Karen Kimberley

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Confidence & Communication Coach CBT, Hypnotherapy, NLP
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Do you need help with:

  • Overcoming anxiety, stress and depression?
  • Communication, career or relationship problems?
  • Building confidence, focus and resilience to develop your career?

About me

Karen Kimberley (BA, DCH, DHP, NLP, GQHP, MAC, ITOL)

OK there are lots of letters after my name but that only means I'm qualified to help you and despite the letters I have a down to earth, caring and friendly approach.
My training in CBT, NLP and hypnotherapy means I have tools and techniques that I can share with you to help you overcome any spiralling thoughts, overthinking and emotions that hold you back, make you feel isolated and stuck. I work with  people of all ages, who want to gain confidence to improve their happiness or move forward in their career.

Book a personally tailored coaching, communication, hypnotherapy or CBT programme with me online, or in person, at my calm, private garden room in Taplow.

You can find my online book Thinking Like Magic @ https://bookboon.com/en/thinking-like-magic-ebookhttps://bookboon.com/en/thinking-like-magic-ebook

You can listen to my free confidence building sessions on my website http://www.theengagementring.co.uk. There are two sessions to help you. 'Think Positive' and 'Relax Now' on the development page, a great way to take a break from the stress and feel more confident.

Many years working in the communication field means I can also help you with mentoring to accelerate or improve your practical business skills too.

I specialise in building communication, confidence and capability for business professionals like you. That could be dealing with anxiety, imposter syndrome, people pleasing, helping with presentation skills, developing yourself and your career,  or helping new managers and leaders perform better.

How coaching can help

Coaching can help you overcome personal setbacks, build up your confidence to deal with problems or tricky people at work and help you define and achieve new goals. Sometimes we all get stuck in a rut and need a fresh perspective on life and a way to overcome ingrained, unhelpful habits that are starting to hold you back. Coaching provides someone who can ask you the right questions to unlock the thing that may be holding you back. Someone who can listen well to enable you to explore issues in your own time and guide you to the best solution.

An independent, impartial sounding board can help you find the right direction, without judging you and in complete confidence.

I use a variety of tested techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Coaching and Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Mentoring, Counselling & Hypnotherapy to help you overcome unhelpful thinking and limiting beliefs and get to where you want to be in a safe, friendly environment.

When we experience change, even seemingly positive change like moving house or getting married, it can be a challenge. I can help you understand and manage change better (especially as I don't like it much myself!) Whilst I work with many business clients to help improve communication in workplaces both large and small I also work with individuals to help with presentation skills, communication and relationship issues.

I work with a variety of people of all ages, from Gen Z,  Millennial, or Gen X through to Boomers.

See many testimonials from happy clients below.

I help individuals, managers and leaders, aspiring or struggling, in business to

–      improve communication, confidence and performance during change

–      Enhance the impact, presentation and power of leadership communication.

–      help create more engaging places for people to work


Working with you

I have enabled many people to achieve significant breakthroughs in their life and performance at work and personal relationships. One client was described as 'gob-smackingly different' after her series of 6 coaching sessions. My clients consistently achieve measurable changes in their confidence and self belief and I see them leave their sessions feeling much more empowered, happier and positive.

I've even helped people with suicidal tendencies to turn their life around.

Sessions are usually an hour long, with approximately 4-6 sessions over a period agreed with you to suit your needs. They take place in a pleasant private room, or on Zoom, and usually there are exercises or 'homework' to complete between sessions. You will gain a clear idea of your progress and I will support you in between sessions as and when required.

My business experience lies in change communication, people engagement, coaching and training working with large organisations, using a range of skills to motivate and help create changes in behaviour in leaders, managers and teams.

I have a proven track record of achieving measurable results linked to client and business objectives. In 2011 I managed a transformational leadership communication programme for Standard Life Investments, shortlisted for a CIPR award. in 2008 I was awarded a Churchill Fellowship via volunteering with The Princes Trust.

My international experience includes consulting and coaching with a number of global organisations, advising them on communication strategies and people development. Profiling tools used include DISC and Belbin. I also maintain supervision, Continuous Professional Development running regular meetings for the Association for Coaching and attending the Brain Friendly Learning Group.

Testimonials

Some testimonials from happy clients

‘I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say hello and lately, you’ve been popping into my mind, and I realised that I never properly thanked you for the immense support you provided during one of the most challenging periods of my life.

When I came to see you again, I was utterly burnt out, angry, and disillusioned where making decisions for myself felt so impossible. Over the weeks, I began to trust your guidance and you genuinely helped me see things from a different perspective, especially regarding my work. It became clear very slowly that my role wasn’t serving me in any meaningful way. Thank you for gently guiding me toward making some positive decisions.

I’ve been reading around positivity, positive affirmations                      and trying to meditate these days. While it’s not yet a habit, I’ve become more in tune to my well-being. When things feel a bit off, I am aware of it and can respond more quickly than previously. I'll try to build on that a bit more. 

So - thank you for your absolute support and kindness. I really want you to know how important your help was in getting me to a place where I could function. I'm still feeling the repercussions from that entire episode, but I'm also looking up and outwards.’  Senior Council official

‘It was great to work with Karen. She was compassionate, professional, and understanding. I enjoyed our meetings and I learnt much from her.’   
IT professional, Software business

‘Karen's advice and processes that she took me through really helped me achieve my initial goals. Cannot recommend enough. ‘

Sales Manager, Pharmaceuticals

‘Karen provides expert advice and guidance that really helped me to work through some issues and achieve my goals.’

Senior Manager, Manufacturing

‘Karen’s voice is so hypnotic – she should be reading a book at bedtime on Radio Four’ 
Executive Coach

‘I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for how much talking to you has changed – and saved - my life!’

Entertainer and Theatre performer

‘I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help, you’ve been amazing. I never thought I would be able to appreciate having CBT which is why I put it off for such a long time. However, you showed me that it really is beneficial. Again, thank you so much for all of your help over the past 4 months. I know that it didn’t end with me staying at the company, but you have definitely helped me with many aspects of my life and have probably changed my life. I think that it was just the right job, at the wrong time. ‘

Assistant, pet care business

‘I’ve been meaning to thank you for sorting Karen out for us. Long story short I’ve had an eating disorder since I was a kid and even just those few sessions seeing her has actually changed my life ha, ha. Granted not work related but I genuinely can’t tell you how much I appreciate you getting us those sessions!

It’s going amazingly well! I’ve eaten all sorts now - while there’s a lot that I haven’t tried yet I’m very open to trying things. Definitely still got some work to go with more things like sauces but my eating is no longer holding me back in life! Last night I not only went out to dinner, but I went somewhere with a set menu that included things I’d never tried before. That isn’t something I’d even have considered possible before speaking to Karen!’

Project manager, manufacturing business

‘Thank you so much for all your help this year. The advice you provided has been incredibly helpful in assisting me in making loads of changes in the business which I know are for the best. Change can be difficult, but the team are on board, and we have now filled all our vacancies, so fingers crossed things will settle down now. Thank you again.’ 

MD, Pet care business 

‘We engaged with Karen and Lindsey during 2020, to provide support to our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The aim of the employee wellness sessions was to provide employees with ways to improve their wellness and resilience during the pandemic, increasing confidence and performance whilst reducing stress and anxiety during the uncertainty of the current climate. 

The service we had from Karen and Lindsey was exceptional; during the planning and pilot stage the course was designed, and tools developed to suit the needs and challenges our workforce were facing. During the delivery of the sessions there was the flexibility to adapt and change the session slightly to suit the needs of that individual group.  

All employees who attended, found the session extremely beneficial and in turn the company could see the positive impact it had to the business and the wellbeing of employees.  The support after the session was equally as positive and employees really enjoyed having the weekly ‘Friday Tips’ email which reinforces the key techniques from the sessions.’

Senior EMEA HR manager, Semiconductor business.

“I really value the work that you do and would not hesitate to recommend you in the future. The service that you provide gives me an opportunity to offer things that are outside of the box”. 

Learning and Development Officer, Pharmaceuticals

“I would like to say a big thank you for what you have worked through with me – it has been very useful, and I have fed back positively to my manager about it.  A few years back I was given some coaching with another senior manager in industry, but this was nowhere near as beneficial as what you have done, and I shall be taking forward a lot of what we discussed into my new role” 

Senior leader, Charity

“I have to say that the presentation went really well, and I have no doubt that this was due to your help in giving me the techniques to manage my nerves. I’ve had some really positive feedback from both my colleagues in Marketing and the audience, who said that I came across as a confident presenter. Thanks again so much for your help – it really did make a huge difference”. 

Corporate Brand Manager, Finance

“The directors have had an almost evangelical change in their approach and rapid action has taken place to address some of the issues (following the leadership communication capability programme)”. 

Director of Corporate Communications – International Financial Investments Company

“Karen was recommended by a colleague when I felt my team consisting of several technical IT specialists, who were going through a difficult transitional phase, needed some time out of the office to gel and bond. Karen’s training style and ability to connect with the team, some of whom were a little reluctant to participate in a ‘soft skill’ training exercise, drawing out issues that needing addressing before then helping the team build pragmatic action plans to tackle the issues raised, exceeded all my expectations. As a result of those group sessions, I felt sufficiently inspired by Karen’s knowledge and style to enlist Karen as a personal coach and mentor and regularly spend time with Karen to help me forge a way forward where I have challenges that are leaving me perplexed and need a sounding board to work through my thoughts.” 

IT Project Manager, Global Supply Chain business

“Stress in the City (which we're all trying to cope with) is a real issue for many companies now. Karen has a solution to this. Her thought-provoking coaching delivered in her calm yet constructive manner smoothes away your corporate concerns and believe me she's seen it all before. Probably one of the most qualified and competent management coaches I've ever met”. 

MD, Consulting firm

“Thank you, you provided me with, not only an independent person to talk too, but the tools to allow myself to get back to 'me' and continue to move forward and improve myself. For that I am truly grateful. Who knows what might have been if I had not realised, I needed to take back control all those months back! The fact you were also in health and safety at one time, gave me the comfort to know that you understood some of my challenges and wall that you can come up against even without the additional challenges I had. I will definitely come back, get a top up of self-belief and confidence and will certainly recommend you to colleagues and friends without hesitation”. 

QSHE Director, Construction industry

“Karen has a wide experience in all forms of communication at work and strong skills in helping clarify and make progress towards their aspirations, both personal and work based. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her commitment impressive”.

Professor David Clutterbuck, author of “The Winning Streak” and mentoring guru.

“A cross between Boadicea and the Dalai Lama – impossible to imagine until you’ve met Karen Kimberley. She’s the business equivalent of a bikini area waxing – you’ll feel better in places you didn’t know you had! Karen has trained more winners than the Mahktoum brothers”. 

GB, Film director

‘Karen, thank you once again for your time, it really has helped me once more with some clarity on my intrusive thoughts.’

Chief accountant, Finance business

WHAT WORKSHOP DELEGATES SAY ABOUT KAREN

It exceeded my expectations. I expected it to be standard and not much new but instead it provided real food for thought and insight!

Liked presenter’s affirmative and confident style.

It was excellent – a highly skilled communicator!

Storytelling as part of the process – good technique

Relaxed style, very interactive, good use of humour

Where and how I work

My main practice room is in Taplow, Bucks near Slough. There is plenty of free parking nearby and it's easy to find. The train station is about 15 minutes walk. 

Local coaching in Burnham, Windsor, Bracknell, Slough, Reading, Maidenhead and Beaconsfield can be arranged if required, along with visits to business premises in London and the South East.

Zoom/Teams/Telephone/Skype calls are available

Specialisations include:

  • Confidence-building and self belief
  • Business and career coaching
  • Cognitive Behavioural Coaching
  • NLP and Hypnotherapy
  • Facilitation: interactive training or running business sessions
  • Coaching: training or 1:1 coaching
  • Change communication
  • Employee engagement and motivation
  • Leadership communication, at a variety of levels.
  • Communication strategy and planning
  • Performance and Management Skills
  • Consultancy on team development and related business processes.

I also help many Asian people and people with English as a second language to build confidence and communication skills at work. I help people with ADHD and those who are neurodiverse to understand how to communicate and perform more effectively.

The Engagement Ring

I am founder of The Engagement Ring, a network of coaches with specialist skills in business transformation, team development, career coaching, employee engagement, training, communication, Executive coaching, organisational design and development (OD), marketing and HR. We work with both large and small businesses to help make them happier and more productive places to be.


Call me for a free conversation about how you would like help. Plus look me up on Linked In, Facebook,  or X/Twitter to find out more on my training and coaching website https://www. theengagementring.co.uk

Training, qualifications & experience

Education and Training:·       

  • Bolstering Resilience across the Lifespan, CBT-I for Insomnia, Dementia Awareness, Attachment Theory (Essential Therapies, 2021)
  • Bereavement Coaching, Using NLP Online (Association for Coaching, 2021);
  • Making Online Workshops Engaging, Celebrant Certificate (2020);
  • Neuroscience for Learning ( ITOL 2019),
  • Certificate in Leadership and Management ( CMI 2019)
  • Transactional Analysis 101 (2014)
  • Academy for Coaching GROW refresher (2013)
  • Shortlisted for CIPR award Internal Communications (2011);
  • Qualified in Brain Dominance profiling with MyBrain international (2011);
  • Awarded ITOL diploma in  Brain Friendly Learning (2010);
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (2010);
  • Awarded NLP Leadership Diploma (INLPTA) (2009);
  • Awarded prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship to undertake research into volunteering in Australia (2008);
  • Achieved ‘Competent Communicator’ VP PR Toastmasters(2007/8);
  • Psychology of Training, CIPD, (2006 );
  • Advanced Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy ICH, (2005);
  • Mentored five young people leaving care, two nominated as regional finalists in The Princes Trust awards, (2005);
  • Certified NLP practitioner (Bandler-McKenna) (2000);
  • One of the first to achieve Chartered Marketer status CIM (1999);
  • Counselling skills(Merton College, London (1997);
  • Lead assessor for quality management systems ISO 9000 (1996);
  • Sales & negotiation training, Haymarket Publishing (1984)
  • 1973 - 1980 – Bury Grammar School.
  • 1980 - 1983 – Leeds University, BA English 2(1)

Member organisations

AC
Association for Coaching (AC)

The Association for Coaching is one of the leading professional bodies for Coaches and Organisations.

The Association is made up of a number of different membership categories, e.g. Associate Member (AMAC), Member (MAC), Accredited Member (AC Accred), with the different categories standing for different levels of training and experience. Accredited Members have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by the Association.

The Association has a Code of Ethics & Good Practice and a Complaints Procedure.

Areas of coaching I deal with

Other areas of coaching I deal with

Dealing with change.
Confidence for Asian women.
Handling change and redundancy.

Photos & videos

Fees

£85.00 - £120.00
Free initial telephone or online session

Health Insurance/EAP

  • check_circle Axa Health
  • check_circle Health Assured
  • check_circle Aviva
  • check_circle Saga
  • check_circle Vitality
  • check_circle WPA

Additional information

Fees can be discussed according to the type of coaching required, the location and duration required and whether the work is with an individual, team or organisation.
Please call or email for an informal discussion to see how we can price according to your needs.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Working hours are Monday to Friday and I have  evening appointments on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.

Further information

Some testimonials from happy clients

‘I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say hello and lately, you’ve been popping into my mind, and I realised that I never properly thanked you for the immense support you provided during one of the most challenging periods of my life.

When I came to see you again, I was utterly burnt out, angry, and disillusioned where making decisions for myself felt so impossible. Over the weeks, I began to trust your guidance and you genuinely helped me see things from  a very different perspective, especially regarding my work. It became clear very slowly that my role wasn’t serving me in any meaningful way. Thank you for gently guiding me toward making some positive decisions.

I’ve been reading around positivity, positive affirmations                      and trying to meditate these days. While it’s not yet a habit, I’ve become more in tune to my well-being. When things feel a bit off, I am aware of it and can respond more quickly than previously. I'll try to build on that a bit more. 

So - thank you for your absolute support and kindness. I really want you to know how important your help was in getting me to a place where I could function. I'm still feeling the repercussions from that entire episode, but I'm also looking up and outwards.’  Senior Council official

‘It was great to work with Karen. She was compassionate, professional, and understanding. I enjoyed our meetings and I learnt much from her.’   
IT professional, Software business

‘Karen's advice and processes that she took me through really helped me achieve my initial goals. Cannot recommend enough. ‘

Sales Manager, Pharmaceuticals

‘Karen provides expert advice and guidance that really helped me to work through some issues and achieve my goals.’

Senior Manager, Manufacturing

‘Karen’s voice is so hypnotic – she should be reading a book at bedtime on Radio Four’ 
Executive Coach

‘I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for how much talking to you has changed – and saved - my life!’

Entertainer and Theatre performer

‘I just wanted to say thank you so much for all of your help, you’ve been amazing. I never thought I would be able to appreciate having CBT which is why I put it off for such a long time. However, you showed me that it really is beneficial. Again, thank you so much for all of your help over the past 4 months. I know that it didn’t end with me staying at the company, but you have definitely helped me with many aspects of my life and have probably changed my life. I think that it was just the right job, at the wrong time. ‘

Assistant, pet care business

‘I’ve been meaning to thank you for sorting Karen out for us. Long story short I’ve had an eating disorder since I was a kid and even just those few sessions seeing her has actually changed my life ha, ha. Granted not work related but I genuinely can’t tell you how much I appreciate you getting us those sessions!

It’s going amazingly well! I’ve eaten all sorts now - while there’s a lot that I haven’t tried yet I’m very open to trying things. Definitely still got some work to go with more things like sauces but my eating is no longer holding me back in life! Last night I not only went out to dinner, but I went somewhere with a set menu that included things I’d never tried before. That isn’t something I’d even have considered possible before speaking to Karen!’

Project manager, manufacturing business

‘Thank you so much for all your help this year. The advice you provided has been incredibly helpful in assisting me in making loads of changes in the business which I know are for the best. Change can be difficult, but the team are on board, and we have now filled all our vacancies, so fingers crossed things will settle down now. Thank you again.’ 

MD, Pet care business 

‘We engaged with Karen and Lindsey during 2020, to provide support to our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The aim of the employee wellness sessions was to provide employees with ways to improve their wellness and resilience during the pandemic, increasing confidence and performance whilst reducing stress and anxiety during the uncertainty of the current climate. 

The service we had from Karen and Lindsey was exceptional; during the planning and pilot stage the course was designed, and tools developed to suit the needs and challenges our workforce were facing. During the delivery of the sessions there was the flexibility to adapt and change the session slightly to suit the needs of that individual group.  

All employees who attended, found the session extremely beneficial and in turn the company could see the positive impact it had to the business and the wellbeing of employees.  The support after the session was equally as positive and employees really enjoyed having the weekly ‘Friday Tips’ email which reinforces the key techniques from the sessions.’

Senior EMEA HR manager, Semiconductor business.

“I really value the work that you do and would not hesitate to recommend you in the future. The service that you provide gives me an opportunity to offer things that are outside of the box”. 

Learning and Development Officer, Pharmaceuticals

“I would like to say a big thank you for what you have worked through with me – it has been very useful, and I have fed back positively to my manager about it.  A few years back I was given some coaching with another senior manager in industry, but this was nowhere near as beneficial as what you have done, and I shall be taking forward a lot of what we discussed into my new role” 

Senior leader, Charity

“I have to say that the presentation went really well, and I have no doubt that this was due to your help in giving me the techniques to manage my nerves. I’ve had some really positive feedback from both my colleagues in Marketing and the audience, who said that I came across as a confident presenter. Thanks again so much for your help – it really did make a huge difference”. 

Corporate Brand Manager, Finance

“The directors have had an almost evangelical change in their approach and rapid action has taken place to address some of the issues (following the leadership communication capability programme)”. 

Director of Corporate Communications – International Financial Investments Company

“Karen was recommended by a colleague when I felt my team consisting of several technical IT specialists, who were going through a difficult transitional phase, needed some time out of the office to gel and bond. Karen’s training style and ability to connect with the team, some of whom were a little reluctant to participate in a ‘soft skill’ training exercise, drawing out issues that needing addressing before then helping the team build pragmatic action plans to tackle the issues raised, exceeded all my expectations. As a result of those group sessions, I felt sufficiently inspired by Karen’s knowledge and style to enlist Karen as a personal coach and mentor and regularly spend time with Karen to help me forge a way forward where I have challenges that are leaving me perplexed and need a sounding board to work through my thoughts.” 

IT Project Manager, Global Supply Chain business

“Stress in the City (which we're all trying to cope with) is a real issue for many companies now. Karen has a solution to this. Her thought-provoking coaching delivered in her calm yet constructive manner smoothes away your corporate concerns and believe me she's seen it all before. Probably one of the most qualified and competent management coaches I've ever met”. 

MD, Consulting firm

“Thank you, you provided me with, not only an independent person to talk too, but the tools to allow myself to get back to 'me' and continue to move forward and improve myself. For that I am truly grateful. Who knows what might have been if I had not realised, I needed to take back control all those months back! The fact you were also in health and safety at one time, gave me the comfort to know that you understood some of my challenges and wall that you can come up against even without the additional challenges I had. I will definitely come back, get a top up of self-belief and confidence and will certainly recommend you to colleagues and friends without hesitation”. 

QSHE Director, Construction industry

“Karen has a wide experience in all forms of communication at work and strong skills in helping clarify and make progress towards their aspirations, both personal and work based. Her enthusiasm is infectious and her commitment impressive”.

Professor David Clutterbuck, author of “The Winning Streak” and mentoring guru.

“A cross between Boadicea and the Dalai Lama – impossible to imagine until you’ve met Karen Kimberley. She’s the business equivalent of a bikini area waxing – you’ll feel better in places you didn’t know you had! Karen has trained more winners than the Mahktoum brothers”. 

GB, Film director

‘Karen, thank you once again for your time, it really has helped me once more with some clarity on my intrusive thoughts.’

Chief accountant, Finance business

WHAT WORKSHOP DELEGATES SAY ABOUT KAREN

It exceeded my expectations. I expected it to be standard and not much new but instead it provided real food for thought and insight!

Liked presenter’s affirmative and confident style.

It was excellent – a highly skilled communicator!

Storytelling as part of the process – good technique

Relaxed style, very interactive, good use of humour

Where and how I work

My main practice room is in Taplow, Bucks near Slough. There is plenty of free parking nearby and it's easy to find. The train station is about 15 minutes walk.

Local coaching in Burnham, Windsor, Bracknell, Slough, Reading, Maidenhead and Beaconsfield can be arranged if required, along with visits to business premises in London and the South East.

Zoom/Teams/Telephone/Skype coaching is also available.

Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Groups
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Life Coach's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Life Coach to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Google Meet
Whatsapp
Zoom
Skype
Microsoft Teams

Social