Helen Barnes

I have  availability on Tuesday and Wednesday for face to face work (in the London Bridge and Shoreditch areas). I also work online.

If you are reading this page I imagine it’s because you are looking for something, or someone, to help you. To help you process the feelings you are struggling with right now, the feelings you don’t know how to manage, that are keeping you awake at night or impacting on your everyday quality of life somehow. 

Perhaps you’ve read all the self-care books and influencer blogs but are still trying to find a way forward. This could be for any number of reasons. Maybe you have problems at work or in your relationship. Maybe you are going through a major life transition such as divorce, new parenthood, retirement, ex/repatriation or illness. It could be a loss, either of a significant person in your life, or of your identity, of who you thought you were, or who you want to be.  

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, and every individual is unique. Somehow you need to find a match, because, as we know, no matter what type of therapy is practiced, the key thing is the relationship between the therapist and client.

How might I be of use? I don’t do Instagram, I’m not on Facebook, and I’m not as fast as AI. What I can offer you though is time, time and space. Quiet, uninterrupted, weekly space, where we sit together in a room and explore what is happening for you right now. 

For those of you for whom background and qualifications are the elements you need to know to help decide, here is a little bit more information about me.

I would describe myself as a skilled and compassionate Gestalt counsellor, coach, coach supervisor and occupational therapist.  I have a deep curiosity and intuition about people, and clients describe me as reflective, with a supportive non-directive approach.

I have worked extensively with adults, older adults, disabled clients, and neurodivergent clients in a variety of settings including the NHS, European Commission, voluntary, social enterprise and corporate sectors. 

I have a Diploma in Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counselling from the Metanoia Institute, and a BSc and MSc in Occupational Therapy.  In addition I am a registered Occupational Therapist with the UK Health and Care Professions Council, and a Certified Coach with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council at Senior Practitioner Level. I also hold Certificates in Supervision from The Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, and a Certificate in Humanistic Counselling from the Gestalt Centre.

So, an invitation, if you think you might like to work with me, get in touch and we can arrange a free 20-minute introductory call.  That way we can see whether what you are struggling with is something I can support you with, and for you to consider whether I might be a good match.

No matter what you decide (and you will know) I wish you well on your life journey.