Helen Ard

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Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on London, SE23
Accepting new clients
Accepting new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

It has been an extremely challenging time for many over the last few years, and I am noticing that the ripple effects of this on people's mental well-being are far-reaching and often very difficult to define. Many of us are facing great challenges, and therapy can be an opportunity to process and reflect on our experiences, and work on areas of 'stuckness', grief, loss, fear and anxiety.

I can offer a calm and welcoming space, online or in-person. I understand that sessions over Zoom, from the comfort of your own home are something that many feel more relaxed doing now, but I also offer face-to-face sessions at The Wellness Rooms in Honour Oak Park, and The Artemis Clinic in West Wickham subject to availability.

Outdoors therapy offers a chance to be out in one of the wonderful local green spaces where we can explore whatever is going on for you in a wide-open space, or find a quiet spot, whatever suits you. During the darker months especially, my clients have found that getting outside into the daylight, hearing the birdsong and breathing in fresh air can be hugely beneficial in helping with depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and more. 

My core training is Person-Centred so I work on the Rogerian belief that you, are the expert and it is my role to facilitate you navigating your own path, and support you to work out what you need, with acceptance of your unique experience and without judgement. However, I am not a purist and I draw from other theories and approaches and use them where I feel a client would benefit.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have about the type of therapy that's best for you. 

Training, qualifications & experience

I have a Higher Professional Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am registered with ACTO (Association for Counselling and Online Therapy) and a member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).  I have a diploma in working with alcohol and addiction and training in Walk and Talk therapy. I have worked with many neurodivergent clients and am currently studying a Level 3 course in this area with the aim of training others in inclusion and neurodiversity. 

I am also trained to work with young people and have 10+ years of experience of working in the community with Care Leavers and young families with complex needs, and with young asylum seekers and refugees.

I have been a counsellor in a girl's comprehensive school for 5 years.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£45.00 - £85.00
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle OAPs
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Unemployed
  • check_circle Refugees

Additional information

. Please contact me for more information. 

I operate a sliding scale from £45-65 based on your financial situation. (This does not include any room fees for in-person sessions - £12-16). If you would like to enquire about my concessionary rates please contact me and I will send you some information. I offer a free initial 25 minute phone call.  

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

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

Additional languages

French
Spanish

I have conversational French and Spanish

Online platforms

Zoom
Helen Ard
Helen Ard