Helen Baker B.Ed (Hons) Registered MBACP
Email meAbout me
Welcome to my profile. I hope that what you read below will encourage you to contact me to answer any questions you may have or to make a first appointment.
I am a qualified counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and my practise is based in Sidmouth, East Devon.
I offer individuals of all ages short and long term work on issues that impact on their life. It is usual to feel a certain amount of anxiety when seeking help and it may be difficult for you to make that first telephone call or send the first email. Please be reassured that I will do all that I can to put you at your ease and I will be happy to explain how I work.
I believe in creating a warm and safe environment from which you can explore the difficulties you face, rediscover your strengths and make changes that will improve your life. My aim is to help you to know yourself and to become the person that you really are, independent from the views of others. This can involve challenging long held beliefs and perceptions and this I do in a supportive and non-judgemental manner.
Our first appointment will be an opportunity to meet each other and to explore how counselling might help. There is no commitment to ongoing therapy at this stage. If you do decide that you would like to continue working with me, we would then agree on a regular time and day which is convenient to us both.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have worked with children, young people and adults throughout my previous professional career in education as a qualified teacher. I am also mother to two sons and a daughter who are all now young adults.
Throughout my career, I felt a particular concern for the welfare of those in my care and assumed roles of welfare and safeguarding alongside my role as a teacher. This interest in people’s wellbeing prompted me to pursue a career in Integrative Counselling as I realised that my true interest lay in helping people to achieve good mental health, fulfilment and self-worth. I therefore completed my diploma in counselling and became a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). This professional body ensures a strict code of ethics and the highest standards of practice and confidentiality, by which I abide.
My experience includes: working for the Dorset NHS Steps to Wellbeing service – an IAPT depression and anxiety service for adults; for the Axminster based charity, Arc (with a focus on loss and bereavement) and working with teenagers as a school counsellor across a range of issues including self-harm, panic attacks, anxiety, low mood, sexuality and self-worth. I am also a lecturer at Exeter College, teaching adult learners counselling skills, preparing them to be counsellors of the future. I am trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and in supporting LGBT clients.
Member organisations
Accredited register membership
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Asperger's syndrome
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career
- Carer support
- Child related issues
- Dementia
Therapies offered
Fees
Traditionally, counsellors see clients once a week for an hour at a fixed time and day each week. However, for people whose working hours vary or whose lifestyle makes it difficult to maintain such a pattern I am happy to try to make arrangements which are mutually convenient.
My work with clients ranges from a few sessions to longer term counselling. I will work with you to decide how many sessions are appropriate.
My fee for regular hourly sessions is £35.
Initial 30 minute appointment £10
I will offer some sessions at a reduced fee for young people in full-time education. Please call me to discuss this further.
Further information
Private Practice
My practice is based in Sidmouth, East Devon. It is a private, peaceful, counselling studio with allocated parking. It has its own facilities and is accessed by just one step.
I offer an integrative approach to counselling based on the principles of Person centred therapy (PCT). The focus of PCT is on providing individuals with the time and space to explore and discuss the issues which may be troubling them. An integrative approach means I have many different styles of counselling available to me for working alongside you including CBT. During sessions with me you will be able to explore your thoughts and feelings, free from concerns of rejection or judgement.
Maps & Directions
Sidmouth, EX10
Type of session
| Online counselling: | No |
| Telephone counselling: | No |
| Face to face counselling: | Yes |
Practical details
| Sign language: | No |
| Other languages: | None |
Availability
Weekdays and Evenings
Types of client
| Young people |
| Adults |
| Older adults |
