About Me & How I Work
I am an experienced counsellor with particular depth of experience in bereavement and loss, including sudden and traumatic death and suicide. I volunteered with the national bereavement charity Cruse over four years, gaining valuable insight into the support they offer for the complexities of grief, through in-depth training and practice.
I have contributed to local and national BBC Radio, and to published studies in books and research papers.
Qualifications & Training:
• Level 4 Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
• Specialist Bereavement Counsellor, Cruse Bereavement Care (Oxford)
• Sudden and Traumatic Death Certificate, Cruse Bereavement Care
• Mindfulness for Life Certificate, Oxford Mindfulness Foundation
• Boarding School Syndrome Certification
• Universal Safeguarding for Children Certificate
• Youth Counsellor, Time to Talk / Adviza
• BA (Hons) First Class, European Humanities, Open University
How I Work:
Integrative therapy simply means I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches and tailor our work to suit you as an individual. At the heart of my practice is person-centred talking therapy, that has long been the preferred approach for bereavement work.
For more info click here:
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/integrative-counselling
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/person-centred-counselling
You have time and space to explore what’s really going on — whether that feels clear, or something just outside your awareness. I listen with empathy, respect, and without judgement, and I work gently, using thoughtful questions to help you go deeper at your own pace. It’s very common to begin therapy with one issue and find that other areas of life naturally come into focus too. Your therapy is exactly that — yours — and it can evolve as your needs change.
Who I Work With:
I help all adults, of all genders, religions and cultural backgrounds in a safe, calm and non-judgmental manner. Nothing is off-limits or ‘not worth’ mentioning.
You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. Many people come to therapy feeling anxious, lonely, overwhelmed, or simply curious why life feels harder than it should.
Bereavement and Loss:
I support those affected by sudden or traumatic death, and all other circumstances. I have lost people close to me, to suicide. I know how complex, painful and isolating this kind of grief can feel. I am ready to hear you and support you.
Bereavement in all its forms, remains a central part of my work. I bring over 15 years of specialist experience in this area — and personal understanding.
We may be anticipating the death of someone, and unsure how to navigate it.
Maybe we fear losing the person we once were with the deceased?
How we see ourself, our relationships, and our sense of meaning in the world can all feel challenged. We may seek some sense of order in this new reality, yet doubt our judgement in recognising it.
Maybe we doubt that we ever feel ’normal’ or OK again? Perhaps we feel too afraid to do anything at all?
Sometimes underestimated is how the death of a much-loved pet can bring heartbreak and perhaps trigger the pain of previous losses. We will take time to honour that precious relationship, and learn to treasure it for the future.
Loss: My work has naturally expanded to include the ‘bigger picture’ of losing that which we understand and value. Loss is often linked with pain and suffering associated with major upheaval in life circumstances, often involuntary, and with long-lasting effects.
Issues I Work With:
• Anxiety and depression
• Loneliness and isolation
• Bullying
• Identity questions or crisis
• Guilt, shame, and feelings of not being “good enough”
• Imposter syndrome
• Third Culture Kids (TCKs)
• Global nomads and those with military childhoods
• Boarding school–related experiences
• Cultural adjustment following a change of country or school
Counselling gives you the privacy and freedom to explore all this, and much more. Together, we will find new ways to connect with yourself that can feel authentic, better or even 'just OK’.
Of course, bereavement and loss can happen to most of us at some point. It is therefore natural that you may talk about anything at all that affects your life now. This is what makes your counselling relevant and tailored to you.
This is where we may begin to feel hope for the future - by focusing on you. Now.
Testimonials:
"From our very first session, Helen created a space where I felt completely safe, never judged, never rushed, and never made to feel like my grief was too much or too complicated. That sense of psychological safety has been the foundation of everything. She listens deeply, responds with warmth, and always manages to help me feel heard in a way that gives me the courage to keep going. Over time, I've noticed a real shift in my confidence, not because she pushed me, but because she made me feel capable of finding my own way through.Three years on, I feel stronger, more grounded, and more at peace than I thought possible" Client PA
"I’ve been working with Helen for over three years, initially following the bereavement and loss of very close family members. Throughout that time, every session has helped me better understand myself and manage difficult situations in a much healthier way. Therapy has enabled me to properly process my thoughts and significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that I had previously struggled with. Over the years, Helen has also supported, guided, and mentored me in many other aspects of my life — both personally and professionally. Through our work together, I’ve developed a much deeper understanding of myself, including reflecting on elements of my childhood that have shaped certain behaviours and patterns in my adult life. I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together and would highly recommend Helen to anyone looking for a compassionate, insightful, and supportive therapist" Client SG
"I’ve been speaking to Helen for a few years now, and from our first session she created an environment where I felt safe to talk about things that, to be frank, terrified me. Helen has a knack for active listening - hearing more than is ever necessarily said out loud and asking thoughtful, creative questions which encourage you to challenge your preconceptions without ever being accusatory or confrontational. I have suffered with anxiety for some time and this has been very helpful to me - it breaks the cycle of seeking reassurance then finding something else to worry about by challenging the urge to worry in the first place. I am a better partner, a better father, and happier as a direct result of my time with Helen" Client PG
" I had managed my life for almost 15 years thinking that the symptoms of depression and anxiety I experienced were just the result of my brother's death, and could never be changed. I was truly astonished by how much positive change had been made in areas far beyond what I had originally sought help for, and how much better, brighter, more motivated and calmer I felt. If you are here reading this review, then you should give Helen a call, because she might help you to change your life, the way she helped me change mine" Client CL
" Thank you Helen for really listening, and for giving gentle advice when needed. You mentioned that bereavement has no end date, and that gives me strength. I’m glad I found you" Client CB
" Helen's online bereavement counselling has helped me navigate the unexpected loss of my husband of 37 years in a safe, steady and positive way" Client PJ
"I’m very grateful for the care and support Helen provided to my patient" Client’s GP
