My Approach

Known as 'the philosophy of the obvious', Gestalt is a holistic psychotherapeutic approach which relies heavily on the exploration of our immediate experience.

About Me

Therapy offers support and holding when we are facing difficult circumstances. It is a space where we can explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours within a dialogue, which helps in gaining a more holistic perspective of your situation. Such directed attention slowly but surely increases your own capacities for change and growth.

Who am I?

My name is Helena and I am a fully qualified and accredited Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.

Before becoming a therapist I studied and worked in the Art sector, including Film and Theatre. My knowledge and experience from that period continue to inform my understanding of the world – I chose Gestalt Therapy specifically for its creative orientation and philosophic lens.

What I offer?

I work with individuals and with people in relationships (couples, partners, friends or family members).

Gestalt Therapy is aligned with a humanistic and holistic understanding of ourselves. It is a process oriented therapeutic modality which includes somatic and relational exploration of our experience in the here and now – this helps us move beyond merely 'thinking about' and rationalising. Exploring our histories (our childhood, cultural and social background), our physicality, our environment (ecology and social experience), as well as our spirituality, dreams and imagination comes into play too – nothing is regarded as trivial.

I work only in-person because I believe that genuine live interaction, especially in the context of mental health difficulties, brings a stronger sense of meeting and holding.

Work focus:

• Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Stress, Overwhelm & Worry

• Relational difficulties, Rejection, Attachment Styles, Boundary Issues, and Bullying

• Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, Self-Perception, Identity

• Depression, Bereavement, Disappointments & Frustration

• Neurodivergence – Autism, AuDHD, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, etc.

• Trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD

• Vicarious Trauma in medical and legal professions and care work

• Sudden or Gradual Life Changes, Long-term Illness, Chronic Pain

• Creativity and Vitality

What could be causing mental health difficulties?

You may have come across or were told you are suffering from Anxiety, Depression, or perhaps were given a more complex medical diagnosis. Various circumstances such as Disability, Neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia etc.), or life changing events such as becoming a new parent, loss of a loved one, or being physically harmed can cause us to be overwhelmed, unable to deal with everyday demands, and it can generate somatic symptoms (panic attacks, chronic pain, IBS, etc.).

Therapy is not designed to alter what we are facing in life, but it is there to help us cope with and understand the ranges of possibilities we do have to engage with our reality.

What does the therapeutic process look like?

I offer a brief introductory phone call during which we can consider if therapy is the right step for you. You can book this by emailing me or scheduling the call in advance (top of the page).

During the initial in-person session we will explore what brings you to therapy in greater detail and consider the treatment options. The work can be shorter or longer term which we will periodically review together, so it meets your specific requirements. 

What we will be 'working on' in the sessions differs from person to person and your own desired goals. The therapeutic relationship that we will develop while working together is a very important aspect of the therapeutic journey. You will be encouraged to talk openly about yourself. I will listen carefully and respond to you in ways aiming to increase your cognitive and somatic awareness, your understanding of yourself in your relationships and of situations that are troubling you.

Through a series of sessions you can expect a better understanding of how past experiences shape your current reality, an improvement in communication and authentic interaction, and an increase in present-moment awareness. Exploring your lived experience in a contained environment improves the ability of choosing your own way through.

Where do I work from?

Pimlico (SW1V)

Highbury & Islington (N5)

Haggerston (E8)

If you have accessibility needs, I will try my best to meet those – in this case contact me for more information. 

Training information:

I trained at Edinburgh Gestalt Institute (EGI) and Gestalt Psychotherapy & Training Institute (GPTI), and had undertaken my Couples Therapy course at the Existential Academy in London. My professional qualification aligns with SCoPEd Framework Column B.

Professional registration and accreditation:

UKCP Registration / Membership as a Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (PCIPC Member),
GPTI Accreditation / Membership as a Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor.

I work with

• Couples
• Individuals

Special Interests

Like all UKCP registered psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors I can work with a wide range of issues, but here are some areas in which I have a special interest or additional experience.

Types of Therapies Offered

• Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor

What I can help with

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Health-related Issues
• Mental Health Issues
• Relationships
• Stress
• Trauma