Chester Therapists

If you are looking at this page you are probably thinking of seeing a therapist. It is a big step as it takes courage to confront and solve problems and it can be a painful process. Many people decide to avoid feelings which may be difficult or painful but the very avoidance often results in greater pain and the inability to grow as a person both mentally and spiritually.

I have a particular interest in trauma and PTSD counselling and working with people who have suffered early developmental trauma or psychological pain and loss, as well as people suffering from anxiety, work related difficulties, relationship difficulties, and people wanting to focus upon areas of self-development and self-improvement. I work with trauma using the Rewind technique which has been successfully used in the treatment of trauma victims.

I see part of my job as providing you with a respectful and reliable space within which you can find your authentic self and deal with past and recent experiences which have caused you to develop unhelpful or limiting strategies and behaviours including phobias, habits, and compulsions, self medication, and maladaptive coping strategies.

I began my own journey in 1996 and have worked with people on a wide range of difficulties and problems am very interested in the work I do.

People often say to me ‘isn’t your job all about listening to peoples problems’? I often say to them that listening skills in many respects have been lost in our modern society and people often don’t have anyone around them who knows how to listen to them or how to support them. Perhaps even more surprisingly many of us have lost the ability to listen to ourselves and this can be a key area that I can assist you with which can lead to personal growth. I also play a very active role in providing you with opportunities to grow and make changes.

Training Qualifications and Experience

I trained at Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy on a 7 year UKCP accredited course. The training provided me with a variety of models including person centred theory psychodynamic approaches and humanistic and integrative approaches however my core model is Transactional Analysis.

CTA(P) Certified Transactional Analyst

MRICS Reading University.

IFA Liverpool University

Location for Rewind technique. Trauma Counselling Chester.

PTSD Counselling Chester.

Also available in Neston.

I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a fully qualified and accredited cognitive behavioural therapist with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP).

I offer all my clients a safe, professional, non-judgemental and confidential environment in which they can explore any past or present issues. With my CBT work I offer evidence based interventions adapted to each individual’s needs and I have experience of working with many different issues, including depression, generalised anxiety, health anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sexual, emotional and physical abuse, grief and (work related) stress. I am able to offer face-to-face appointments and appointments via telephone and ZOOM.

Hi I’m Helen, a fully qualified Counsellor who delivers a professional, non-judgemental and confidential service, for adults, young people & children. Experienced at working with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, bereavement, OCD & more.

I respect that personal experiences are very unique to each individual and I understand that it takes courage to openly talk about what you are experiencing.

People from all walks of life seek counselling. You may find you’re struggling with relationships, or crisis in your personal life, or perhaps you’re experiencing anxiety over work issues, facing bereavement, illness or a broken relationship. You may even have feelings of hopelessness, a lack of self-worth or confidence, depression or stress, or maybe the cause is related to your past.  Whatever it is, you can bring it to counselling. I can help you to reflect and work through any problems in an understanding, secure and safe environment. You will not be judged or criticised for who you are or how you are feeling.

During your sessions I will support you in exploring your thoughts and feelings. I will listen to you, accept and respect you. I will not judge you or tell you what to do. I will help you reach your own decisions based on what is right for you.

Experience

Bereavement Counselling at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, supporting people with loss, grief and the other emotions bereavement can generate such as anger, guilt, denial, depression, relationship issues.

C.A.M.H.S, supporting parents of children who were receiving support from the service, with such issues as anxiety, depression, family issues, the effects of marital tension, separation and divorce.

West Cheshire College Counselling students aged 15+ with such issues as self-harm, relationship problems, exam stress, bullying, anger, low self-esteem, low confidence.

Primary and High Schools helping children and young people to work through a range of difficulties such as social/general anxiety, anger management, exam stress, bullying, family tensions/breakdowns.

Private Practice supporting individuals with such issues as depression, anxiety, anger, relationship difficulties, OCD, low self-esteem/low confidence, bereavement and much more.

Training, qualifications & experience

Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Children and Young People

‘Words for unwanted journeys’ training

Working Therapeutically with adults and children with neurodevelopmental conditions training

‘An introduction to Autism’ training

Certificate Of Proficiency, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling. (CPCAB)
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies. (CPCAB)
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Studies. (CPCAB)
Level 2 Introduction to Counselling Skills(CPCAB)

Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

As an Integrative Counsellor I combine Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (C.B.T), Psychodynamic Therapy and Person Centred Therapy, adapting my support to best suit the needs of the individual.

I provide private counselling in Chester.

More of my details are on the Counselling Directory Chester.

I am an experienced Person-Centred Counsellor and Supervisor. I offer counselling sessions for individual clients, relationship counselling for couples and supervision for counsellors.

I have extensive experience of working with addiction both privately and within residential settings. If the use of alcohol, drugs or medication is affecting your life in a negative way, asking for help can be a challenging prospect. A safe, confidential and professional space where assistance is available, may help you feel ready to make the changes needed to begin living life free from addiction. You will be supported non-judgmentally and we will work at your own pace to explore the issues relating to your addiction and your responses to life.

I hold a Graduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a Certificate in Supervision from Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy. I am an accredited registered member of the National Counselling Society (MNCS Accred) and abide by their ethical framework to offer the best service possible.

Therapies offered: 
Person-Centred Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Couples Counselling, Supervision

Being a qualified Integrative counsellor, allows me to use different models of therapy to tailor my support to your individual needs. Blending CBT (changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours which have been adopted through life experience), Psychodynamic (understanding the ways in which past experiences shape your present behaviour and thoughts.) & person-centred approaches, I am able to help you to identify the difficulties you are experiencing, explore them in a safe confidential space, and support you to resolve and move on from them.

We are all individuals so it is important to find the best approach to suit you and your needs. Counselling can help you see through the fog, to see clearly where your difficulties lie, and to change what is not working for you, allowing you to decide what is needed to improve your life.

I am incredibly privileged to be a counsellor, to be trusted with your deepest thoughts and feelings, to support you through the worst times, and help empower you to bring about a change, that brings better times for you in the future.

Therapies offered:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-centred, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Solution Focused Brief Therapy

I offer an initial free face to face consultation (30 minutes) for us to talk through what you need