A BACP registered counsellor based in Chester, Cheshire, and accessible to those in nearby villages. Offering compassionate, one-to-one support tailored to your needs. I work online nationwide and in person.
About Me
Hello, I am Helen, a warm empathic qualified person-centred counsellor and registered member of the BACP ~ I offer my therapy online, by telephone and in person to adults of all ages. I also offer walk and talk therapy sessions locally.
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a teacher, supporting students both in the classroom and pastorally. That, and having grown up 6000 miles from my birthplace, my diverse experiences, training, and connections have led me to where I am today. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the uniqueness of every individual, and I firmly believe in each person's ability to find their own path.
I am here to offer you a compassionate and safe environment to explore your concerns, whether you are seeking assistance in achieving a particular goal, having a personal struggle, or navigating through the impact of a significant life event. I am also passionate about creating an understanding space for those who are grieving the loss of their pet animal. I am a member of the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors.
I adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for Professionals 2018 in my practice. I maintain full insurance coverage and engage in regular supervision to ensure the safety and ethicality of my counselling work. I am committed to continued learning and further understanding in order to support the clients that I see.
In addition to my private practice, I also serve as a counsellor for a charitable organization in Liverpool. This role has given me the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, each with unique backgrounds, challenges, and life experiences. Through this work, I have also developed a particular expertise in supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse and those bereaved by suicide.
My practice is trauma informed.
Karuna the name I use to promote my therapy translates to "compassion" or "empathy". It represents showing kindness, understanding, and empathy towards others who are suffering or in distress"
- MA - Clinical Counselling - University of Chester - Level 7 (Distinction)
- BA Honors - University of Plymouth
- Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) - Manchester Metropolitan University
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Certificate - Working with Shame
- Ecotherapy - Walk and Talk Therapy Training Certificate
- Certificate - Dealing with Distress - Working with suicide and self harm
- I am currently training to become trauma informed:
- Stage 1: Safefy and Stablisation - working with trauma in the first stage of recovery - (completed)
- Stage 2: Healing from Shame and Guilt: Managing Intrusive Thoughts and Inner Voices (including work with Adult Survivors of Childhood
Trauma - (in progress)
How do I choose the right counsellor?
Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially with so many counsellors out there and different qualifications to consider. Who's the most experienced? Who will help me best? Why choose me?
Research shows that the healing power of therapy lies in the therapeutic relationship itself.
I am a warm, professional, genuine, and down-to-earth counsellor who loves what I do. Our sessions will help you explore, reflect, and see things differently.
You'll be able to consider new ideas and approaches in a safe environment with someone who listens and believes in your ability to become the person you want to be. The answers you're looking for are within your reach, and having a space to explore and consider can lead to different outcomes. Everyone needs help from time to time. You're not alone, and you don't have to face life's challenges on your own.
“
You are not alone.You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone.”
— Shonda Rhimes
Individual Counselling
Are you experiencing intense feelings and emotions? You might be feeling overwhelmed by sadness or anxiety that seems to cloud your everyday life, making even simple tasks feel difficult. There may be a sense of isolation, as if no one truly understands what you are going through, leading to feelings of loneliness. You could feel trapped by your thoughts, battling negative self-talk or a sense of hopelessness. Often, there's frustration at not being able to solve your problems on your own, and you might feel exhausted from trying to keep everything together.
Individual Pet Bereavement Counselling
Losing a beloved animal or the thought of losing them can bring about a deep well of emotions. You may be overwhelmed with sadness, as if a part of your heart has been taken away. This sorrow can be accompanied by anxiety, worrying about how to cope without your companion and the change that will come in your daily life. You may be experiencing guilt, questioning if they did everything they could to care for your pet or wondering if you should have noticed signs of illness earlier. There can also be feelings of helplessness, especially if the loss is sudden or unexpected. Alongside these heavy emotions, there might be moments of anger or frustration, either directed at the situation or even at yourself. Ultimately, the bond you shared may lead to profound feelings of love and gratitude for the time spent together, mixed with the ache of missing them.
What can counselling help you with?
You may be experiencing a bereavement, relationship issues, a personal struggle, trauma, stress at work, or a life transition and you have noticed how it is impacting your day-to day life and those around you.
You could be feeling alone, lost, and struggling to navigate all the emotions you may be feeling. You may know your problems but not sure how to tackle them. You may feel stuck.
You may have lost your pet and you are finding it difficult to process, you feel alone, lost and struggling to work through your grief.
You are feeling as if you have lost yourself, and you are trying to find the person you want to be again.
You often feel overwhelmed. You want to unlock your potential but just don’t know what the first step is. You feel may feel anxious, stressed, and often unhappy.
Ask yourself:
“Am I living in a way which is deeply satisfying to me, and which truly expresses me?”
Carl Rogers - On Becoming a Person, Constable, 1961: 23–119
Together, we can explore the root causes of your feelings, find solutions, and navigate life's ups and downs. Whatever you're facing, know that you're not alone—I'm here to provide a safe and supportive space for your healing and growth.
I can support you the following and more:
Anxiety | Depression | Stress | Trauma | Shame | Overworking and Burn Out | Relationship issues Emotional & Physical Abuse | Bereavement | Self Esteem | Identity | Menopause | Retirement challenges | Life Transitions | Bereavement by suicide
Getting in touch
To arrange an initial assessment appointment or if you have any questions please do get in touch.
I will always aim reply to your message within 24 hours, if you have not heard from me please do check your spam folder.
Location and Services
I offer my counselling services throughout the UK online or by phone. As a certified online and telephone-trained counsellor, you can trust that your sessions will be conducted securely and ethically. Furthermore, I am a member of the Association of Counselling Therapy Online (ACTO), which means I adhere to their code of ethics and professional standards.
For those local to Chester, Cheshire and surrounding areas, I can arrange for in person face to face session in a confidential and welcoming rooms in two locations each with free on-street parking.
Chester City: Hoole
Surrounding areas: Frodsham
I now also offer walk and talk therapy sessions at locations within the Cheshire countryside, close to Chester. Please enquire for further details.
My free 15-minute introductory meeting, offers 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 or email me directly to arrange.
Fees and Availability
My working days are Monday-Tuesday and a Saturday morning. Some additional availability can be discussed when booking.
Sessions are 50 min in duration.
~ 1 x 50 min therapy session - £50 (some concessions available)
~ Dedicated place for as long as you need.
~ Payment secures the booking/session and is payable in advance.
Confidentiality
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 attend regular professional supervision, but any cases we discuss are kept anonymous. I'm registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office, fully compliant with GDPR regulations, and have an enhanced DBS check.