Meet the Therapist: Klara Sharples
Klara Sharples is a counsellor in Liverpool and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
While studying for my psychology degree, I became particularly interested in how trauma affects human behaviour and cognitive processes. The realisation that we can change our way of thinking sparked my curiosity to learn more about the mechanisms behind this. I wanted to understand how to encourage people to explore their inner worlds.
I became interested in therapy after witnessing its life-changing impact on friends and experiencing it myself. I realised that discussing deeply personal issues is often easier with someone outside of family and friends. This led me to explore the theory behind this dynamic and understand it better.
Talking to a trained therapist is vastly different from talking to friends; in therapy, clients feel they don’t need a "filter" or a "mask" and can share private issues without worrying about judgement. Counselling felt like a natural fit for me, something I grew into and found completely fulfilling. It helped me make sense of my life’s puzzle.
Where did you train?
I earned my psychology degree with honours from Liverpool University. After graduation, I continued my studies at RASA and obtained a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
I have volunteered as a crisis online counsellor for young people during mental health crises and as a Samaritan, providing support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Over the years, I have completed various courses, including trauma training, suicide prevention training, attachment training, and mindfulness and yoga breathing training.
Additionally, I am a qualified Sivananda yoga teacher and often incorporate breathing techniques into my practice to help clients calm their parasympathetic nervous systems during our sessions.
I have also worked with cancer charities in Liverpool, supporting clients affected by cancer, those related to someone undergoing cancer treatment, and those grieving a loss due to cancer. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the impact of bereavement on families and close relationships.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practice?
I am a person-centred counsellor, meaning you decide what to work on. I won't tell you what to do but will support you in your explorations.
My practice is trauma-informed, providing a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings without judgement.
My approach is highly individualised, adjusting based on your needs. I believe you already have the answers within; my role is to support and gently guide you, helping you uncover them. Together, we will explore your past to understand your present, addressing issues that may be holding you back. I will help you recognise negative patterns and, if needed, teach you coping strategies to deal with issues beyond our sessions. You will feel empowered to change what you want and discuss matters you may have never addressed before.
How does counselling help with symptoms of depression, grief, loss, and low self-esteem?
Talk therapy is a powerful tool recognised by the NHS and mental health professionals as an effective way to overcome mental health distress and prevent worsening issues. People seek therapeutic counselling for various reasons, including depression, anxiety, loss, panic disorders, phobias, or OCD. It allows you to explore your feelings healthily and proactively, rather than ruminating on them.
I will support you with compassion, care, and attention to detail, helping you reframe your experiences. Together, we will examine and change your perspective on those dark corners of your life.
By exploring old wounds and scrutinising buried feelings, we can open that Pandora's box in a way that helps you move forward. Understanding your inner processes and recognising unhelpful cognitive patterns that you may have applied as your coping strategy will help you to change the things you want to change and learn new coping strategies to help you to move on from your past.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I have extensive experience working with clients who have faced trauma and loss. I've also helped many individuals navigate family and marital issues, including overcoming affairs and betrayal.
Additionally, I have supported NHS and public service workers dealing with various issues, such as workplace bullying and coercive control. I've worked with parents concerned about children with neurological diversities.
I offer individual therapy for those struggling with self-esteem, loss, depression, cancer, marriage breakups, parenthood conflicts, or childhood trauma. If you're dealing with health issues, I can help. I guarantee complete confidentiality and prioritise your needs with warmth, empathy, and understanding.
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling, I adhere to their Code of Conduct. My main goal is to help you become the best version of yourself.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
There is a noticeable shift in how people perceive seeking mental health support. It's encouraging to see many using social platforms to discuss their mental health issues more openly than in the past. The shame that once accompanied mental health issues is diminishing, and there is greater acceptance and open-mindedness.
I've worked with men who initially felt a great deal of shame admitting they were struggling. This is gradually changing, with more men becoming open to seeking therapy. This trend is very healthy, and I hope it continues to change attitudes toward seeking therapeutic support.
People are increasingly recognising therapy as a valuable tool for maintaining good mental health. It's heartening to see individuals seek help rather than suffering in silence.
It's both positive and encouraging when clients come in with a sense that something isn't quite right and use therapy to explore their feelings and find solutions. Therapy is increasingly seen not just as crisis intervention but as a preventative measure against emotional burnout. I believe that early therapeutic intervention can prevent more significant issues later in life.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I love the uniqueness of each client. They keep me engaged and constantly learning, as I've never met a "predictable" client. It's fascinating to share in their inner worlds, and immensely satisfying to see them improve. Witnessing clients find better ways of living brings me great joy.
The diversity of my clients—different cultures, opinions, and values—is something I deeply appreciate. I cherish the moments when clients have their "Eureka moments" and significant parts of their lives suddenly make sense to them. Supporting clients during their most vulnerable times is a privilege I hold dear.
The power of human connection is evident in those raw moments when clients realise they've overcome something significant. I'm grateful to be part of their therapeutic journey.
When clients leave after our sessions, they often appear stronger and more confident. It's fulfilling to see them achieve what they set out to conquer, and knowing I was part of that process feels like witnessing a small miracle.
What is less pleasant?
Promoting my services is perhaps the least stimulating part of my practice. I didn't grow up in an era where everything was instantly accessible online, so adapting to less anonymity has been a learning process. Organising payments and fees isn't particularly enjoyable for me either, but I'm steadily improving in that aspect.
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I'm new to this platform, so I'm eager to see what I'll learn. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for my personal growth, enabling me to support my clients in the most effective, efficient, and ethical manner.
What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?
I have a deep appreciation for The Body Keeps the Score for its profound insights into how trauma affects the body at a cellular level. Applying theories from my university studies to practice has been rewarding.
I'm an avid reader and wish I had more hours in the day for books. Compassionate Mind is my go-to for understanding how the brain functions.
The Other Side of Sadness has been invaluable for clients coping with loss, while Joan Didion's The Year of Magical Thinking has been profoundly impactful in helping clients navigate grief. Many have shared that reading it made them feel less isolated in their grief journey.
What you do for your own mental health?
I love yoga and long walks to reflect and relax. I have also been writing journals all my life. It helps me to reflect on my own processing and on the therapeutic journey and gives me a clear indication of how I am still developing as a therapist. Writing is a great way to make sense out of any situation and I always recommend my clients to write between our sessions as it can be a great tool to process things that they shared in our sessions.
You are a therapist in Liverpool. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
I love living in Liverpool. People here have open hearts and are hardworking, kind people. Most of my clients who come to their sessions tried so hard to deal with their lives by themselves. They persevered and tried their absolute best to cope but at some point, they got tired of feeling depressed, fed up or anxious and sought help.
I wish they would sometimes seek help a bit earlier rather than suffering for such a long time before they seek help. My message would be to take an example from the famous Beatles song and “Don’t carry the world upon your shoulders.” Speak up, seek help. Life can be so much easier than it is right now.
What’s your consultation room like?
I offer face-to-face sessions and online sessions. The therapy rooms I offer for my face-to-face sessions use therapy rooms specifically designed to accommodate therapy sessions. They are comfortable and private in Liverpool L17 just of Aighburth Road.
I also offer session on Zoom and other platforms to suit your own needs and work with you from the privacy and comfort of your own home.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I know that this has been said before but calling in for support tends to be the hardest first step. I wish that everyone knew that at some point in everyone’s life people struggle. Many people do. However, therapeutic counselling can save lives, improve relationships, and relieve a lot of inner distress.
Counselling can also totally change perspective and (with a few sessions), things that seemed hopeless and catastrophic yesterday can seem so irrelevant and not worth the stress tomorrow. And as they say in the Beatles song: "Help, I need somebody!”, perhaps I am the person who can help. “We can work it out."
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I've learned that difficulties often precede progress. When clients first share their challenges, I wish I could reassure them that with time, patience, and courage, their pain will ease. Sometimes, I feel a strong urge to intervene and take responsibility, but I've realised that allowing emotions to unfold naturally helps clients regain control of their lives and embark on a new path.
I've also discovered my intuition is stronger than I realised. Creating a supportive environment for clients is crucial as they strive for a better life. It's fulfilling to see clients leave our final session with greater peace of mind. As the Beatles sang, "There will be an answer." Many seek solutions in therapy, and most find their questions answered by the end.
