- 22 years experience
- Grief and loss
- Practical and reflective
About Helen
Helen Willoughby is a counsellor with over 22 years of experience who began her career after many years working as a nurse. She works with people facing a wide range of concerns including grief, relationships, sexual and gender issues, depression, anxiety and addiction. Helen aims to make the first step into counselling feel manageable and will answer questions at the start of the work together.
Helen draws on several therapy styles and adapts them to the person in front of her. She uses Client-Centred Therapy to prioritise the client's perspective and build a trusting working relationship. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is used when people want practical ways to change patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Mindfulness approaches are offered to help calm the mind and reduce stress. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want support to make changes, for example with addiction or life adjustments. Jungian ideas inform deeper exploration of meaning and personal patterns when that is helpful.
Her approach is down-to-earth and kind. Sessions are paced to suit the individual and Helen aims to answer doubts and explain what happens in counselling. She emphasises small, practical steps as well as exploring feelings and past experiences.
Helen also supports people coping with complex life challenges such as chronic illness, bereavement, family conflict and changes linked to ageing. She accepts international clients and offers sessions in English. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.
Helen draws on several therapy styles and adapts them to the person in front of her. She uses Client-Centred Therapy to prioritise the client's perspective and build a trusting working relationship. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, is used when people want practical ways to change patterns of thinking and behaviour.
Mindfulness approaches are offered to help calm the mind and reduce stress. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want support to make changes, for example with addiction or life adjustments. Jungian ideas inform deeper exploration of meaning and personal patterns when that is helpful.
Her approach is down-to-earth and kind. Sessions are paced to suit the individual and Helen aims to answer doubts and explain what happens in counselling. She emphasises small, practical steps as well as exploring feelings and past experiences.
Helen also supports people coping with complex life challenges such as chronic illness, bereavement, family conflict and changes linked to ageing. She accepts international clients and offers sessions in English. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to availability.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
BACP · United Kingdom, NCPS · United Kingdom
Languages
English
How Helen’s approaches translate to online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and building a respectful relationship. In practice this means sessions centre on what matters to the person and the counsellor reflects understanding and supports personal choice.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, offers clear steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It can help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems and patterns linked to stress or addiction by using short practical exercises and homework between sessions.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches ways to pay attention and reduce reactivity. Simple breathing and awareness practices are used to lower stress and improve sleep and emotional regulation.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals, try techniques, and adjust methods together so the plan fits the client's needs and preferences. This is a collaborative process rather than a fixed prescription.
The biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so please confirm available session types before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, reduce travel time and offer shorter check-ins when needed. They can also suit people who prefer not to travel or who need to balance appointments with work and family commitments.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Helen work with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief and relationship difficulties among other issues listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is kind, down-to-earth and adaptable. She balances practical techniques with space to reflect on feelings and life history.
How much experience does she have?
She has been practising as a therapist since 2003 and also has many years of nursing experience prior to that.
Which credentials does she hold and where is she based?
She is listed with BACP and NCPS and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts clients from outside the UK.
What session formats are available?
The original biography did not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.