Helen Baker Registered MBACP B.Ed (Hons)
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 including anxiety, depression and relationship issues.
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 and to understand yourself, 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.
Training, qualifications & experience
As a qualified BACP counsellor, I work with adults of all ages and teenagers from the age of 13. Alongside my private practice I work as a Counsellor for Dorset NHS Trust and I lecture in counselling at Exeter college. I am also the Higher Education Counsellor at the college.
Much of my work with the adult students at Exeter College focuses on anxiety, panic attacks, depression and relationship issues. My work with Dorset NHS Trust is as part of the Steps to Wellbeing Service (an IAPT depression and anxiety service for adults)
My experience includes working for ARC, (a GP-referred community counselling service in East Devon, with a focus on loss and bereavement). I have also worked 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 trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and in supporting LGBT clients.
Prior to training as a counsellor, my professional career was in education as a qualified teacher and special needs advocate. I am mother to two sons and a daughter who are all now young adults.
Member organisations
Accredited register membership
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- ADHD
- Affairs and betrayals
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Asperger's syndrome
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career counselling
- Carer support
- Child related issues
- Dementia
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Feeling sad
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Loneliness
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Miscarriage
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Physical abuse
- Pregnancy and birth
- Redundancy
- Relationship problems
- Self-harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Work-related stress
- Young carers
Fees
My fee for regular hourly sessions is £40.
Initial 60 minute appointment £20.
The initial appointment provides us with an opportunity to decide if working together will be helpful. If we agree that we're a good fit, the next step is to book a first session and discuss the commitment to ongoing sessions. My work with clients ranges from a few sessions to longer term counselling. I will determine this with you at the first appointment.
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 |
| Home visits: | No |
Practical details
| Sign language: | No |
| Other languages: | None |
Accessibility
| Wheelchair access: | Unspecified |
Availability
Weekdays and Evenings
Types of client
| Young people |
| Adults |
| Older adults |
| Couples |
