Founder of The Hive

Karen Sullivan

1990’s - I conceived The Hive - As a young Mum of 4 small children I was inspired by the image of “The Hive” and along with community leaders, rolled out a voluntary community programme. I facilitated a spiritual women’s circle which eventually branched out into a Mum’s and Toddler group and a community workshop with a meal. I realised how many gifts and talents the group of women had and sought to encourage them to trust their abilities and work together to provide services to the local community. During this period I also pursued a Degree in Social Science with a year spent in women’s studies.

2000’s - Realising my lack of skills to support the women, many of whom had experienced trauma and were in challenging circumstances, I embarked on another higher education programme and after 4 years became a qualified Therapeutic Counsellor in 2003, registered with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I worked within my community at a Drugs and Alcohol Rehabilitation Day Centre in Hertfordshire for 2 years, providing counselling services to those with addictions and their family members. I also worked at a local Senior School at an established counselling service with teenagers. In 2004 I joined with a colleague and became a founding member of a non-profit counselling service in Hertfordshire where I was in private practise with individuals and families. I was responsible for writing policy, procedure and practise for the organisation including risk assessment. I tendered for and secured funding from the Home Office for Victims of Hate Crime and together we ran individual counselling sessions and facilitated group therapy sessions, including individuals whom identified as transgendered. During this period I was also employed as a Manager of a charitable organisation delivering supported housing for individuals with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities and facilitated many group sessions for both staff and clients, at the two locations I was responsible for. I also ran group workshops for professionals involved with advocacy and worked on initiatives making information accessible for those with disabilities.

I have been continuously learning and am deeply committed to personal development throughout my life. I realise now that I hold many skills and abilities and have a passion for the development of women in particular. I have a penchant for spirituality and transpersonal development and in later life have pursued esoteric studies including Hellenistic Astrology, Spiritual Coaching and Symbology gaining diplomas in all three subjects. These studies along with an appreciation of CJ Jung’s archetypal teachings, ancient traditions and practises have enriched my personal life. I have a passion for seeing women reach their fullest potential by accessing their inner life to realise their innate power and take their place in their communities. I am deeply aware of the social constructs and contracts that women are often subjected to along with socio-economic, psychological and ideological pressures that often limit women’s perceptions of themselves and my passion is to create spaces where they can overcome these barriers and enter the fullness of who they are. It is via my own life experience that I recognise both the wisdom and enrichment of society that women have to offer and envision a world where this diverse and rich body of knowledge women hold can have immense and positive impact upon our world.

I hold personal indemnity insurance and am dedicated to ongoing learning and development via Continuous Professional Development and personal research, development and spiritual pursuits. I attend monthly Sacred Circle and fortnightly spiritual groups where I have the pleasure of being held, heard and witnessed by other women.