About Donna

A counsellor who listens without judgement

I’m Donna Karpel — a BACP-registered counsellor with over ten years of experience supporting people through some of life’s most difficult chapters. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply person-centred.

“Therapy is a space for you — fully and without reservation.”

My story

Why I became a counsellor

I came to counselling after experiencing first-hand how transformative it can be to feel truly heard. I trained because I wanted to offer that same experience to others — a space that is safe, consistent, and free from judgement.

Over more than ten years in practice, I’ve worked with individuals facing anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, trauma, low mood, and profound questions about identity and self-worth. Every person I work with teaches me something new.

I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is at the heart of the work. You don’t need to come with answers, or even with clear questions. You just need to be willing to show up — and I’ll be there to meet you.

My approach

Person-centred at heart

My practice is grounded in the person-centred tradition, developed by Carl Rogers. This means I believe deeply in your capacity for growth and self-understanding — and that my role is not to advise or direct, but to create the conditions in which that growth can happen.

In practice, this looks like: listening carefully without agenda, reflecting back what I hear, gently exploring patterns you may not have noticed, and sitting with you in the difficult moments without trying to rush past them.

I also draw on other therapeutic approaches where they are helpful — including elements of CBT, attachment theory, and mindfulness — always following your lead.

Unconditional positive regard

I won’t judge you for anything you bring to sessions. Whatever you’ve done, felt, or experienced — you deserve to be met with warmth and respect.

Empathy

I work to understand your experience from the inside — to truly grasp what it feels like to be you, not just what it looks like from the outside.

Congruence

I’m genuine in the room with you. I won’t hide behind a professional mask — I’ll be honest, present, and real in our conversations.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

— Carl Rogers, founder of person-centred therapy

Qualifications

Training and accreditation

I am fully qualified and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I adhere to their ethical framework and undergo regular supervision and continued professional development.

MBACP (Accredited Member)
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Diploma in Counselling
Person-centred approach, Level 5
DBS Enhanced Checked
Current certificate
Regular clinical supervision
As required by BACP ethical framework
Continued professional development
Ongoing training in trauma, grief, and relational therapy

Where I work

Consulting rooms and online

I see clients in person at my consulting rooms in Bushey and Borehamwood, both of which are quiet, private, and easy to reach from Watford and across south-west Hertfordshire.

I also offer sessions online via a secure video platform — making it possible to work together from anywhere. Many clients find online therapy just as effective as in-person work, and it can be easier to fit around a busy life.

Sessions are 50 minutes and are typically held weekly, at the same time each week. A consistent rhythm helps build the safety and continuity that good therapy needs.

Bushey

Borehamwood

Online (UK-wide)

Ready to work together?

Your free 15-minute call is a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if we’re a good fit. There’s no commitment required.