Helen Barnes

Online evenings only

Face-to-face sessions Tuesdays only

I have some current availability for face-to-face and online

Maybe you are coming to therapy because of a crisis. Or maybe life just feels stuck in a rut and you're sure it could be so much better, if you only knew how. You'll be ready and willing to make changes. To take the risk of becoming who you really are. You won't be looking for me to provide answers, but for someone to accompany you on the journey and to ask the right questions so that you can find answers of your own. You'll be looking for a space that is safe, creative and gently challenging.

I treat everyone as an individual. I have particular interest and experience in helping people through periods of change - whether chosen (relationships, new babies, career change) or as a result of life events (bereavement, illness, redundancy) - and seeing what this means for them. I work collaboratively to help people find their own resources.

I'd suggest an initial session to start with. You need to feel a connection, that you can talk to me, and let yourself be seen. As in all relationships, there has to be some chemistry for therapy to work. You need to feel safe, but not too comfortable...challenge is also important. But for many people, accepting themselves and being accepted for who they really are is the biggest challenge...

I am an integrative psychotherapist, which means that I can draw on a variety of approaches to work in a way that is right for you and the issues you bring to therapy. I am happy to work short-term or long-term. 

I have experience in working with people right across the life stage, from leaving school to the very end of life, and all the many experiences and transitions (good and bad, chosen or not), that come between, and may give us the impetus to reconsider our direction and values.  

The first session is charged at full rate.

I will probably ask a lot more questions than in a typical session. About your current circumstances, your past history, your reasons for seeking therapy and any previous therapy experiences.  You're also welcome to ask me any questions.

I totally understand that you may be seeing different people for an initial session and I won't be offended if you decide to go elsewhere - it's important to find the right person to work with - but please let me know promptly so I'm not holding a slot open for you.