Helen Long

I am a trained counsellor in Humanistic Gestalt Counselling, living and working in Winchester. I have worked as a therapist for a local counselling service and also at a local college for several years. I have had extensive experience working with complex young people in other settings prior to my counselling work. My practice is based in Winchester.

I have experience working with people on the autistic spectrum and people with ADHD, both male and female. I consider myself to be a neuroaffirmative practitioner and can adapt the way I work to suit your needs.

I endeavour to provide good quality therapy whilst making you feel comfortable and at ease. My type of counselling is based on empathy, building rapport and listening without judgement. I practice in an humanistic way using creative approaches tailored to an individuals need. I work flexibly to support a client in which ever way they need. I consider myself a warm and positive person who is passionate about emotional health and well-being particularly for young people. I enjoy working with a wide range of people and have experience of counselling all age groups.

Whatever your reasons for seeking counselling I appreciate it can be one of the hardest decisions you will make. The thought of being open or sharing painful feelings alone can add to the fear of seeking out a counsellor. However, it is a really positive step and many people feel better after the first session.

The aim of therapy is to provide emotional support while encouraging clients to be autonomous and take responsibility for their lives. Talking together may raise awareness of existing rigid behaviour patterns. Exploring and challenging the defensive motivation behind those behaviours and their consequences can lead to positive changes. Talking therapy provides encouragement and support during this process. By addressing the issues, a counsellor can help you achieve a healthier and more fulfilling.

By providing you with a safe, confidential space to talk and feel truly listened to, I will help you to explore your concerns and help you to feel more empowered in your responses to them. The sessions will give you time to talk, cry, shout or just think! For some clients, it is the genuine understanding of another person that leads to a positive changes in therapy. For others, it is the actions or adjustments that come from gaining awareness and acceptance of our unique way of making sense of the world.

Gestalt counselling is considered a humanistic, existential psychotherapy and emphasises the present moment, the ‘here and now’. The practice uses cognitive insight into current experiences, encouraging a client to explore creatively areas of life that have been obstructed. Having counselling is sometimes hard and difficult work. It takes effort to fully commit to the therapeutic process, to open up and explore difficult emotions and situations.

Sessions are tailored to each individual depending on their age, style of engagement and presenting issues. Counselling can be transformative!

The first session usually involves meeting in person for a full (paid) appointment. This will involved filling out some forms, I will take a brief history and discuss what kind of support you might need. 

This is also your opportunity to tell me what you expect and how I can help you. We may also discuss the regularity of your sessions and your expectation about whether you are looking for short, mid or longer term support. 

I work flexibly and will help to tailor my support around your schedule where possible.