Helen Martin MBACP ~ Open Pathways Walk And Talk Therapy Preston
Email meAbout me
My passion for counselling and walking in nature has inspired me to offer walk and talk therapy in Preston and surrounding areas. Walk and talk therapy combines talking therapy, being outdoors in nature and physical exercise. All three interventions are proven to help with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. We walk side by side at a pace that is set by you and explore any difficulties that you may be facing. The focus of the sessions is always on the therapy, however, there are many added benefits which include:
- Physical activity has shown to reduce levels and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- We walk side by side setting a rhythmic pace, with visual distractions which may help you to feel more relaxed, grounded and at ease whilst talking through difficult life issues.
- Walking outdoors releases chemicals in the brain that induce the 'feel good factor' making therapy a more enjoyable, less intimidating experience
- Walking side by side may help with easier engagement than sitting face to face with your therapist in a traditional office setting
- Walking is known to be calming as well as a stimulus to new thoughts and ideas
- It is an opportunity to practice mindfulness and living in the present moment
- Research studies show that physical activity can promote improved mental and physical health.
If you are drawn to this way of working please feel free to browse my website or get in touch for more information.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) working within the BACP ethical framework . I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.
Since qualifying as a Counsellor I have worked as a therapist with clients who have been referred through IAPT (improving access to psychological therapies) offering short term therapy to clients experiencing depression, anxiety,grief/loss, domestic violence,relationship issues, self harm, childhood abuse, trauma,self esteem and confidence issues etc. I have also worked in universities supporting students presenting with mental health issues. Previous to qualifying I worked in education with pupils families and multi agencies to support young people excluded from mainstream school who had barriers to accessing education and learning.
My approach to counselling is person centred which means that you chose the direction of the session at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Together we explore any difficulties you maybe facing and work towards finding solutions that feel manageable for you. In my experience I have found this to be empowering for clients and enables you to learn more about yourself and find more fulfilling, authentic and satisfying ways of living.
I regularly attend training courses to keep up to date with developments and incorporate this into my work with clients.
Qualifications
BACP Accredited Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Counselling
BSc (Hons) Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Training/courses
Foundation in Gestalt Psychotherapy
Bereavement Counselling
CBT
Expressive Therapies
Mindfulness Resilience Enhancement (trauma sensitive mindfulness)
Hakomi
Member organisations
Accredited register membership
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Addiction(s)
- Affairs and betrayals
- Alcoholism
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Career counselling
- Carer support
- Child related issues
- Chronic fatigue syndrome/ME
- Depression
- Domestic violence
- Drug addiction
- Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Gambling
- Infertility
- Internet addiction
- Learning difficulties
- Loneliness
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Miscarriage
- Physical abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Redundancy
- Relationship problems
- Self-harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sex addiction
- Sex problems
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Smoking
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Trauma
- Work-related stress
Fees
Initial 30 minute appointment free of charge
Individual local Walk and Talk £40 per 50 minute session
Payment by cash or Bank Transfer
Maps & Directions
Preston, PR1
Type of session
| Online counselling: | No |
| Telephone counselling: | No |
| Face to face counselling: | Yes |
| Home visits: | No |
Practical details
| Sign language: | Unspecified |
| Other languages: | None |
Accessibility
| Wheelchair access: | Unspecified |
