Helen Barnes

Hello, my name is Helen and I am a qualified Counsellor.  I work with adults, young children, teenagers and young people.

I have counselling experience which includes working in different environments; NHS, Charities, Private Practice and Schools.

My background is that I am a Speech and Language Therapist (SLT). Within this profession I have many years experience working within paediatric services and working with adults with a learning disability.

For me, forming a good therapeutic relationship with my clients is key.  I offer warmth, empathy and a safe, confidential therapeutic space to talk, to help you explore your feelings in a non-judgemental way at your own pace.  I work following a humanistic approach exploring the whole person and understand that each person is unique in themselves. Using a person-centred approach is core when working with my clients as this follows a non-directive approach, allowing you the client, to take more of the lead in discussions, so that in the process of counselling you will discover your own solutions.

As a Talking Therapies Counsellor, I offer 1:1 face to face counselling, helping clients through a variety of issues i.e. anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, work issues, grief / loss, health issues, exam stress, bullying.

When working with young children, I follow a Child-Led / Non-Directive Play Therapy approach offering a safe, confidential and caring environment to allow children to explore their thoughts and feelings using art and play.  Art and play are very comfortable for children.  Play and creativity are important to healthy physical and emotional development.   Play Therapy is offered at my Twinstead address.

If you feel you would like help with relationship issues, work issues, anxiety / depression, illness, loss, or would like to gain more self-confidence, a stronger sense of identity or if you feel your child could benefit from receiving some play therapy to help understand their world / emotions, or as a teenager you are suffering with anxiety issues, bullying, exam stress, difficulties socialising, then please do contact me, do not feel alone.

I know it can be daunting contacting a Counsellor wondering what to say, or asking yourself is this right for me or my child. Sometimes, we just want someone to talk to without judgement and feel heard and understood. Or we may feel unhappy or stuck in our lives and not sure what to do next. Talking Therapy can help.

If you are considering counselling but not sure, please feel free to contact me via email or telephone.

I offer a free 20 mins initial telephone consultation to give opportunity for us to discuss your needs and to see if we both feel happy to continue to work together.

I am DBS registered & BACP Registered.