Counselling in Chester, Cheshire & Online Nationwide
Welcome to Karuna Talking Therapy
Hello, I’m Helen,
I’m a person-centred, trauma-informed counsellor, supporting people through life’s challenges, whether it’s anxiety, depression, grief, stress, trauma, or major life transitions. I offer in-person counselling in Hoole, Chester, Cheshire, as well as online and phone sessions across the UK.
My approach is friendly, collaborative, and client-led. You decide what to share and when, while I offer presence, empathy, and support in a safe, non-judgemental space. Where helpful, I can offer optional breathing support to ease anxiety and promote calm, drawing on my training in Breathing for Calm.
Every client’s journey is unique. My role is to help you explore your feelings, understand patterns, and find ways forward, at your own pace, in your own way.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I would be honoured to walk alongside you on your journey.
Karuna, the name of my practice, means compassion or empathy, reflecting my belief in kindness, understanding, and the power of connection during difficult times.
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 and other losses: Adjusting to health shifts, menopause, caregiving, or life re-evaluation, relationship changes, work issues, retirement....
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 life feels difficult?
Research shows that the relationship between client and counsellor 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 focus on becoming more aware of yourself, checking in with how you’re doing, and discovering what truly matters to you. I’m not here to give advice or tell you how to live your life; my role is to help you hear what you need to live your best life.
Counselling 1:1
I offer person-centred counselling for grief, loss, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. You may be struggling with bereavement, low self-esteem, difficult past experiences, or feeling stuck in your life or relationships.
I provide a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to understand yourself more deeply.
Find out more about 1:1 counselling
Pet bereavement counselling and support
I am particularly passionate about supporting those grieving the loss of a companion animal. This was the focus of my Master’s research, giving me a deeper understanding of this often overlooked form of bereavement. As someone who has always lived with animals, I understand how deep and significant these bonds are. When a pet dies, the grief can feel profound and isolating. Our animals are family, and grief is a reflection of that love.
I offer a dedicated space for pet bereavement support, which you can read more about here.
Getting In Touch
Updates regarding my availability will be added here.
Location and Services
Counselling in Hoole, Chester and Online Across the UK
I offer professional counselling services in person in Hoole, Chester, Cheshire. My practice is conveniently located for clients seeking counselling in Chester and the surrounding areas.
I also provide online counselling via Zoom and telephone counselling, working with clients across the UK. This flexible approach allows you to access support in a way that suits you, wherever you are.
Confidential Counselling and Ethical Practice
Confidentiality is at the heart of effective counselling. Everything you share during our sessions is treated with respect and kept private. I will explain the few situations where confidentiality may need to be broken during our first session, so you feel clear and reassured about how your information is handled.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office and fully comply with the UK GDPR. I hold an enhanced DBS check, am fully insured, and undertake regular monthly clinical supervision to support safe and effective practice.
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I work in accordance with their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
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 on Saturday am are available only online or by phone. 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