Carrie Helman

I currently have some availability within my Practice.  Bookings can be made via my Website.

Hi there, I'm Carrie, a qualified Psychotherapeutic Gestalt Medical & General Counsellor. Gestalt therapy is a form of Psychotherapy whereby we focus on the present moment rather than past experiences, although these also play a vital role in the healing process. In short, once we understand the triggers for how we’re feeling we can understand how to manage these going forward.

I support patients dealing with:

- issues around shame
- anxiety and fear-based worries
- worries surrounding physical/sexual relationships
- financial and work-related concerns
- bereavement/grief/loss (people/animals)
- trauma-based fear
- gender dysphoria
- bullying/harassment
- end of life counselling
- loneliness/isolation
- low self-esteem
- physical/sexual/coercive abuse
- concerns about body image (weight-related)

I have worked for the NHS within the Gastro-Colorectal field and now privately. I'm also affiliated to the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Association and have been invited as a Guest Speaker at Conferences and on Podcasts.

Clients I see have encountered a diverse range of physical and psychological issues including:

- fear of upcoming bowel surgery 
- living with a Bowel Disease, e.g. Colitis, Crohn’s, Diverticulitis, IBS, etc
- concerns about body image (surgically-related/weight-related)
- living with an ostomy (stoma) - ileostomy/colostomy/urostomy
- family dynamics in the immediate family following surgery
- pre-/post-surgical uncertainties
- Cancer diagnoses/other medical diagnoses
- vulnerability (pre-/post-surgery)
- sexual relations (pre-/post-surgery)

If you are facing any of the difficulties mentioned above, I'm more than happy to talk them through with you. Additionally, I am experienced in addressing a wide range of concerns beyond this list. Please do not hesitate to ask me if your specific issue is not mentioned.

You've taken the first step, so let me help you on the rest of your journey.

Carrie

I understand that deciding to seek Counselling can be incredibly daunting. It takes immense courage to take that leap of faith and come to the realisation that we need to ask for help. 

I believe establishing a strong foundation of trust, honesty, compassion and respect is crucial for a successful counselling experience. 

You are taking a huge step towards improving your life by acknowledging that you are ready to ask for help.  Remember,  there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking support. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for you. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease during our sessions. Most importantly, I want to get to know you as a whole person, not just the issues you are facing. 

Building trust, of course, takes time and I hope that during our sessions, we can develop a strong bond of trust and understanding.

As you embark on your first experience with psychotherapy, it's understandable if the thought of discussing your most personal issue/s is a bit daunting. That's why I would like to offer you a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation. 

This will allow you to get a sense of the experience and see how comfortable it feels for you. 

During this session, you are welcome to ask any questions you may have about how therapy can benefit you, or about my approach. 

Most importantly, it will allow us to see if we have a good rapport and if we feel at ease working together.