Counselling in Chester, Cheshire & Online
Welcome to Karuna Talking Therapy
Hello, I’m Helen, and welcome,
I am a person-centred, trauma-informed counsellor, passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges, whether big or small. I offer in-person counselling in Hoole, Chester, Cheshire, as well as online and phone counselling across the UK, so you can access support wherever you are.
My approach is friendly, informal, and entirely client-led. You decide what to share and when. Counselling with me is a collaborative process; you lead, and I offer presence, curiosity, and care. I provide a warm and safe space where you can explore what matters to you, at your own pace and in your own way.
Being trauma-informed means I am especially mindful of creating safety, supporting regulation, and working gently with the body and mind. Where it feels helpful, I also offer breathing retraining, informed by my training in Breathing for Calm. This may include exploring calmer, more efficient ways of breathing that can support emotional regulation, ease anxiety or panic, and allow more moments of rest and calm. Breathing support is always optional and offered collaboratively.
I bring both professional training and life experience to my work. I understand what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about the next step. These experiences shape my approach and deepen my empathy for the challenges you may be facing.
Karuna, the name of my practice, means compassion or empathy, reflecting my belief in kindness, understanding, and the power of connection during difficult times.
Counselling with me is not just a profession; it is a way to support people to live a meaningful, fulfilling life, to process grief, manage anxiety, navigate life transitions, or work through trauma and stress. If you feel ready to take the next step, I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey.
Navigating Life’s Harder Moments
Compassionate Counselling for Grief, Anxiety, Stress & Life Transitions
Life can be overwhelming. Grief, loss, work-related stress, relationship or family difficulties, trauma, or changes in identity and self-esteem can leave you feeling stuck, low, or unsure how to move forward. Counselling provides a safe, supportive space to explore these challenges, process emotions, and take small, manageable steps toward feeling better.
I work with clients experiencing:
Bereavement: Loss of a partner, family member, friend, or pet.
Suicide-related grief: Confusion, guilt, sadness, and unanswered questions.
Stress, anxiety, or burnout: Finding calm and understanding emotional overload.
Self-doubt, guilt, or shame: Breaking patterns that hold you back
Identity exploration: Navigating life transitions or changes in self-perception.
Major life changes: Adjusting to health shifts, menopause, caregiving, or life re-evaluation
Whatever you’re facing, we can explore it together, gently and at your pace.
“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. With so many profiles, qualifications, and approaches, it’s natural to wonder: Who will truly understand me? Who can I feel safe with? Who will walk alongside me when things feel hard?
Research shows that the relationship between client and counsellor is what makes the biggest difference. Feeling safe, understood, and genuinely cared for is the foundation for meaningful change. I am a warm, grounded counsellor with both clinical training and real-life experience. I understand joy and struggle, and I know the value of a space where you can be truly seen and heard. In our sessions, we gently explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns. You’ll have space to reflect, breathe, and gain clarity. Together, we work at your pace, building trust and insight. You don’t have to face things alone, and you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin.
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
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 Hoole, Chester, Cheshire. Additionally, I work online (using Zoom) and by phone nationwide.
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 registered member, I follow the ethical framework for counsellors. I am fully insured.
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.
Fees and Availability
Availablity:
My working days are Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday mornings.
In Person, Online & Phone sessions:
£50 per 50-minute session
Additional Info
– Sessions after 3 pm and a Saturday am are available online or by phone only
– I offer sessions weekly, fortnightly, and monthly. I do offer some evening online slots.
– An advance payment is required to secure your session
Cancellations
I understand that life happens; therefore, if you need to cancel or reschedule with 48 hours' notice, we can reschedule. Otherwise, the fee is payable.
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