Counselling with Helen

It's a common experience: we open up to well-intentioned friends and family, only to be overwhelmed by their feelings and advice, when all we really seek is space to work things out for ourselves, whilst feeling understood. 

I believe that by offering truly non-judgemental listening, patience, empathy and genuine undertsanding through lived experience, I can help you explore your world, gain a better understanding of your place within it, and discover the path that feels right for you, without the worry of being judged or burdening the other person.  

During our sessions, we'll work together at your pace, to find your individual path towards personal growth and healing. I'll support you in gaining new insights and perspectives whilst offering resources (where appropriate) to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing. Most importantly, I'll always be fully present, listening to both what is said and unsaid, empathising with your feelings, and accepting of each and every part of you without judgement. We will also be sure to celebrate your strengths and acknowledge each of your wins, as we journey through the counselling process. 

This practice of pausing and processing, is so important in order for life to continue in a different way. Just as you can't rush untangling a ball of wool without making the knots tighter, counselling provides a safe, patient and non-judgemental space for us to slowly and carefully separate your overlapping concerns. Over time, clarity, self-understanding and confidence can grow, helping you move forward in a way that feels more grounded and true to who you are, even when life has felt too much.

Are you ...

• Feeling misunderstood, lost or stuck? 
• Struggling with your identity - neurodivergence, gender, sexuality?
• Lonely, feeling like you don't fit in & nobody really "gets you"? 
• Struggling with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
• Stressed or Burntout?
• Struggling with meltdowns or shutdowns?
• Depressed/anxious/low self-esteem? 
• Having relationship problems?
• Feeling suicidal/have suicidal ideation?
• Wondering whether you may be Autistic/ADHD? 
• Or support someone who is? 
• Feeling overwhelmed with the thoughts of the diagnosis process? 
• Recently diagnosed & left thinking "now what?" 

Whatever your worries, I embrace them all.

Traditional therapy often focuses on changing or resolving difficult parts of yourself, which may leave you feeling like you’ve failed when change doesn’t happen. Together, we won't try to change your neurodiversity, but focus on understanding and acceptance, working with your natural ways of being.

Living as an AuDHD person and having had lots of personal counselling over the years myself, I hope to offer you neuro-affirming sessions, where you feel safe, comfortable and free to be your authentic self.

 I understand ...

• That you may not want/be able to make eye contact; there's no pressure to.
• That it may be comfier for you to kick your shoes off, sit crossed legged or sit on the floor; I'll join you.
• Sensory differences matter; the counselling room is calm and peaceful, lit with soft fairy lights, has no artificial scents, and a view of the garden where we can hear the birds singing.
• Silence can feel awkward or anxiety provoking. I only use brief pauses to help you think, feel, and reflect clearly.
• Movement can help focus. We have fidget toys, can take walk-and-talk sessions, or pause/stretch as needed — just let me know.
• You may want to know a little about your counsellor too; I've had my struggles. Still do. I'm human and will meet you where you are, human to human. No fancy jargon, just my down-to-earth, warm, caring self, as therapy is bidirectional built on trust, honesty and respect. If it helps you, I'll share parts of my life experience, answer (not deflect) your questions, to help you feel safe to do so too.
• Counselling can be like peeling an onion, layer by layer. Together, we’ll gently work through whatever has brought you here, revealing the authentic, resilient, wonderful person beneath the labels, masks, worries, burnout or anxiety.

Choosing the right counsellor is essential. Sharing your feelings takes courage and can leave you feeling vulnerable, so you need to know your experience will be met with respect, warmth, care and sensitivity.

My Person-Centred approach always places you directly at the centre of our work, where your unique experiences will be respected and valued; I believe that you are the expert on your own life. I will simply provide an empathic, non-judgmental, patient and safe environment where you can rediscover your own path, and choose the right solutions for you.

My approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy and a lived understanding of neurodiversity. As a later in life diagnosed AuDHD counsellor, my hope is you will experience a deep, genuine empathy and understanding from me, if you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated or struggling with life - I've been there too. I'm here to share my own experiences, if it would be helpful. I know how powerful it can be to hear, "I get that, too."