learning and growing, and that it's never too late to make positive changes in our lives.

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Ready to take the next step?

Whether you're navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, Karen offers a compassionate, supportive space to help you move forward with greater clarity, resilience and confidence.

If you've been thinking about reaching out for support, this could be the perfect time to take that first step.

Karen is now consulting from Ease Wellness and welcomes new clients.

To learn more or book an appointment with Karen, visit her practitioner profile or contact the Ease Wellness team, we'd be delighted to help connect you with the support that's right for you.

Because sometimes the bravest step isn't having all the answers, it's simply reaching out.

Book with Karen