Helen Willoughby , BACP, NCPS

Helen Willoughby has worked as a therapist since 2003, bringing more than two decades of clinical experience to a private practice. Before training as a counsellor she spent many years working as a nurse, experience that contributes to a grounded, compassionate approach to supporting people through difficult life moments.

She has supported individuals with a wide range of concerns, including sexuality and gender questions, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, relationship and family difficulties, grief and low self-confidence, and histories of abuse and sexual abuse. Her practice addresses both immediate practical challenges and deeper emotional work, tailored to each person rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

Helen draws on a variety of counselling models, including person-centred work, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and Gestalt approaches, adapting techniques to meet the needs of the individual. She holds professional credentials BACP and NCPS, which indicate recognised training and membership within counselling bodies and professional registers.

Helen works in a warm, respectful manner, answering initial questions and helping people take the first steps toward change. She acknowledges that counselling can require courage, and she aims to provide a steady, supportive presence for those ready to begin their work.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Client-centred therapy focuses on the individual s experience, offering empathic listening and respectful presence so a person can explore values, identity, and difficult emotions at their own pace. It is often helpful for issues such as low self-esteem, relationship concerns, and adjusting to life changes.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, works with patterns of thought and behaviour to reduce distress and build coping skills. It is practical and goal-oriented, commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related difficulties.

Mindfulness therapy uses attention to the present moment and gentle awareness practices to reduce reactivity and support emotion regulation, which can aid people coping with anxiety, chronic stress, and overwhelm.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic work. Helen collaborates with each person to identify methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the approach as therapy progresses to find the best fit.

Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain continuity of care from different locations, and choose a format that feels most comfortable for each individual.