Karen Nickelson , AASW

Karen Nickelson is a social worker who brings both professional training and personal life experience to her counselling practice. She is a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and holds a Master of Social Work and a Master of Mental Health Practice, which are postgraduate qualifications in social work and mental health care. She also completed a Bachelor of Human Services in Counselling with a focus on children and families, and holds a Certificate IV in Telephone Counselling.

Her work is rooted in compassion and empathy, and she takes a straightforward, honest approach that encourages open sharing without fear of judgment. Karen has a particular interest in grief and loss, supporting carers, palliative and end-of-life care, and helping people navigate general life transitions. In addition to these focus areas, she supports clients dealing with stress, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, and other challenges that arise across the lifespan.

Karen aims to create a respectful space where people can explore their concerns and build practical coping strategies. She values collaboration and tailors her support to each individual’s circumstances and goals, drawing on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide the work.

Evidence-Based Support for Grief, Caregiving, and Life Changes

Karen Nickelson uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the situations she most often supports. She offers grief-focused approaches designed to help people process loss, make sense of changing roles, and find ways to carry forward meaning after bereavement. She also provides support aimed at carers and those facing palliative or end-of-life situations, offering practical coping strategies and emotional validation to manage the unique stresses of caregiving.

For people experiencing stress, anxiety, or difficulties with relationships and self-esteem, Karen applies structured, therapeutic methods that focus on building coping skills and improving communication. Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process - Karen works with each person to identify goals, test what helps, and adapt methods to fit individual needs and preferences.

Online therapy with Karen is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which offers flexibility for busy schedules, mobility limitations, or remote locations. These options make it easier to access consistent support while accommodating the practical demands of daily life.