Helen Allen

My availability is flexible and I do my best to work around the availability of my clients.

Hello my name is Helen. I am an integrative counsellor providing a safe and confidential space for you to be heard in a warm, understanding, non-judgemental and down to earth way. In order to assist you in developing a deeper awareness of who you are and resolving your problems, I will support you as you explore the less evident elements of your mind that you might not be consciously aware of.

A good therapeutic relationship is fundamental in this process (research shows that this is the most important part of therapy) so it is vital that we are a good fit. I will listen, reflect, sometimes challenge and most importantly be alongside you as a supportive and understanding companion as you go through this journey of self-discovery which can be rewarding, liberating and satisfying but can also sometimes be painful, difficult and overwhelming. We will be on the path together to effect the change you seek.

I have been volunteering as a counsellor (bereavement supporter and supervisor) for both a national Bereavement charity (for several years) and also as a counsellor for a local Eating Disorders charity.

My background is in Education and I have had a long and varied career as a modern languages teacher.

As an integrative counsellor, I believe there is not just one therapeutic approach which can help a client in all situations. Every person is unique and what works for one may not work for another. I see each client as an individual with their unique set of circumstances and experiences and I use elements of different approaches to help them explore their emotions, problems and issues. I offer an honest, transparent and non-judgemental approach by accepting and valuing my clients.

I underpin my work with person-centred therapy which focuses on my client to help them reach their full potential and I may bring in elements of psychodynamic therapy enabling me to focus on awareness, and the subconscious, just below the surface of awareness to help my clients understand themselves on a deeper level so they can explore how emotions and deep-rooted experiences impact their behaviour and feelings so they can then grow more as a person.

I may use body process and focus on what is really happening for my clients in the here and now. I also use mindfulness and grounding techniques where appropriate.

I may use elements of CBT to examine a client’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours and help them find ways to change and eliminate unhelpful behaviours using practical strategies and tools.

Our first session will be your opportunity to explore in depth what has brought you to counselling and will provide me with a better understanding of your needs. Together we will complete an assessment of what has brought you to therapy .In order to feel whole again we have to reconnect with the neglected parts of ourselves and in the therapeutic process is where this happens. Together we can uncover you inner resources; you already have everything you need within you and will decide jointly how our future sessions will take shape.