Helen Jack

If you’re reading this, then I’m guessing you’re giving some thought to working with a counsellor, perhaps for the first time.

I believe that talking about your thoughts and feelings with someone who is trained to listen and respond to them with empathy, genuineness and without judgement can be life changing. It won’t “fix” you or change the past, but it may help you to move forward with greater self-awareness, acceptance and compassion.

MY APPROACH

All of us experience suffering and come up against challenges throughout our lives. The result can be feelings of anxiety and depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, illness, work problems and issues of identity (to name a few). To repeatedly feel this way can leave us with a sense of disconnection from ourselves and others and we can struggle to live life in a way that feels manageable, meaningful and authentic.

My theoretical approach is integrative and relational. This means that I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to find what is most helpful for each client. It also means I am particularly interested in how a client relates to themselves and to others, including how we experience each other. By exploring this together in a safe and confidential environment, I hope we will be able to play with new ways of being which support the possibility for change and growth.

Whilst my work draws on the two main therapeutic traditions - psychodynamic and humanistic - I am also interested in how clients make sense of themselves through their bodies. This may be through the exploration of sensations, emotions and movement in order for us to get closer to a sense of what it is to be you.

In my work, I also acknowledge the harm that societal oppression and discrimination can have on a person’s wellbeing, whether that be race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and other intersections.

I work with clients either on a short-term basis (usually 8 - 12 weeks) or longer-term. Sessions are 50 minutes and take place weekly in-person, online or outdoors in nature.

I offer in-person therapy in Beckenham (BR3), working out of two locations. Street parking is available at both sites. Nearest stations are Kent House, Clock House and Birkbeck. Surrounding areas include Bromley, Penge, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Forest Hill, Dulwich, Herne Hill, Brockley, Catford, Lewisham, New Cross, Croydon, West Wickham. 

I also offer the option of working outdoors in a park (Crystal Palace Park or Beckenham Place Park). If this is of interest, please let me know. All initial sessions take place at one of my indoor locations so we can explore what it might be like to work outside together.

ABOUT ME

I have a Diploma in Integrative Counselling from The Minster Centre, one of the UK’s leading training institutions for counsellors and psychotherapists. I am currently undertaking advanced clinical training with The Minster Centre and Middlesex University, working towards an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling.

I have experience of working as a counsellor in low-cost community counselling services where I worked with a wide range of clients with different backgrounds and presenting issues. I continue to attend training as part of my ongoing professional development and have regular supervision which ensures my work is overseen and remains ethical.

Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked for many years in the independent film sector. I still hold a deep love of arts and culture and have an interest in working with those who work in the creative industries. 

Finding a counsellor who you feel comfortable working with is important, which is why I offer an optional free 15 minute phone or online consultation so you can get a feel for me and the way I work.

If after this you would like to book an initial session, we will agree on a time and format (in person or online). This first session will last a little longer than a standard 50 minute session, and together we will explore further what has brought you to therapy and how we might work together. If you decide to move forward, we will also agree on an initial time frame for the work, which we can review regularly.