HELEN PRESTON
Counsellor
Psychotherapist
Counselling
How counselling can help?
Counselling can help you to share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Sometimes just saying things out loud or looking at issues in a different way can be all that's needed to effect change. If more is needed I can tailor a flexible treatment plan so that you know what to expect from the therapy.
I have many years of experience helping clients to feel at ease, enabling them to feel safe to talk openly in the supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere of the therapy session.
Seeking help with feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, depression, anger or many other overwhelming feelings, is not weakness. Life events and transitions effect us all. Feelings of loss and grief are often eased by the process of sharing and by exploring new and different coping strategies.
I believe that the key to successful therapy is choosing the right therapist for you.
I offer counselling on a short or long term basis.
How I work
Through our work together I may help you see something that's sitting in your 'blind spot'. I may offer you insight based on established counselling principles and evidence based approaches. As part of my creative approach to therapy I may use a picture, metaphor, creative exercise or simply find a different way of explaining something so that it makes sense to you. Because I believe that when we begin to understand the why behind what we think, feel and do, we are in a much stronger position to make changes that feel meaningful and lasting.
As an integrative counsellor I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches and schools of thought rather than working from one single model. Since my original training in 2014, I have continued to develop my knowledge, explore different forms of therapy and build a wider range of tools and approaches. I believe therapy is constantly evolving, as is our understanding of people, emotions and the ways we can support change. This ongoing learning allows me to draw from different approaches and tailor the therapy to what feels most helpful and relevant to you.
My approach to therapy recognises the important relationship between mind, body and spirit. I believe that deep down you already hold the wisdom about what's right for you. You will know if I'm the right person to guide and support you towards that self-discovery.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am an Accredited Member of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society NCPS and adhere to their Code of Ethical Standards and Conduct including undertaking regular supervision and continuous professional development. I am also a qualified supervisor.
Advanced Diploma in psychotherapy and counselling. NCS.Acc.Ad.Dip.PC
Diploma in Hypnotherapy
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Master Practitioner
Ascentis approved Certificate in Supervision from Cruse Bereavement Care
Types of counselling
I offer trauma informed integrative counselling/psychotherapy which, put simply, means adopting a variety of approaches to counselling. I believe this is the best way to tailor sessions to meet the unique needs of each individual client.
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Psychodynamic psychotherapy - exploring the impact of the past on current events and beliefs.
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Person-centred - helping you to find your own solutions, at your pace, in an open and non-judgemental environment.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)- helping you understand and change your behaviour and/or thought patterns in order to feel more empowered and resilient.
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Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)-helping you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings and behaviour, so you can challenge unhelpful thinking and respond in heathier ways.
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy(ACT)-helping you accept difficult thoughts and feelings, so that you can move forward in the direction you want your life to take.
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Compassion Focused Therapy-much more than "being kinder to yourself" a psychologically informed approach that helps you understand why your mind can become dominated by threat, shame and self -criticism. Offering skills for developing a grater sense of safety, balance and compassion.
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Schema Therapy-helping you understand and change deep-rooted patterns of thinking and behaviour that can effect how you see yourself , others and the world.
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Emotional Freedom Technique-(EFT) uses gentle tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on difficult thoughts or feelings to help reduce emotional distress.
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Creative therapy-helping you express feelings, explore experiences and support positive change.
Areas of counselling
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ADHD
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Autism
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AuDHD
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Addiction
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Grief
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Illness
