Hello, My name is Helen
I’m an Accredited Counsellor and a Breathwork Facilitator. My business also offers a variety of bespoke corporate training packages on how to better understand and support those who are neurodivergent. I also offer consultation packages and support around curriculum design to holistic practitioners looking to set up experiential teaching and / or training programmes.
I specialise in working with disability and neurodivergence. I am passionate about inclusivity, diversity and creating a safe, non judgemental and inclusive space for people to being whatever they may be feeling or struggling with - to help support transition; into change, acceptance or a little of both.
MY CAREER (SO FAR!)
After completing my undergraduate degree in communication and Cultural Studies, I moved to Iceland and worked as a classroom assistant and later as a classroom teacher of modern English Literature. I worked with both primary school children and college students. This was an incredible experience which inspired me to train as a teacher, leading to much further travel and work abroad. Over an 8 year period I spent time working in Japan, Spain and Vietnam, and whilst away undertook a Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
I returned to the UK in 2012 and taught the on foundation courses for international students at Bristol University and The University of the West of England (UWE), until I started studying a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, in 2015.
Upon completing my Counselling and Psychotherapy training, I started work as a Specialist Mentor in Education, at UWE and later at BIMM Bristol (A university for the creative industries). In this role I supported disabled students to better access their studies through identifying barriers to their learning and then, over time, equipping them with the relevant strategies and skills to practice independent learning. I also set up a private counselling practice, that specialised in working with disability, neurodivergence, trauma, eating disorders and life transitions.
In 2023 I began training in breathwork facilitation. I have always had an interest in holistic therapies and somatic work and my work as a trauma informed counsellor led me to the field of conscious connected breathwork (CBB). Since completing my training I have run breathwork groups, day retreats and one-to-one sessions.
I also volunteer with charities that support refugees and asylum seekers in the the UK.
MY INTERESTS & VALUES
Laughter, playfulness, being outdoors; walking or cold water swimming, travel, adventure and music are all so very important to me, and present in my work as counsellor, breathwork facilitator and trainer.
I am also passionate about inclusivity. As a counsellor, breathwork facilitator and trainer I strive to provide services that are as inclusive and accessible as possible. I actively seek out ways to improve my knowledge and understanding of the barriers which make it more difficult for some groups within the community to access the support they need, and look for ways to create greater inclusion. I am an LGBTQ + ally, disability activist and human rights campaigner.
Areas of Specialisation
Relationships
Whether the issue is with a friend, family member, a romantic partner, or someone at work, we can explore how you’re relating to others, and perhaps most importantly, how you’re relating to yourself. I work in an open and affirming way with people in all types of relationships: polyamorous, monogamous, queer, and straight, no matter your sexual identity.
Big Changes & Transitions
Life can throw us all sorts of challenges and horrible things our way. I will support you to work through, understand, and overcome the complex difficulties that arise when we go through major life events like a mid-life crisis, a loss, an accident, an illness, a termination, a miscarriage, a break up or divorce, a traumatic event, or a mental health crisis.
Neurodivergence
If you feel like you experience the world differently, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis, we can talk about what that’s like for you. We will work together to adapt our sessions to align with your learning style and meet your needs. We are all differently abled and we all deserve to be heard and understood.
Anxiety & Overwhelm
Anxiety is something that we can all experience, and although unpleasant, it often lessens as circumstances change or improve. However, for some, anxiety can feel like an ever present part of daily life. If this resonates, then I can support you in a compassionate and understanding space, without judgement as we explore your anxieties. This will help you to better understand yourself, your relationships and your ways for being so that you no longer feel as overwhelmed or restricted by your thoughts and feedings.
Qualifications
Professional Diploma in Breathwork Facilitation, Seven Directions (2024)
Counselling Accreditation through the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (2023)
Mental Health First Aid, Bath College (2023)
Autism Trainings; Tier 1; Tier 2: Level 1: Making Sense of Autism; Level 2: Good Autism Practice; Extending Good Autism Practice; Leading Good Autism Practice National Autistic Society (NAS, via UWE) (2018)
Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of the West of England (UWE) (2018)
Bereavement Foundation Training (Adults) & CYP Bereavement Foundation Training, Cruse Bereavement (2016)
Certificate in Counselling Skills, UWE, 2015
Masters of Arts; Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), University of Manchester (2012)
Certificate in Teaching English to Young Speakers of Other Languages (TEYL) (2006)
Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA), Leeds Metropolitan University, 2025
BA Hons Communication and Cultural Studies, University of Leeds (2001)
CONTACT ME
I am here to help you and am more than happy for you to get in touch just to find out more about how counselling could be beneficial.
You can call me or email me using the contact details below, or submit a query through the webform to book an initial session OR a FREE 15 minute discovery call - to get a sense of what working together might look like.
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes and prices start from £60
My practice times are from 8 am to 6 pm Monday - Thursday
In-Person Counselling is at the Swan Hill Therapy Hub, in central Shrewsbury
Outdoor counselling is in Reabrook Nature Reserve or The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury
Online Counselling is via Zoom