Helen Preston

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she/her
Adv Diploma Psychotherapy/Counselling Ad.Dip.PC NCS Accred
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Chrishall, Essex, SG8 8RL
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

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. 

Talking about these things can help. My process is interactive and I like to work creatively in therapy, where appropriate, to encourage new ways of seeing things and gaining  different perspectives. Not all situations can be changed but the way we feel about them can.  

I offer counselling support face to face, remotely via secure video call or telephone.

About me

I was born in Wales and moved to Saffron Walden 12 years ago and now live in Chrishall (a village half way between Saffron Walden and Royston). I practice yoga, mindfulness and meditation. I enjoy travelling and socialising but I value my quiet time too, often taking long walks in nature.  I have two grown up sons. 

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 work from a ground floor room at my home in Chrishall which is located at the edge of the village in a very peaceful location. It is a space that lends itself perfectly to working face to face, on line or by phone. Confidentiality is assured.

You will find this a homely and welcoming space and 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 a flexible treatment plan so that you know what to expect from the therapy.

Since Covid-19 and the effects of lockdown more people than ever are seeking counselling.  Seeking help with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, depression, or many other overwhelming feelings, is not weakness. Many of the clients I work with are strong individuals who's lives have been turned up side down.

Feelings of loss and grief are often eased by the process of sharing and by exploring new and different coping and survival strategies. We can't change what's going on in the world but we have a choice about how we respond to it and counselling can help you access those inner resources.

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 Behavioural (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.

Training, qualifications & experience

I am an Accredited Member of The National Counselling Society and adhere to their Code of Ethical Standards and Conduct including undertaking regular supervision and continuous professional development. I am a qualified supervisor.

Advanced Diploma in psychotherapy and counselling. NCS.Acc.Ad.Dip.PC
Diploma in Hypnotherapy
EFT Master Practitioner
Holistic Therapist

Certificate in Supervision from Cruse Bereavement Care

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 per session

Additional information

£55 per hour

When I work

Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm Friday 9am to 4pm

Further information

For more information please visit my website

www.helenpreston.info

62 High Street, Royston, Chrishall, Essex, SG8 8RL

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older adults
Couples
Groups

Key details

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Ground floor room with parking directly outside

Additional languages

none

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

I find my supervision a rewarding aspect of my counselling work. It is a collaborative process. Like counselling, you need a good, safe relationship.

View supervision profile

Helen Preston
Helen Preston