Helen Sproat

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MSc

About me

I’m a UKCP-registered existential psychotherapist with over a decade of experience supporting people through complex and challenging life situations.

Having begun my own therapeutic journey as a client, I believe psychotherapy offers a unique, confidential relationship that can help you understand yourself more deeply and free yourself from the influence of past and present difficulties. This process can lead to greater self-awareness, clarity about your desires, and more authentic choices.

My approach is individualised and collaborative. Rather than relying on labels or diagnoses, I aim to understand your experience as you live it. I prioritise the therapeutic relationship, drawing on existential, psychoanalytic, person-centred, and postmodern ideas to tailor our work to you and your circumstances.

I offer both short-term work—useful in times of crisis or acute distress—and longer-term therapy that allows for deeper exploration of your life, relationships, and the patterns you may find yourself repeating.

I have experience working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, health concerns, relationship problems, trauma, abuse, sexuality, self-harm, isolation, bereavement, family issues, low self-esteem, work-related stress, and many other challenges.

After qualifying in London, where I lived for ten years, I now offer psychotherapy for English speakers in Lisbon as well as online therapy for clients internationally.

Training, qualifications & experience

Experience:

I worked for three years as a therapist at the mental health charity MIND as part of my training before establishing a private practice.

I am also trained to practice using the Open Dialogue approach which allows me to work collaboratively with people and their families dealing with 'psychosis'.

After qualifying in London where I lived for 10 years, I now provide psychotherapy for English speakers in Lisbon and online therapy internationally.

Qualifications:

  • Advanced Practitioner Program in Existential Analytic Psychotherapy 
    University of Roehampton
    2015-2017
  • Open Dialogue Foundation Training
    Open Dialogue UK
    2016-2017
  • MSc Psychotherapy & Counselling
    University of Roehampton
    2013-2016
  • Foundation Degree in Existential Psychotherapy
    Regents College
    2012-2013
  • Counselling Skills
    City Literature Institute
    2011-2012

Member organisations

school 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.

UKCP
UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.

As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.

UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

UK Council for Psychotherapy
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.

UK Council for Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£80.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors

Additional information

I am only available for online or phone sessions.

The charge for an online 50-minute therapy session is £80 and takes place weekly at a set time agreed by us both.

I endeavour to keep some low-cost therapy places available for those on low incomes and this can be discussed should you feel you qualify.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Sylvester Road, London, E8

Type of session

Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

Wheelchair user access info
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.