Helen Preston Advanced Diploma Psychotherapy/Counselling Ad.Dip.PC NCS Accred

You don't have to wait until you can see a therapist face to face, I'm busy working with clients on line and by phone during these times of restriction.Taking those first steps towards the help you need and deserve can feel daunting, but so too is living with sadness,depression, anger, anxiety, relationship issues, bereavement and other problems that you may not feel safe or able to discuss with friends or family.  I had initial reservations about working with clients remotely but I have found that the help and support I can offer, especially at this time of high levels of anxiety, depression and panic attacks works equally well on line or by phone as it did face to face. I'm also more accessible to clients now, distance is no longer a barrier and I am working with clients much further afield.

About me

I was born in Wales and moved to Saffron Walden 12 years ago. I enjoy travelling and socialising but I value my quiet time too, often taking long walks in nature. I have two sons 19 and 22.

Although I have a professional approach to counselling my manner is relaxed and down-to-earth. I am compassionate, caring, respectful and I can also be humorous. I see these as key ingredients of the therapeutic relationship, laughter can be a powerful healer.

I still work from a ground floor treatment room at my home in Saffron Walden which is located in a quiet cul-de-sac. It is peaceful and lends itself perfectly to working on line or by phone. Confidentiality is assured.

When restrictions are lifted and face to face sessions resume you will find this a homely and welcoming space. Free parking is always available directly outside.

How counselling can help

Counselling can help you to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Sometimes just saying things out loud or looking at issues in a different way can be all that's needed to effect change. If more is needed I can tailor you a flexible treatment plan so that you know what to expect from the therapy.

I offer counselling on a short or long term basis.

I believe that the key to successful therapy is choosing the right therapist for you.


How I work

I encourage my clients to explore and develop their own self awareness. It then becomes possible for them to connect with their emotions and identify their needs. We then explore how those needs can be met.

As an integrative counsellor I draw on theories from the three main schools of thought: Humanistic, Analytic and Cognitive Behavioral (CBT). In layman's terms that means listening to you to fully understanding your present reality, exploring how the past has had an impact on your present and helping you to build strategies to move forward so that you feel empowered and more resilient.

My approach to therapy acknowledges the crucial inter-relationship of mind, body and spirit. I believe that you already have the wisdom to know what's right for you. You will know if I'm the right person to guide you towards that self-discovery.