Counselling in person for young people 17-18 & adults in Chester & Tarporley, Cheshire.
Online and by phone, UK & Overseas
You are not alone. You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone - Shonda Rhimes
Welcome to Karuna Talking Therapy
Hello, and thank you for stopping by. I'm Helen, a counsellor passionate about supporting people through their life’s challenges—big or small.
I offer in-person sessions in Chester and Tarporley, Cheshire, in welcoming and comfortable rooms, as well as nationwide and overseas online and phone support.
My approach is friendly, informal, and completely led by you—what you share, and when, is always in your hands.
Therapy with me is a collaborative process.
You lead the way, and I offer presence, curiosity, and care. My approach is rooted in empathy and respect, and I offer you a warm and respectful space. I’ll walk alongside you as you explore what’s difficult, at your pace and in your way. We will explore what matters to you.
Beyond my professional training, I bring a wealth of life experience to my work. I know how it feels to be overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next step. These experiences have shaped who I am and deepened my understanding of what it means to truly struggle—and to find a way through.
Karuna, the name of my practice, means compassion or empathy. It reflects my core belief in kindness, understanding, and the power of connection during difficult times.
Counselling isn’t just a job for me—it’s a calling. I truly want to see people live the fullest life they can, in a way that’s meaningful to them. If you're ready to take that next step, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.
Navigating Life’s Harder Moments
Grief, loss, relationship challenges, trauma, or big or small life transitions — these experiences can leave you feeling overwhelmed, untethered, or unsure how to move forward. They can affect your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of self. And they can feel incredibly isolating. But you don’t have to go through them alone.
I support people who are navigating:
- Bereavement, including the often-unspoken grief of losing a beloved animal companion (an area of both personal and research-based interest for me)
- The complex emotions that come with losing someone to suicide
- Stress, anxiety, burnout, and emotional overload
- Patterns of guilt, shame, self-doubt, or feeling stuck
- Identity challenges as an expat or after returning ‘home’
- Major life changes — shifts in health, menopause, caring for others, or re-evaluating what matters.
You may be feeling sadness, irritability, anxiety, or a quiet heaviness you can’t name. You may be trying to hold it all together on the outside while feeling lost inside.
Together, we’ll create a safe, steady space where your feelings are welcome — a place to make sense of what’s going on and find your way forward in the way that is best for you.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Counselling with me
Starting counselling can feel overwhelming — especially when you're faced with countless profiles, qualifications, and approaches. You might be wondering:
Who will really get me? Who will I feel safe with? Who can I trust to walk alongside me when things feel hard?
While training and experience matter, research consistently shows that it’s the relationship between client and counsellor that makes the biggest difference. You need to feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.
I’m a warm, grounded, and professional counsellor who brings both clinical training and real-life experience to my work. I’ve known joy and I’ve known struggle — in childhood and adulthood. I know how deeply healing it can be to have a space where you’re truly seen and heard.
In our sessions, we’ll gently explore what’s going on for you — untangling thoughts, feelings, and patterns. You’ll have space to reflect, to breathe, and to see things more clearly. Together, we’ll work at your pace, building trust and insight as we go. You don’t have to face things alone. And you don’t have to have it all figured out before we begin.
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Counselling 1:1
I offer person-centred, compassion-focused support to individuals navigating grief and loss, whether through the death of a loved one, loss by suicide, or the passing of a beloved pet. I also work with those facing emotional challenges, such as the lasting impact of difficult life experiences, domestic abuse, anxiety, stress, negative thoughts, low self-esteem, and self-doubt. My approach creates a safe and supportive space for people dealing with relationship struggles, workplace pressure, identity questions, or a deeper search for meaning and purpose.
Counselling for the loss of your companion animal
I am especially passionate about providing sensitive support for those grieving the loss of a companion animal. This area of bereavement was the focus of my Master's research. This has given me an in-depth understanding of this unique form of loss. In addition to this, I adore animals and have always had them as part of my life and family. I know that many pet owners feel alone in their grief and that they deserve a dedicated space should they need it. Our animals are our family and are loved. Grief comes from love, and if you need support in processing your loss, please reach out.
Getting In Touch
To arrange an initial introduction or if you have any questions please do get in touch.
I will always aim to reply to your message within 24 hours. If you have not heard from me, please do check your spam/junk folder.
Location and Services
I offer my counselling services in person in two locations: Chester and Tarporley, Cheshire.
I also work online and by phone nationwide.
Rooms at all three locations are comfortable and welcoming.
For the Chester locations, there is plentiful free on-street parking. Please note that the room is reached only by a staircase.
For the Tarporley location, there is on-site parking, and the space is welcoming and calm. The room and building are fully accessible.
I'm a certified online and telephone-trained counsellor, so you can trust that these sessions will be conducted securely and ethically.
I offer a free 20-minute introductory meeting, offering you a chance to meet me, ask any questions you may have, understand how we will work together, and see if I am the right counsellor for you. Please use the contact form to arrange.
Confidentiality and Ethics:
Privacy is important to me. What we talk about during our sessions stays completely confidential and won't be shared with anyone else. I'll explain any rare instances where this might not be the case during our first meeting, so you understand the boundaries clearly. I'm registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, fully compliant with GDPR, and have an enhanced DBS check. As a BACP member, I also follow the ethical framework for counsellors. I am fully insured.
Fees and Availability
Availablity:
My main working days are Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday mornings.
Online and Phone sessions:
£50 per 50-minute session
Daytime and evening
In-person sessions:
Availability in Chester and Tarporley
(daytime only & dependent on room availability and scheduling)
My fees for in-person start from £50, depending on the location, as room costs can vary.
Additional Info
– Sessions after 4 pm are available online or by phone only
– You’ll have a dedicated space for as long as you need – sessions can be weekly or fortnightly
– Advance payment is required to secure your session
Cancellations
I understand that life happens; therefore, if you need to cancel or reschedule:
– For online sessions, I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice
– For in-person sessions, 48 hours' notice is needed as rooms are booked in advance.
I can work with clients based outside the UK (except the US and Canada); however, please note that my practice is governed by UK law and the ethical guidelines of the BACP.
Please note that I am not able to provide a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate distress or need urgent support, there are people and services available to help you right now.
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org
NHS 111 – Call 111 for urgent mental health advice