Helen Thomas

I am an MSc qualified and BACP registered Counsellor offering a safe, warm and empathic space for children, young people and adults to work through their difficult and often distressing experiences, behaviours, thoughts and feelings.

We all carry with us an imprint of past experiences and can find ourselves challenged (sometimes unexpectedly) by current life situations. For children and young adults with minds and bodies that are continuously developing and evolving, it can be particularly difficult to make sense of their inner and outer worlds, to express their worries or fears, and to feel understood and accepted. No matter what stage of life, we can all feel scared or embarrassed to ask for help, so I appreciate how difficult it can be to take the first step towards finding support.

Counselling provides a safe and confidential space for people of all ages to share their concerns without fear of judgement and at their own pace. Whether we find ourselves in new and challenging circumstances or troubled by past losses and events, we can all feel overwhelmed and alone with our worries. Many of us struggle to make sense of our experiences, manage our feelings, and to stop the negative impact these can have on our present life.

Having the opportunity to think together with a counsellor about your unique situation, can help you feel valued and heard. Together, the aim is to bring clarity and understanding to your situation, to support you to move away from negative ways of thinking, feeling and behaving and to move towards a place where change feels possible.

I am able to provide both short-term focused or longer term, talking or play therapy.

FIRST SESSION

All clients are offered an initial assessment session to give you opportunity to discuss your situation, your hopes for counselling and to help you decide if you are happy to work with me going forward.

This also allows me to gather initial information and consider your key concerns, ensuring I am better placed to provide the right support to meet your (or your child's) specific needs.

My aim is to support you towards better emotional health and wellbeing. In the event I feel your needs will be better met by an alternative therapist or service, I will advise and signpost you as required.

All sessions are 50-minutes and generally occur on the same day and time each week, for an agreed period of time. Arrangements for shift-workers can be accommodated and any changes to initial arrangements must be agreed in advance.

Appointments are available in-person, via telephone or Zoom.

Limited concessionary rates available.