Helen Willoughby, BACP, NCPS
Experienced counsellor for life transitions
Continue with Helen
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- 22 years experience
- Person-centred approach
- Supports midlife change
About Helen
Helen Willoughby is a counsellor with more than 22 years working in therapeutic roles, and earlier experience in nursing. She runs a private practice in the United Kingdom and supports people facing a wide range of concerns, including midlife changes. She works with individuals on stress, anxiety, relationship and family matters, grief, addiction, eating and sleep problems, and mood conditions such as depression and bipolar.
She describes a warm, respectful style and treats each person as an individual. In sessions she answers questions up front and helps people feel able to raise doubts as they emerge. The aim is practical: create time to breathe and make steady steps forward.
Her background includes long clinical experience and work with people affected by sexual abuse, trauma, gender and sexuality questions, and issues around parenting and caring. She also supports those coping with chronic illness, cancer, chronic pain and ageing concerns.
Helen draws on several approaches to suit different needs. These include Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Jungian ideas, as well as motivational and mindfulness-based methods. She adapts techniques to what a person finds helpful rather than following a single formula.
Sessions aim to be practical and compassionate. People are encouraged to set their pace while exploring relationship patterns, self-esteem, coping strategies and life transitions. Helen offers collaborative support for those ready to begin work on change.
She describes a warm, respectful style and treats each person as an individual. In sessions she answers questions up front and helps people feel able to raise doubts as they emerge. The aim is practical: create time to breathe and make steady steps forward.
Her background includes long clinical experience and work with people affected by sexual abuse, trauma, gender and sexuality questions, and issues around parenting and caring. She also supports those coping with chronic illness, cancer, chronic pain and ageing concerns.
Helen draws on several approaches to suit different needs. These include Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Jungian ideas, as well as motivational and mindfulness-based methods. She adapts techniques to what a person finds helpful rather than following a single formula.
Sessions aim to be practical and compassionate. People are encouraged to set their pace while exploring relationship patterns, self-esteem, coping strategies and life transitions. Helen offers collaborative support for those ready to begin work on change.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
22+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Languages
English
How Helen uses therapy approaches online
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person's own experience and priorities. It involves listening carefully and reflecting what matters to the individual, helping them find their own solutions and build self-trust. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going and uses practical strategies to change them, which can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and bring steadier focus in difficult moments.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Helen will talk with a person about their goals and preferences and then suggest ways of working that fit. That might mean combining listening-led, reflective work with practical CBT tasks or short mindfulness exercises depending on what feels useful.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around a busy day and reduce travel time. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or sessions that do not require being on camera if that suits the person better. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and handouts for remote sessions so therapy can be integrated into everyday life.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Helen help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship and family concerns, eating and sleeping difficulties, mood conditions and many related issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and person-centred. She works collaboratively and answers questions up front to help people feel comfortable as they begin.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
Helen has 22 years of therapeutic experience and prior nursing work, giving her long clinical exposure to diverse health and emotional issues.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is listed with BACP and NCPS and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
The profile notes that she accepts international clients; confirm time zones and scheduling when you arrange sessions.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to see her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.