Helen Capanda

Helping people make sense of themselves with curiosity, compassion and courage.

Perhaps you've been living with anxiety, overwhelm, self-doubt or difficult relationships for so long that they've become part of who you believe you are. You may find yourself overthinking, shutting down, feeling stuck, constantly trying to please others, or wondering why you react the way you do.

I don't believe these experiences mean there is something wrong with you.

More often, they are understandable responses to the experiences you've lived through and the ways your mind and body have learned to protect you.

My role isn't to fix you. Instead, I offer a warm, thoughtful space where we become curious together. We gently make sense of your experiences, your emotions, your relationships and your nervous system, helping you understand not only what is happening, but why.

As understanding grows, change often follows.

Again and again, I see people become less self-critical, feel calmer, develop healthier relationships, trust themselves more, and discover strengths they didn't know they had. Therapy isn't about becoming someone different; it's about reconnecting with who you already are beneath the survival patterns.

I believe we all have the capacity to heal, grow and move forward. Sometimes we simply need the right relationship, understanding and support for that to happen.

Every person who comes to therapy has their own story, so I tailor our work to what feels most helpful for you.

I work with adults, adolescents, children and parents, supporting people experiencing anxiety, trauma, developmental trauma, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, life transitions and the lasting impact of difficult or overwhelming experiences.

My approach is integrative, drawing on EMDR, attachment theory, parts work, polyvagal-informed practice and creative approaches where appropriate. While these approaches guide my work, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of meaningful change.

Together we'll take time to understand your experiences with curiosity, compassion and courage. We'll notice the patterns that may no longer be serving you, build on your strengths and resources, and support lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

Whether you're taking your first steps into therapy or returning after time away, you don't need to have everything figured out before getting in touch. Sometimes the first step is simply beginning the conversation.

Your first session

Taking the first step and getting in touch can feel daunting. You may be wondering whether therapy is right for you, or simply have questions about how it all works.

That's why I offer a free 20-minute, no-obligation telephone conversation. It's an opportunity for us to briefly talk about what has brought you here, answer any questions you may have, and see whether arranging an initial appointment feels like the right next step.

The initial assessment appointment lasts 60 minutes.

During our time together, we'll begin to get to know one another. I'll invite you to share a little about yourself, what has brought you to therapy, and what you're hoping for. You can ask me any questions, too, and we'll explore whether working together feels like a good fit.

There is no pressure to decide on the day. If it feels right for both of us, we'll talk about what working together could look like and the next steps.

Trauma Therapy & Integrative Support – Helping You Move Forward

When life feels overwhelming, looking ahead to the future can feel almost impossible. You want to feel better, you want to move forward—but you feel stuck. It’s like the world is moving around you, and you're frozen in place.

Trauma can show up in many different ways. It’s not always easy to recognise when you need support. You might be experiencing:

Anxiety or panic

Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Feeling isolated or disconnected

Addictive behaviours

Difficulties in relationships

Mood swings or irritability

Work-related stress or burnout

Unexplained physical pain

If any of this sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone either.

I understand trauma, not just professionally but personally. I know how hard it can be to reach out. That’s why I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space where you can begin to feel grounded, calm, and more like yourself again.

As an Integrative Therapist, I tailor therapy to your individual needs. I draw on a variety of approaches including:

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – a powerful and evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD

Therapeutic Arts – ideal for those who find it difficult to express themselves through words alone

These approaches help you process painful memories, make sense of difficult emotions, and reconnect with yourself. You don’t need to be ‘artistic’ to benefit—this is about expression, not performance.

Together, we’ll work at your pace. You can expect compassionate, personalised support that honours your experiences and helps you build a future that feels calm, peaceful, and free.

What to Expect

A safe, supportive space to explore your concerns

Understanding and identifying the root causes of anxiety or phobia

EMDR sessions are designed to help you reduce symptoms, build resilience, and regain control of your life

Practical tools for long-term coping and confidence

Take the First Step

However, taking that first step toward therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’re struggling with anxiety.  That is why I offer a free 20-minute, no-obligation telephone consultation. During this time, we can think about whether it would be helpful to arrange an initial consultation appointment.

The initial assessment appointment is approxiately 60 min.

It involves;

* An in-depth discussion about the situation

* The most appropriate intervention

* Your hopes and goals for the future.  

You then decide if I am the right person to help, and if so, we book further sessions and move forward with the therapy.

Hello my name is Helen Capanda nee Segal, and I have availability in the week and on Saturday mornings.

Are you worried about your child’s behaviour, school refusal, anxiety or outbursts? Maybe you feel lost, overwhelmed, and unsure how to help. Or perhaps you're an adult who has tried to carry on but feels stuck, anxious or low. I offer a calm, compassionate space to help you or your child feel heard and supported. I use play and the therapeutic arts to explore and process difficult emotions. Together, we gently work toward healing. You’re not alone, and there is hope. I work relationally with children, teens, and adults, using an integrative approach, play therapy, the arts and PACE (DDP-Dyadic Development Psychotherapy) and EMDR to support emotional healing.

I specialise in trauma, anxiety, grief, and stress-related issues. My creative and collaborative approach helps clients express emotions, process past experiences, and feel more grounded. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, sessions are always personalised, compassionate, and designed to meet your unique needs.

It’s okay not to have it all figured out. When you or your child is struggling or you're carrying pain, life can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to face it alone. I offer a warm, supportive space for healing. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or your child, therapy can bring calm, clarity, and hope. You deserve support. Let’s take that first step together.

I offer a compassionate, creative, and client-led approach to therapy, supporting children, teenagers, and adults through a range of emotional and psychological challenges. As an Arts Counsellor and Accredited EMDR Therapist, I work integratively, drawing on evidence-based methods such as Person-Centred Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, DDP (Dyadic Development Psychotherapy) and the Flash Technique to help clients process trauma, manage anxiety, navigate grief, and reconnect with their inner resources.

With extensive experience supporting neurodivergent individuals, I provide a neuroaffirming and inclusive space that respects each client’s unique way of experiencing the world. Whether you’re seeking relief from overwhelming emotions, struggling with past experiences, or wanting to explore your identity through creative means, I offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where your voice is heard and your story matters.

My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs, whether that means talking therapy, working through the arts, or using trauma-informed techniques to promote healing and resilience. Sessions can be in-person or online, and I work both short and long-term depending on what feels right for you.

Taking the first step into therapy can feel daunting—whether you're seeking support for yourself or for your child. To make things easier, I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation. There's no pressure, just a chance to ask questions, talk things through, and get a sense of whether we might work well together. You can find more details on my website.

If we choose to move forward, we’ll arrange a 60-minute initial session tailored to your needs:

For Adults:

A calm, supportive space to talk about what’s bringing you to therapy

A chance to explore what’s been difficult and what you hope for

My professional reflections and possible ways we could work together

An open conversation about whether I’m the right therapist for you

For Parents (seeking therapy for a child):

A thoughtful conversation about your child’s experiences and challenges

Time to share your concerns as a parent or caregiver

My initial observations and therapeutic recommendations

A discussion about whether I’m the right fit to support your child

After this session, you can decide if you’d like to continue. If so, we usually begin with a block of seven sessions. This gives us time to build trust, create safety, and start seeing some changes. After session seven, we’ll review and decide together on next steps.