Scarborough counsellor draws on 17 years of experience to open new wellbeing practice

Wellness Roots & Flourish, based at 48 Ramshill Road, brings together professional counselling and a range of beauty and self-care treatments.

Founder Karen Hunt, who is new to Scarborough, is fully qualified, insured and registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

For Karen, counselling is more than a profession. Her own experiences of trauma, grief and personal challenges have helped shape her approach to supporting others.

“I am a qualified counsellor, but I am also a human being who has experienced life beyond the textbooks,” she said.

“I know that life can change in an instant. I know that grief, trauma and emotional pain don’t simply disappear because someone tells you to move on.

“My qualifications have given me the professional knowledge and skills to support others, but my own life experiences have also taught me the importance of empathy, compassion and never judging another person’s journey.

“I don’t claim to know exactly how someone else feels, because everyone’s experiences are different. But I do understand how important it is to have someone who genuinely listens.”

Rather than allowing difficult experiences to define her, Karen has used them to shape her approach to supporting others.

“Life has taught me that people don’t always need someone to tell them what to do. Sometimes they simply need a safe place to be heard, to feel understood and to begin finding their own strength again.”

At Wellness Roots & Flourish, Karen offers counselling for a range of issues, including anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, low confidence and other emotional challenges.

Alongside counselling, the practice provides beauty and wellness treatments, including relaxing facials, massage, pamper experiences and other self-care services.

Karen hopes the combination will encourage people to take a more holistic approach to their wellbeing.

“I wanted to create somewhere that feels different. Somewhere people aren’t just another appointment in a diary.

“Whether someone comes through my door for counselling, a facial or an hour of relaxation, I want them to feel welcomed, respected and valued.

“We spend so much of our lives looking after everyone else that we often forget about ourselves.

“Wellbeing is not a luxury. Looking after yourself matters.”

Karen said that she wants to remind people that they do not have to wait until they reach breaking point before asking for help.

“Counselling isn’t about being weak. It’s about recognising that you matter too,” she said.

Reflecting on her own journey, Karen added: “I’ve experienced chapters in my life that I would never have chosen, but those chapters have helped me understand the importance of kindness, resilience and human connection.

“If my experiences can help me create a space where another person feels less alone, then something meaningful has come from those difficult times.

“I am proud of my qualifications, proud of my experience and proud of the business I’ve created.

“But above all, I want people to know that behind Wellness Roots & Flourish is someone who genuinely cares.

“You are not defined by what has happened to you. You deserve the opportunity to heal, grow and flourish.”