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Your Trusted Mental Health Therapists in Burleigh Heads
Brighter Day Counselling has been dedicated to supporting individuals and couples with mental health and relationship challenges for over 17 years. As a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist, I combine evidence-based practices with a compassionate, client-centred approach. My practice specialises in women's issues, relationship counselling, and EFT/tapping techniques to address stress, anxiety, and emotional trauma. With extensive experience in both individual and couples therapy, I prioritise transparency, collaboration, and empowering clients to become their own counsellors. My training includes two years of personal and group therapy, ensuring a deep understanding of the therapeutic process.

Services are tailored to address life transitions, grief, self-esteem, and parenting challenges, among others. I am committed to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of counselling innovations. Clients benefit from a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore their concerns and develop practical strategies for lasting change. My approach integrates psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and somatic tools like EFT to foster resilience and self-awareness. The practice serves the Gold Coast community, offering flexible options including face-to-face, phone, and online sessions.
Services
Relationship Counselling Individual Relationship Coaching Women's Counselling EFT/Tapping Therapy Anxiety and Depression Counselling Parenting Support Grief and Loss Counselling Anger Management Self-Esteem Building Couples Therapy
Highlights and features
  • 17 years of experience in women's and couples counselling.
  • Certified Gottman Couples Therapist using research-backed techniques.
  • Specialised training in EFT/tapping for stress and trauma management.
  • Holistic approach combining psychotherapy and practical strategies.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and client empowerment.
Associations and certifications
  • Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
  • Certified Gottman Couples Therapist
Services
Relationship Counselling
Specialised support for couples using the Gottman method to address communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and relationship resilience. Focuses on rebuilding trust, enhancing intimacy, and fostering mutual understanding through structured, evidence-based techniques tailored to each partnership's unique dynamics.
EFT/Tapping Therapy
A somatic approach combining acupressure and cognitive therapy to reduce stress, anxiety, and trauma. Involves tapping on meridian points to regulate the amygdala and hippocampus, promoting emotional calmness and self-regulation while addressing deep-seated emotional patterns.
Women's Counselling
Tailored support for women navigating motherhood, identity, self-esteem, and societal pressures. Addresses issues like body image, grief, and work-life balance through a feminist lens, fostering self-compassion and empowerment in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Individual Coaching
Guided sessions for single or partnered individuals to explore relationship patterns, attachment styles, and personal boundaries. Utilises psychoeducation and behavioural interventions to enhance self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional resilience in daily life.
Anxiety Management
Evidence-based strategies to address anxiety, including mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and EFT/tapping. Focuses on identifying triggers, challenging negative thought cycles, and developing practical coping mechanisms to restore emotional equilibrium and daily functioning.
People
Karen Holmes
Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Karen Holmes is a certified Gottman Couples Therapist with 17 years of experience in mental health. A PACFA clinical member, she specialises in women's issues and EFT/tapping, blending psychotherapy with practical tools to empower clients toward self-awareness and resilience.
Questions
What types of counselling do you offer?
We provide relationship counselling, individual coaching, women's mental health support, EFT/tapping therapy, and anxiety/depression management using evidence-based techniques.
Are sessions available online?
Yes, secure video sessions via Zoom are offered alongside phone and face-to-face appointments at our Burleigh Heads clinic for flexible access.
How experienced is the therapist?
Karen Holmes has 17 years of experience, is a PACFA clinical member, and a Certified Gottman Couples Therapist with ongoing professional training.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily Burleigh Heads and the broader Gold Coast region, with online options available for clients outside these areas.
Can I use EFT/tapping for stress?
Yes, EFT/tapping is a core service for managing stress, trauma, and emotional regulation, taught as a self-help tool for long-term resilience.
Reviews (1)
Andrew Kaltenbach
Apr 11, 2019 Report
I have known and worked with Karen for many years. She is very professional and very invested in patient outcomes.