Karen Drennan-McEwan Ad. Dip. Cp., MNCS Acc. M.A Hons. I am a Psychotherapist and Author implementing a tried and tested mind/body approach for chronic pain and illness, which is the result of some 12 years training and experience and 8 years research. It also incorporates the latest research on how pain impacts the brain. My particular expertise is in lupus, otherwise known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or Discoid Lupus Erythematosus DLE) with systemic complications, along with other related and often co-morbid conditions such as fibromyalgia and Raynaud’s and  Sjögren’s Syndromes: “The integration of psychological interventions with the treatment of chronic pain is essential”. – Dr Allen Leibovits PhD. It is a holistic and multi-layered mind/body approach some of which is explored in my book “How to Stay Sane in Pain – Clarity, Resilience and Calm with Lupus“, which describes my own experience of a massive lupus flare and diagnosis of severe systemic lupus in 2012. I was delighted to receive the following testimonial from a client after only two sessions with me: “It really brought home to me what a big difference it makes having a counselor who has personal experience of lupus-type conditions and of the kind of care we typically receive….Karen’s personal experience made a huge difference to my feelings of confidence and her genuineness. I suspect it would be very useful in a practical way for suggesting ways forward when a client/patient is stuck with one of our  “typical” problems”. My approach works completely in tandem and in support of conventional medical treatment and also alongside complementary therapies, specialist dietary advice and alternative healthcare systems such as acupuncture. I now work almost exclusively via Skype throughout the UK and internationally, with some 5 million people diagnosed with lupus around the world. My Skype sessions are supported by unique worksheets sent via email. Online counselling can be particularly useful if your health makes it difficult for you to travel to conventional treatment rooms; if you are housebound or if you have mobility issues and, of course Coronavirus has rapidly expanded familiarity with this form of receiving therapy. Qualifications Accredited Member of the National Counselling Society. Advanced Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy – Passed with Distinction due to excellence in theory and practice. Ad. Dip. CP. Diploma in Counselling – Passed NVQ Level 3. I abide by the code of ethics of the National Counselling Society of England and Wales. Experience and Training Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Treating Chronic Stress The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Mindfulness Breath work Guided Meditation and positive visualisation Counselling young people with complex disabilities Coping with disability Hidden disabilities Equality and diversity Creative therapies including sand play Working with personality disorder Autistic spectrum and depression I undergo continuous professional development and training and all my work is subject to regular and highly experienced supervision.