About me
Hello, I’m Helen, if you're considering talking therapy, please take a look around and reach out for a no-obligation conversation.
Life can be so many things can't it? Are you looking for some stability and consistency, feeling rocked by circumstances or recognising an erosion of hopes and dreams, with uncertainties around the future? Counselling can help us make sense of what is going on and what we want to do about it.
In my bereavement counselling support, I work with loss of a close family member or friend, baby loss, infertility, loss of a relationship, job, pet or family breakdown. Despite grief being a process we all grieve uniquely. Sometimes we can encounter anxiety, depression, doubt and disappointment affecting our wellbeing and self-worth. Sometimes we face changes and challenges or have to review big decisions and counselling can help us to find peace, resolution and new ways forward.
My professional and personal experience is varied having worked in the private and public sectors including Education and Social Care and for a Pregnancy Crisis Charity (counselling for all forms of pregnancy crisis including baby loss.).
By providing a safe and compassionate, non judgemental space, I give you opportunity to put you first. When did you last do that? As I walk alongside you empathically honouring your story, we will sift through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You will find space for reflection, healing, growth and restoration.
If you think you'd like to know more, just text or email me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Training, qualifications & experience
Training
- I am an integrative Counsellor qualified in researched, evidence-based approaches (Person Centred, Gestalt, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy.) Don't worry if sometimes words can be difficult to find, we can use creative resources like sand tray, cards, artwork, poems, metaphor and more which will help and makes your counselling entirely bespoke and personal to you.
- Do you ever feel one part of you thinks this and another thinks that? I have been trained to consider the connection of our parts - our mind, heart, body and soul. Sometimes in life things happen which means these parts feel disconnected and then our wellbeing suffers. Talking therapy helps us to identify this and to re-connect.
Qualifications
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. Devon & Cornwall Counselling Hub.
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (approved by CPCAB and BACP). Astranti Connect.
- BACP COP (Certificate of Proficiency).
- Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their Ethical Framework and Good Practice Guidelines. All registrants must meet high professional standards, enhancing safety and ensuring a high quality service is delivered. I also adhere to their recommendations for regular supervision.
- 4 years counselling experience working for Pregnancy Crisis Care, Plymouth & SE Cornwall
- L3 Award in Pregnancy Choices Support / L3 Award in Post Abortion Support
- Foundation in Infertility Support (Bica).
I undertake regular Continuous Professional Development - recent courses have been:
- Attachment and Shame
- Attachment in the Counselling Room
- Trauma-Informed Training by Plymouth TIF
- MH Conditions in Counselling
- Attachment and Eating Disorders
- ADHD and relationships
- Games in Relationships
- Grief and Loss
- Psychopathology
- Birth Trauma
- How Trauma Affects the Body
- Trauma Training by Sexual Abuse Listening Therapy SW
- Neurodivergence in Counselling
- Trauma Awareness & Nervous System Regulation for Therapeutic Practice
I have a current enhanced DBS and am fully insured.
I am also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for the purposes of GDPR and Data Protection.
Experience
I have had the privilege of supporting people through some of life’s most challenging and tender moments; with the sorrow of bereavement, grieving the loss of a loved one, feeling lost and without plan or purpose. I am experienced supporting those navigating pregnancy crises, infertility, IVF, baby loss and adoption. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, sadness, hurt, disappointment, anger, isolation and shame, I am here for you. Do not feel alone.
I am a member of Adoption UK and familiar with the National Therapeutic Parenting Network. My understanding of the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) informs my work in helping to build relationships and emotional safety. I understand the processes of building family differently and the very specific joys and challenges.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Infertility, pregnancy related crises, IVF, ectopic pregnancy, baby loss, traumatic pregnancy, traumatic birth, stillbirth;
creating family differently including by fostering, adoption, special guardianship/kinship care;
educators working with and parents parenting children with developmental trauma, attachment, special educational needs and disabilities.
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I can sometimes offer a reduced fee for those in financial hardship, on specific benefits or in fulltime education. Please talk to me if you think you may be eligible.
Payment is made online, 24 hours before the booked session - bank details available on request. If you forget to pay, payment is made at the start of the session.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
And ...
When I am not counselling, I am usually somewhere enjoying the beauty of our created world by walking the moor or coast with my dog. I fully recommend getting a dog for a safe, confidential therapeutic companion! I also enjoy reading (a wide genre), the cinema, travelling, gardening and spending time with family and friends. I love the way being outdoors helps me to rebalance myself and improve my wellbeing.
*It is said that gardening can not only improve mental health but boost longevity due to physical activity, healthy eating, exposure to beneficial microbes, having purpose (always planning for a season ahead) and social connection.
If you contact me, we can schedule a reduced price, no commitment initial consultation to see if counselling with Trust Counselling South West is right for you.
Helen Pons - Counsellor Reg MBACP
Trust Counselling South West
