Karla Van-Pitterson
London
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven mental health consultant with over 25 years of experience at Healing Sun Talks. Expert in person-centred therapy and crisis intervention, I empower clients to overcome challenges and enhance emotional resilience, achieving significant improvements in workplace performance and personal well-being. Dedicated to fostering inclusive and ethical therapeutic environments.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Mental Health
03.2025 - Current
- Are you feeling overwhelmed by life or longing for change
- Do you want to embrace happiness and take charge of your life, moving towards a sense of freedom
- Hello, I'm Karla, a compassionate and seasoned counsellor with over 25 years of experience in health, mental health, and well-being
- I provide healing, empathic, and confidential online/remote person-centred counselling and psychotherapy
- My approach combines existential therapy, creative techniques, attachment theory, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to support your journey
Director Counsellor Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant
Healing Sun Talks
03.2024 - Current
- Therapist, Online Loneliness Companion and Mental Health Consultant
- My practice encompasses a range of therapeutic modalities, including person-centered therapy and existential therapy, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client
Corporate Mental Well-being Therapist and Mental Health Consultant
Accurx
London
05.2021 - 01.2025
- Provide (Eclectic) Person-centred Counselling and Humanistic Psychotherapies to optimise workplace performance by focusing on the mental well-being and emotional resilience of employees within an organisation
- Utilise a holistic eclectic approach integrating elements of Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques, Attachment Theory, and Psychodynamic principles to address individual client needs
- Offer tailored Person-centred Therapy sessions to support employees in building mental toughness, enhancing focus and attention control, managing stress and anxiety, and addressing psychological barriers hindering performance
- Collaborate with the People's Team/HR Team to enhance overall well-being and performance of employees, excellence of the company, aligning with the BACP Ethical Framework and company values
- Solutions focused, researcher, problem-solving, m/h referrals and assessments, mediation and conflict resolution
- Provide counselling and support as a corporate psychotherapist to help individuals find clarity, facilitate healing, overcome imposter syndrome, fear, navigate feelings of being stuck and much more
- Develop self-regulation strategies, boost motivation and confidence, and foster a positive self-concept through goal-setting, positive reinforcement, and cognitive reframing techniques
- Assist employees in overcoming mental obstacles, optimizing their mindset, and creating a conducive environment for peak performance in the workplace through personalised therapy sessions and tailored interventions
- Provide crisis intervention, including debriefing after critical incidents and incident reporting
- I operate within the BACP Ethical Framework, ensuring the provision of ethical, inclusive, and non-discriminatory services, in line with the Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 and Equality Act 2010, making decisions in reasonable adjustments to support employees
Director Counsellor Psychotherapist & Mental Health Consultant
Melanin Conscious Counselling
09.2021 - 03.2024
- I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework, the Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013, Race Relations Act 2000 and the Equality Act 2010 to provide ethical, inclusive, and non-discriminatory services
- My practice encompasses a range of therapeutic modalities, including person-centered therapy and existential therapy, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client
- I offer therapeutic techniques such as silent contemplation and mindfulness meditation, catering to clients dealing with workplace stress, anxiety, post-natal depression, depression, trauma, racism and diversity issues, discrimination, shadow work - facilitation, eating disorders, LGBT support, confidence and self-esteem issues, identity crisis, life issues, healing, clarity, and relationship and personal crisis
- I am committed to ensuring fair access to counseling for all individuals
- In the UK, there is a significant under-representation of Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority Therapists, with Black Therapists comprising as little as 9.6% of the total
- Studies indicate that Black clients benefit significantly from being counselled by Black Therapists
- With this in mind, I provide culturally aware support specifically tailored to Black, African, Caribbean, Diaspora, and Mixed/Dual-Heritage individuals
- It is important to note that Melanin Conscious Counselling does not specialise in or work with forensic offenders
- Through face-to-face, remote, phone, and therapeutic 'walking & talking' sessions, I create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore and address a wide range of mental health and emotional well-being challenges
- My mission is to empower individuals to navigate their mental health journeys and live fulfilling lives
CEO and Creative Director
Good Mood Company
London
01.2017 - 03.2021
- Company Overview: Good Mood Company offers high-frequency, organic, vegan, essential oil-infused products, including bespoke candles, sage, chakra and crystal smudge kits, and luxurious bath well-being healing products
- We aim to provide more than just a shop; we offer a harmonious vibration, a sacred space of holistic wellness and spiritual nourishment
- Each product is crafted with love and intention to elevate your mind, body, and soul, fostering tranquility, balance, and positivity
- Our offerings resonate with your inner being, nurturing a connection with the natural world and uplifting your spirit
- Good Mood Company offers high-frequency, organic, vegan, essential oil-infused products, including bespoke candles, sage, chakra and crystal smudge kits, and luxurious bath well-being healing products
Hackney Council Employment Support Advisor - Mental Health & Learning Disabilities
Local Government London Borough Of Hackney Council
London
06.2019 - 05.2020
- In my role, my overall goal is to help clients to achieve sustainable employment
- I have been dedicated to identifying, referring, and completing risk assessments for mental health and holistic wellbeing assistance, ensuring that each client's needs are comprehensively addressed
- I take pride in achieving exclusive client employment opportunities and shortlisting, providing direct access and personable support at community events, and offering informed guidance on specific health issues and legal disclosures to support the well-being of our clients
- As an Advisor, Counsellor, and Advocate, I am committed to promoting the mental health and well-being of each individual I serve, this smoothly integrates and brings together my role as a caring Employment Support Advisor
- Moreover, I have successfully set up bases and pilot schemes at the Hackney Town Hall JCP, facilitating direct interaction with the larger community, and have excelled in job coaching by attending jobs or placements with clients for extended periods, ensuring their successful integration into the workforce
(IPS) Individual Placement & Support Employment & Honorary NHS Advisor (Chase Farm Hosp IAPT Team)
Shaw Trust
London
07.2018 - 06.2019
- (IAPT) "Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme began in 2008 and has transformed the treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England, supporting long term health conditions"
- NHS Therapeutic & Rehabilitation Centres - Employment, Training & Education Support
- Mental Health Advice and Support - Attained high Job Retention, Support, and Client Engagement effects
- Fulfilling positive sustained client based outcomes working alongside CBT Therapists, (PWPs) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Psychologists, supporting client holistic Wellbeing, Social Inclusion, and Sustained Employment
- Job Brokering
- Winning 'Roll out' of Mental Health Awareness Training to College Students and NHS Recovery Schools
IPS Rehabilitation ETE Support Advisor
Community Mental Health
London
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Company Overview: NHS Mental Health Pilot Scheme
- Supporting individuals on their recovery journey, promoting independence, well-being, and successful transitions into the community and workforce
- Key Responsibilities: Risk Assessment, assisting individuals in addressing mental health challenges, identifying career aspirations, and developing skills essential for transition
- Create personalised plans around recovery goals and individual circumstances
- Provide guidance on accessing vocational training programs, educational resources, and employment opportunities
- Safeguarding, Risk Management and Vocational Readiness - Medium to high-risk environments at rehabilitation centers outside of London, and implement strategies to manage risks
- Work closely with mental health care staff, interdisciplinary teams, and employment support agencies to coordinate holistic care plans aligned with residents' recovery and vocational objectives
- Participate in collaborative meetings and treatment planning sessions
- Facilitate job placement opportunities by networking with employers, assisting with resume writing, conducting mock interviews, and providing ongoing support for successful employment integration
- Offer guidance on job retention skills, workplace accommodations, and strategies for career advancement
- Mental Health Advocacy and Empowerment for residents' rights to access education and employment opportunities and supportive of their recovery journey
- Utilise crisis intervention skills to address employment-related challenges or setbacks that residents may face during their recovery journey
- Offer immediate support, guidance, and resources to navigate employment-related stressors and maintain well-being
- Documentation of vocational assessments, education, placements, and progress towards employment goals
- NHS Mental Health Pilot Scheme
Charity (IPS) Individual Placement & Support (ETE) Employment, Training & Education Specialist
Certitude
07.2012 - 06.2016
- Homelessness, Low - High Risk Mental Health, Ex-Offenders, Low Income & Youth Behavioural Issues
- Established 1:1 Person-centred Holistic Services, aged 14+, with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
- Completed Client accessibility, referral, and capability: Eligibility Criteria, Vocational and Risk Assessments
- Conducted appraisals of client needs, addressing barriers to Employment, Training, and Education
- Job Brokering
- Attained Information, Advice, Guidance and Financial Analysis, improving client wellbeing and involvement
- Specialist Liaison with G.P.s, Psychiatrists, Referral Teams, Social, Key Workers, Support & Care Homes and Families
- Meritoriously managed Caseloads, Action Plans, Goals, and Client Logs
- Visiting clients in their homes, wards, community, resource centres, G.P
- Surgeries etc
- Completed Holistic Client Care, helping future understanding, and lowering anxiety
- Resourceful, good listener, diplomatic, trustful and client focused
- Delivered constructive Jobs Search Workshops, Drop-in Centres, and Jobs Fairs
- Effective Trainee Manager completing, Supervision, Performance Outcomes, and Placement Assessments
(IAG) Information Advice & Guidance Mental Health Peer Empowerment Advisor
Look Ahead Org, Kean Street Mental Health Residential Care
London
05.2010 - 12.2011
- Medium-High Risk Mental Health: Provide 1:1 supportive Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) to adults aged 18-65 with medium-high risk mental health conditions
- Offer high-level assistance in assessing and addressing client's employment, education, training, courses, classes, and activities
- Actively listen to client welfare issues, ensuring their concerns are heard and understood
- Create a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to express their thoughts and emotions
- Offer fruitful encouragement and support to clients, empowering them to achieve their goals and enhance their overall well-being
- Collaborate with clients to identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations
- Help them explore opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Develop personalized action plans and assist clients in accessing appropriate resources and services
- Provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure clients' progress and address any challenges they may encounter
- Work in coordination with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and community support workers, to provide comprehensive care
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in handling client information
- Continuously update knowledge and skills through professional development activities to provide the best possible support to clients
(PALS) Patient Advice & Liaison Officer and Contracted Bank Staff
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
London
10.2001 - 04.2010
- Permanent Staff (PALS) Patient Advice and Liaison Officer - Complaints and Resolution: Address patient complaints, facilitate resolutions, and ensure effective communication with healthcare providers
- Provide support, guidance, and information to patients, helping them navigate the healthcare system
- Investigate and respond to complaints, collaborating with relevant departments for improvements
- Contracted Bank Temporary Staffing Employment: Research Ethics Team Admin: Assist in reviewing research studies and maintaining accurate records
- Coordinate meetings and ensure compliance with ethical guidelines
- Private Patients Tax and Accounts Clerk: Manage financial records, resolve billing issues, and prepare reports for private patients
- Renal Social Services Admin: Schedule appointments, coordinate services, and provide support for renal patients
- Paediatrics Ward Clerk and Burns Clinic Co-ordinator: Manage records, appointments, and admissions for paediatrics ward and burns clinic
- Nuclear Medicine Admin: Schedule appointments, maintain records, and ensure compliance with safety protocols
Education
Coaching Course - Existential Coaching
ELearn College
03.2025
Diploma of Education - Positive Psychology
Centre of Excellence and Quality Licence Scheme
01.2023
Diploma of Education - Mindfulness Teacher
Centre of Excellence & Quality Licence Scheme
01.2023
Diploma - Counselling Course
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
05.2021
FDA - Counselling in Arts, Person-Centred Counselling (Incl other Humanistic Counselling Theories)
Middlesex University
Tottenham01.2021
Skills
- Client Relations
- Person-centred therapy
- Existential coaching
- Mental health assessment
- Compassionate communication
- Crisis intervention
- Empowerment strategies
- Mindfulness techniques
- Emotional resilience training
- Client counselling
- Career counselling
- Counseling
- Empathy development
- Assertiveness training
- Therapy
- Solution-focused counselling
- Psychotherapy
- Mental Health Counseling
- Personal development sessions
- Crisis response
- Mental health support
- Outreach programming specialist
Certification
- MBACP Registered and Trained Member with the (BACP) British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- CPCAB Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body
- Middlesex University Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body
Awards
- Certitude Excellence Award
- Making a Difference Award
Personal Information
Title: Founder of Healing Sun Talks | BACP Registered | Remote Worldwide Counselling & Psychotherapy Practice
Training
- Trainee Counsellor and Client Assessment and Risk Assessor, Frontline Therapy, 08/31/21
- BACP Modules: Existential, Attachment Theory, Psychodynamics and Psychology, 06/30/21
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies – Pcmis Database, Chase Farm Hospital (IAPT), 12/31/19
- Mental Health Awareness Level 4, Adult Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Employer Engagement, (IAPT) Support, Mindfulness, CBT - ABC Method and its uses, Shaw Trust, 12/31/19
- Mental Health Awareness & Safeguarding Training, Mental Health Early Warning Signs and Triggers for Young People, Support and Develop Life Skills, Time, and Stress Management for Clients, Certitude, 12/31/17
- Health and Safety, Risk Assessments, London Metropolitan Police, 12/31/17
- Mental Health of Young People in Gangs, Common Mental Health Illnesses, Conduct Disorder, Learning Disability, ADHD, Substance Misuse & Dual Diagnosis, Premier Partnership, 12/31/17
- Mental Health Awareness, Motivational Techniques, Adult Safeguarding, Assertiveness, Stigma Triggers, Implementing a Successful (IPS) Service, Centre for Mental Health Accredited, 12/31/17
Languages
English
First Language
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Mental Health
03.2025 - Current
Director Counsellor Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant
Healing Sun Talks
03.2024 - Current
Director Counsellor Psychotherapist & Mental Health Consultant
Melanin Conscious Counselling
09.2021 - 03.2024
Corporate Mental Well-being Therapist and Mental Health Consultant
Accurx
05.2021 - 01.2025
Hackney Council Employment Support Advisor - Mental Health & Learning Disabilities
Local Government London Borough Of Hackney Council
06.2019 - 05.2020
(IPS) Individual Placement & Support Employment & Honorary NHS Advisor (Chase Farm Hosp IAPT Team)
Shaw Trust
07.2018 - 06.2019
CEO and Creative Director
Good Mood Company
01.2017 - 03.2021
IPS Rehabilitation ETE Support Advisor
Community Mental Health
07.2016 - 06.2017
Charity (IPS) Individual Placement & Support (ETE) Employment, Training & Education Specialist
Certitude
07.2012 - 06.2016
(IAG) Information Advice & Guidance Mental Health Peer Empowerment Advisor
Look Ahead Org, Kean Street Mental Health Residential Care
05.2010 - 12.2011
(PALS) Patient Advice & Liaison Officer and Contracted Bank Staff
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
10.2001 - 04.2010
Coaching Course - Existential Coaching
ELearn College
Diploma of Education - Positive Psychology
Centre of Excellence and Quality Licence Scheme
Diploma of Education - Mindfulness Teacher
Centre of Excellence & Quality Licence Scheme
Diploma - Counselling Course
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
FDA - Counselling in Arts, Person-Centred Counselling (Incl other Humanistic Counselling Theories)
Middlesex University
Similar Profiles
Mary KopkaMary Kopka
Employment Specialist at Community Mental HealthEmployment Specialist at Community Mental Health
JENESSA HATFIELDJENESSA HATFIELD
Final Preceptorship (Student Nurse) at Community Mental HealthFinal Preceptorship (Student Nurse) at Community Mental Health
Morgan JohnsonMorgan Johnson
Family Support Case Manager at Community Mental HealthFamily Support Case Manager at Community Mental Health
Rebecca DominatoRebecca Dominato
Mid Market Expansion – Client Development Manager at Smartsheet IncMid Market Expansion – Client Development Manager at Smartsheet Inc
Paul ClarkPaul Clark
Front of house team member at Phoenix Theatre, Ambassador Theatre GroupFront of house team member at Phoenix Theatre, Ambassador Theatre Group