About me
Are you the person everyone relies on?
From the outside, you probably look like you’re coping. You’re capable, you get things done, you look after other people and you keep going, even when life feels difficult.
But inside, you’re exhausted.
Perhaps your mind never really switches off. You overthink conversations, worry about what other people think, struggle to say no or feel guilty when you put yourself first. You might find yourself constantly looking after everyone else’s needs while losing sight of your own.
And sometimes you might wonder: “Why am I finding life so hard when, on paper, everything seems fine?”
I’m Helen, and I offer a space for thoughtful, capable people who are holding it all together on the outside, but inside feel exhausted, overwhelmed or disconnected.
Understanding where these patterns come from:
Sometimes the way we cope as adults makes much more sense when we understand where it began.
Perhaps you grew up with addiction, emotional unavailability, conflict, unpredictability or a parent who wasn’t able to give you the emotional support you needed. You may have learned to keep the peace, be the responsible one, anticipate other people’s moods or put your own needs aside.
Those ways of coping may have helped you when you were younger. But they can continue into adulthood, affecting your relationships, confidence, boundaries and how you see yourself.
You might recognise yourself as a people-pleaser, a perfectionist, someone who takes too much responsibility for other people, or someone who finds it difficult to ask for help.
Counselling can give you the opportunity to understand these patterns without judgement and begin to work out what you actually need and want.
How can I help:
You might be struggling with things such as:
- Anxiety, overthinking and overwhelm or feeling life your burnout
- People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries
- Relationship and family difficulties
- The impact of childhood experiences, including growing up around addiction or alcoholism.
My approach is warm, down-to-earth and collaborative. I won’t tell you what you should do or give you a list of things to fix. Instead, we’ll work together to understand what’s happening for you and what might help.
A space that’s about you
You may be very good at being there for everyone else. Counselling gives you permission to have some time that’s just for you.
A place where you don’t have to be the capable one, explain everything away or pretend you’re fine.
You can come exactly as you are.
If you’re wondering whether counselling could help, you’re welcome to get in touch. We can have an initial conversation about what’s bringing you to counselling and whether I might be the right person to support you.
I offer online counselling across the UK and Europe and work face to face from my counselling room near Chester.
Some testimonials from recent clients are below:
“Guided by Helen’s calm and approachable nature, I was able to open up, process and see clarity in past trauma that I had hidden for years. I looked forward to weekly meets with Helen. She helped me lift a dark cloud that often felt all consuming. Non judgemental, personalised therapy sessions have brought clarity and freedom - I am very grateful. Thank you for being patient, kind and understanding. Your time & expertise has made a huge impact and I will forever acknowledge the value of our sessions”
Female, 34
“Working with Helen has been transformative for me. From the very first session, she helped to create a safe space where I felt heard and understood. Helen's insightful guidance and practical strategies have empowered me to navigate through challenges with newfound clarity and resilience. Her approach has not only helped me address specific issues but also encouraged personal growth and self-discovery. I am immensely grateful for Helen's support on my journey towards healing and self-improvement. She is an exceptional therapist whose expertise and compassion have made a profound difference in my life”
Male 30s
Training, qualifications & experience
I’ve been a counsellor since 2020, working across NHS England, NHS Wales, GP services and in private practice. As part of my NHS work, I’ve supported students through Healthbox’s GP referral service.
In addition to Private Practice I also facilitate Personal Development groups for counsellors in training at Wrexham University.
Working across these different settings has given me experience supporting people from many walks of life and at different stages of their journey. Whether you’re facing a period of crisis, feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, I bring both person-centred warmth and CBT structure to my sessions.
My aim is always the same: to offer a calm, thoughtful space where you can slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and find a way forward that feels right for you.
I hold a Diploma in Person Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy - Glyndwr University
Level 6 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy- Bangor University
Mindfulness for Practitioners.
Therapeutic Group Facilitation
Introduction to working with OCD
Attachment theory with couples
I have also completed additional training on:
- Working with LGBTQIA+ Clients,
- Working with Children and Young People
- Bereavement counselling
- Complex PTSD
- Working creatively with burnout and stress
- Sex, arousal and aging.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I have significant experience in working with grief. The loss of a loved one has a dramatic effect of those left behind. Sometimes it doesn’t feel possible to know how to move forwards and carry on living life. Counselling offers a valuable spaced to fully explore our feelings and work out a way to carry on.
I have lived experience and work with clients who experience sudden loss or who are impacted by suicide.
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 - £90.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual counselling sessions are £70 per 50 minute session.
I also offer stand alone individual sessions of 90 minutes, this would give us the opportunity to focus on a single issue such as navigating a specific relationship issue or finding a way forward with a work related situation. These sessions cost £110. This included email connection prior to the session so I can establish the focus of our time and an email conversation post session if you need any further clarification or support.
I have 3 concessionary spaces at a cost of £55 for therapy.
I offer a discount to counsellors in training.
I also work with Modern Health, a work based counselling platform. Please get into touch if you need any support to access this service.
When I work
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Further information
After you have reached out to me I will contact you to arrange a free 20 minute online consultation to make sure we are a good fit and that you feel comfortable talking to me. Following this, I will send you my therapeutic contract for you to review and finalise arrangements for our first conversation