Helen Willoughby, BACP, NCPS

Helen Willoughby has worked as a therapist since 2003 and brings a background in nursing to her clinical work, having spent many years in healthcare before moving into counselling. She runs a private practice and has supported people through a wide range of concerns, including sexuality and gender, mental health difficulties, relationship and family problems, grief and loss, low self-confidence, and experiences of abuse including sexual abuse. Helen approaches each person as an individual and draws on several counselling models to tailor the work to the client’s needs, most notably client-centred methods and cognitive behavioural techniques alongside elements of Jungian and mindfulness-informed work.

Clients can expect a kind, compassionate style that aims to answer questions and ease doubts at the outset of therapy. Helen emphasises the effort and courage involved in seeking help and offers a space to notice what is happening, to pause, and to begin making changes at a manageable pace. She holds professional registrations listed as BACP and NCPS, which indicate recognised training and adherence to professional practice standards in counselling and psychotherapy.

Where appropriate, Helen will explain the therapeutic options and collaborate with clients to find a way forward that fits their circumstances and goals. She welcomes people who are ready to take a first step and remains focused on practical, humane support as therapy progresses.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Helen uses client-centred therapy to create a respectful, non-judgemental space where the client’s experiences and priorities guide the work. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and understanding, and it is helpful for people who need time to explore identity, relationships, or emotional difficulties.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT - which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and offers practical strategies for managing anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful patterns. CBT is often chosen when clients want structured tools to cope with day-to-day challenges.

Helen may integrate elements of Jungian thinking to explore deeper personal themes and symbolic material when that feels appropriate, supporting clients who want to understand long-standing patterns and meaning in their lives.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Helen works collaboratively with each person to decide what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts methods over time so the work stays relevant.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier for people who travel, live abroad, or need appointments outside traditional hours to access registered professionals and keep continuity of care.