Helen Forbes

I have new availability from start of August 2026.

As an Integrative Psychotherapist I work with you to understand your current feelings within the context of your wider life experience.   Our whole life and history walks into the therapy room with us, so whatever circumstances have led to you seeking help, you may find yourself exploring a wide variety of other experiences that have gone before to help you make sense of things.  Therapy isn't always easy or enjoyable, but whatever the cause of your present distress, being in this unique relationship  ultimately enables growth and change.

I have experience of working with a range of issues including domestic and childhood abuse, parenting challenges, bereavement, divorce/separation, social anxiety and depression. You may experience grief, depression, anxiety, or trauma in response to circumstances you have found yourself in, and these are emotional reactions - symptoms - rather than diagnoses or disorders. Whatever has led to you seeking help at the moment, therapy is about understanding your reactions to what has happened to you, and not about labelling you.  I offer a supportive and non-judgemental space in which we can work together to understand these experiences and their individual meaning to you. 

I have undertaken specialist training with the Foundation for Infant Loss Training, around pregnancy and infant loss.  I also have a special interest in Autism, ADHD and neurodiversity more broadly.  Psychotherapy and counselling are non-diagnostic services, but we can explore and understand your unique experience of the world.  I aim to create an environment where it feels safe to express your true self. 

I am a UKCP-accredited Integrative Psychotherapist, with an MSc in Psychotherapy & Counselling from the University of Warwick. 

Sessions take place in my peaceful private practice, overlooking a garden.  There is ample street parking.   

If you might need adjustments or accommodations in order to make therapy accessible to you please do let me know in your initial enquiry, so that I can let you know what might be possible.  These might include accommodations in how information is shared, how to manage transitions into/out of therapy sessions, working online, or how much notice is needed for changes.  There are fidget toys in the room, you are welcome to bring your own, and there are no rules about eye contact or sitting still. 

I offer a free 50 minute initial consultation either face to face or via Googlemeet.   During this session we will briefly explore your history, and reasons for seeking therapy at this time. I will explain the way I work, and we will agree a potential ongoing appointment time.  You are under no obligation to proceed.  I encourage people to take time to reflect before committing, and similarly I may also need to discuss certain cases with my clinical supervisor before going ahead (standard ethical practice for all counsellors and psychotherapists). If I don't feel that I'm best placed to work with you I will do my best to signpost you on to another counsellor or service at this point.