Helen Catterall

Do you feel like something needs to change?
Are you feeling anxious, stuck, low or overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can talk honestly about what’s happening in your life. Together we can explore whatever has brought you to counselling, whether that’s anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, family issues, parenting challenges or the impact of grief and bereavement. It could even be a feeling that’s been with you for a long time, as if something’s never quite felt right for you. ​

Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to work it out on your own. I’m here to listen and to help you make sense of things in a way that feels manageable and real.

When some people come to counselling, they want to focus on what’s happening in their lives right now. Others are curious about how earlier experiences might connect to the present. Often, it turns out to be a mixture of both. Whatever you want to bring, we’ll always move at your pace and in the direction that feels the most helpful to you.

​My areas of focus
I work with adults experiencing:

• anxiety, stress, low self-esteem and relationship difficulties
• trauma and difficult childhood experiences
• grief and bereavement
• complex family dynamics including estrangement
• mother loss and unresolved grief, especially when it resurfaces after becoming a parent
• the emotional impact of parenting at any stage
• perinatal challenges
• miscarriage and baby loss. 

How I work

I'm warm and down-to-earth but I’ll also be honest with you when it matters. I won’t just sit and nod; I’ll listen closely, ask thoughtful questions and gently challenge you when it’s helpful, always with care and respect. I firmly believe it's never too late to make a change. 

​My approach is grounded in empathy and trust. I don’t offer quick fixes or advice. Instead, I help you explore what’s really going on and what might support the change that you want. This is your time and we’ll use it in a way that works for you, whether that’s talking through what’s happening now, or looking at where certain feelings or patterns may have originated.

If I think something might be useful, like a fresh perspective or a piece of insight, I’ll offer it, but only if it feels relevant to what you need. Clients often say they feel deeply understood in our work together. That’s what I focus on most; really getting what it feels like to be you. When that happens, it often becomes easier to open up and talk about the things you might never have said out loud before.

My work is trauma-informed, which means I prioritise emotional safety, pacing and nervous system regulation before exploring any painful experiences. There is never any pressure to go further than you want to.

Sessions are one hour and usually weekly to begin with, although I do offer fortnightly and monthly sessions too. Some people come for a few sessions and find that's enough and others attend for longer; we will discuss what works best for you and regularly review how it's going. Therapy is a real investment in yourself, emotionally, financially and in terms of time, and I fully respect that. You can expect consistency, commitment and a therapist who is completely present with you.

What counselling with me might feel like

I offer a safe and confidential space to talk things through without judgement or pressure. It can help you understand yourself more deeply, explore your feelings and see things from a new perspective. Every session is focused entirely on you.

Unlike talking to friends or family who may offer advice, share their own experiences or want to make things better quickly, counselling gives you the space to speak freely, without needing to protect anyone else’s feelings or explain yourself. In counselling, you never have to worry about being a burden or saying the ‘right’ thing.

You also don’t need to have a ‘big’ problem to come to counselling. Many people say, “I don’t know if this is a big enough issue.” But if something’s bothering you, even if you can’t put it into words yet, it matters. Let’s start where you are and, together, we can look at what’s going and how it’s affecting you, both emotionally and in your day-to-day life and relationships. This process can bring relief, clarity and a greater sense of self-trust. It can help you feel more grounded, more in control and more confident to be yourself going forwards.

Location and availability
I offer one-to-one counselling for adults both from my private and comfortable practice room in Market Weighton, and online or via phone. 

I aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours. I currently have daytime session availability, with limited evening spaces.

Next steps
If you're considering counselling, I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute introductory telephone call. It’s simply a chance to ask questions, talk briefly about what’s bringing you here and see whether working together feels right. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Parenting challenges; motherhood without a mother figure present. 

I offer a free initial telephone consultation to talk about your requirements. 

I work face to face from my private practice room in Market Weighton and I also offer remote sessions, or a hybrid of both. Please contact me if you do not see a time to suit you above. 

How long are the sessions and how long do I have to come for?

Sessions are 1 hour long and ideally take place each week, especially at the start, but I do offer fortnightly or monthly sessions too. You may find that a few sessions are enough, or that you would like to come for longer. This is something that we can work out together.  I offer both long and short term therapy. We would discuss what your goals are (what you want to gain from your counselling sessions) and have regular reviews to make sure you feel that you are on track.

Please contact me to arrange a free introductory phone call.