Hello, my name is Helen, welcome to my website. I am a fully qualified and accredited UKCP registered psychotherapist. I have been running my practice here in Somerset since 2012 and I provide medium and longer term psychotherapy and counselling to adults over eighteen.
I am a depth psychotherapist so I am qualified to work with the whole person and the issues that are imortant to each of us. This means that we would be able to look at as many areas of your life as you feel necessary. Here are some of the areas that might come up as we talk - feelings of pressure, stress, panic, fear and anxiety; feelings after bereavement, childhood abuse and traumatic events; difficulties with self-worth, sense of identity, relationships and behaviour, including disordered eating and addictions; experiences with diversity and difference; the effects of menopause transition and hormonal changes.
Let me explain more about the way I work and what you can expect from therapy.
How Do Psychotherapy and Counselling Work?
In my psychotherapy and counselling practice I provide the opportunity to step back from the noise and pressure of everyday life and start to notice how you really feel and why. By slowing down you have the opportunity to notice thoughts and feelings which may have been unconcious, in turn this can allow you to change old patterns, make new choices and move forwards. I offer a protected space where trust and confidence can grow so that you can look at feelings and experiences that are difficult or painful, and begin to heal.
For an explanation of the difference between psychotherapy and counselling, please go to Frequently Asked Questions.
What Do I Provide?
I provide time, space and support so that we can begin this process together. Whether you need to understand a difficult experience in the present or perhaps some longstanding feelings which have followed you around for years, I aim to offer an extended form of listening so that you feel more fully understood and accepted.
It is often true that difficult experiences can leave us feeling isolated and lonely. By listening deeply and working alongside you as you explore your thoughts it is possible for you to develop confidence so that you discover new ways to accept and heal.
Psychotherapy and Mindfulness
An important aspect of my work is Mindfulness. This is because the space, quietness and stillness of Mindfulness are very helpful in providing an environment for resolution and healing. I was required to attend therapy throughout the years of my training so I understand what it feels like to be a client and how important it is to feel secure and have confidence in the care we receive.
Integrative Psychotherapy Explained
I studied Integrative Psychotherapy up to research masters degree level at Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling, which is a leading teaching institute. Integrative Psychotherapy training means that I have an extensive understanding of a wide range of therapy approaches which are effective in supporting change in our lives. I am also able to reflect on the way experiences throughout our lives may be affecting how we feel today. This is why I am able to help with a wide range of difficulties. I find Mindfullness alongside psychodynamic thinking, somatic awareness and intersubjective ideas make up an important part of the expertise I can offer. For an explanation of these terms please see Frequently Asked Questions.
Ethics and Professionalism
My training at BCPC and my membership of UKCP are important because they mean that I operate under a strict code of ethics, ensuring you receive the highest standard of professionalism and care. For more information go to Training and Background and Qualifications.
Contact and Location
My therapy room is located in a peaceful garden space close to Wells and Shepton Mallet.There is free on-street parking available. I also offer online and phone sessions where appropriate. If you would like to know more, please contact me by email or phone - links on this page. I offer a free introductory meeting so that you can tell me a bit about yourself and I can explain how I work and answer any questions you may have.
Cost
£60 per one-hour session.
Useful Links
United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC)
Oxford Mindfulness
