Canse Karatas, has her own Counselling & Psychotherapy Private Practice. Has 10 years experience working for a range of services with a variety of issues like abuse, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low confidence, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicide and much more. She also worked in a Therapeutic Community which was DBT focused with ladies who have a personality disorder. Canse is Passionate about mental health awareness and actively seeks ways to help people. Her therapeutic influence is from an Integrative Approach mostly linked to Humanistic, Relational & Creative ways of working. Being mixed race she really values diversity and open-mindedness. Canse believes that we all have the resources within us to be the best version of ourselves for the future we deserve.
Canse Karatas, Private Practice Owner & Lead Therapist
How would you describe yourself?
I am half British/Turkish which makes me very open-minded and easygoing. I have lots of interests in things like cooking, crafts, reading, documentaries, mindfulness, theatre, ballet and travel. I enjoy being out in nature on a good walk or watching the sunset and stargazing. I love anything music or Psychology-related. I hold a very strong moral compass and always try to show kindness and compassion. I also have lots of flaws just like everyone else but I try be grateful for everything life shows me. Positivity is a big part of my personality along with being focused on my goals. I have a dog named Tiffany who is my best friend.
What led you here?
There are lots of things that led me to where I am today. Personally, I have had many of my own struggles and life events that I have had to deal with too. Professionally, I feel I was guided in this direction. I initially studied my Ba (Hons) Undergraduate Degree in Psychology with the goal to go all the way in that field. Whilst I worked my first professional role, I missed the face-to-face contact with clients I’d had in previous jobs and felt that there was lots of paperwork. I then took a different position which was more hands-on but as my responsibilities worked up, again the same happened and I fell out of love with those kinds of roles. During this time, I had a toxic relationship breakdown which I ended up in therapy from. This was one of the pivotal moments for my career too as it prompted me to explore my options and begin everything from scratch. I briefly dipped in crisis work for a couple of years and then decided to go back to university and do my PGDip in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Along with getting my BACP Membership.
What inspired you to start Silver Linings Counselling & Psychotherapy?
This will sound very Cliché but my clients! I always had a dream of having my own service one day. I used to discuss it with old colleagues and always have a million ideas of things I’d like to do. I saw my clients be brave enough to get through the day when everything feels dark but still come to my sessions every week and realised, I have to push myself too. I always try practise what I preach and I can honestly say I learn so much from my clients in many ways.
What makes you unique?
From my perspective, my experience is from a very mixed variety. I have worked 10 years in community services, inpatients, a DBT focused Therapeutic Community, crisis intervention and private practise. My methods are adapted to the clients needs rather than a set programme and can sometimes include visual or creative approaches. From my practise point of view, through my work in services I became very aware that people struggling are often on a waiting list. Sometimes even for 2 years! I will always aim to ensure there are sessions available within a week, not always necessarily with myself but I will ensure clients are placed appropriately. Another thing that is unique is a simple online booking system or an app. This means clients can look at the calendar themselves to see what sessions are available then book, rearrange or cancel their own appointments. The payment and confirmation are instant along with the zoom link in preparation for the day. This is covered for Worldwide accessibility and insurance. I believe accessing help should be the easy part and am constantly evaluating my marketing to reach people.
What advice would you give to someone struggling?
Everything starts with your basics and then you can build from there. By establishing these foundations and preparing for the things in your control you can build resilience. For deeper issues I would always recommend therapy. It must be the right timing though. Considering how much you can commit with regards to stability, time and financial factors. Also, I would say you’ve totally got this you have to get into the mindset of believing in yourself.
What can clients get from therapy?
It really depends on what the client brings and sometimes that can change as the sessions progress. Some clients will benefit just from having that safe, confidential place to talk with someone who is not connected to their own life. There is the opportunity to explore thoughts/feelings with yourself, experiences and relationships. There may be traumatic events that need to be processed. Coping strategies or motivational work are often something clients are interested in. Another key element is self-development and career growth. A lot of people believe therapy is just for when things go wrong but many of my clients have worked on future aspirations.
Where do client’s book in?
Head over to my website www.silverliningscounsellingpsychotherapy.com to arrange a free initial call and 50% off a first session when quoting BRAINZ0122.
For each client I will also plant a tree with Team Trees.
