Counselling in Ferndown: Helen
Helen is an MBACP-registered counsellor. Offering trauma-informed counselling for adults and young people aged 16 and over. Individual 1-1 | Neurodivergent-Affirming | Trauma Informed | Shame-Sensitive Ferndown (BH22) and Online
Trauma-informed counselling based in Ferndown, also available online with Helen, who works with adults and young people aged 16 and over who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in long-standing patterns.
I offer a calm, compassionate space for people who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, grieving, living with the impact of trauma or finding themselves stuck in patterns that are becoming difficult to manage.
You may know exactly what has brought you to counselling, or you may simply have a sense that something is not sitting right.
My work is relational, grounded and shame-sensitive. I have experience supporting people with trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD, grief and bereavement, emotional overwhelm, relationship difficulties and periods of significant change.
My Approach
Therapy offers space to understand what you are experiencing without pressure to have everything worked out before you begin.I work in a trauma-informed way, paying attention to safety, pace and what feels manageable for you.
Mindfulness-informed approaches may also be gently incorporated into our work where helpful, supporting greater awareness of thoughts, emotions and bodily responses.
The aim is not to force change, but to create enough space and safety for you to understand what you are carrying and begin finding ways forward that feel more manageable.
In-person counselling in Ferndown
I offer face-to-face counselling from my therapy room in Ferndown.
People also attend from surrounding areas of Dorset, valuing the calm setting and having a dedicated space away from everyday pressures.
Helen's Counselling Room
How counselling can help
People come to counselling for many reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional overwhelm, or a sense of disconnection from yourself or others. You may not have clear words for what you are carrying, only a feeling that something is not sitting right. Trauma-informed therapy can support you to:
- Understand your emotional and physical responses with compassion
- Reduce overwhelm and nervous system activation
- Work gently with trauma, shame, and long-held patterns
- Develop mindfulness and awareness of internal experiences
- Reconnect with a sense of steadiness, choice, and agency
- Feel less alone with what you are carrying
Online therapy is also available
Alongside in-person sessions in Ferndown, I also offer online counselling across the UK and, where appropriate, internationally.
Online therapy follows the same relational, professional and ethical approach as face-to-face counselling and can offer greater flexibility if travelling to Ferndown is difficult.
Find out more about online therapy
Getting Started
Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you have been managing on your own for some time. You are welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to explore whether counselling with Helen in Ferndown feels like the right support for you.
To enquire about availability and next steps, please get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
People come to counselling for many reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional overwhelm, or a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected. You do not need to have a clear understanding of what is “wrong” to begin therapy. An initial conversation can help explore whether counselling feels like the right support for you at this time.
Do I need to know what type of therapy I am looking for?
No. You do not need to decide on a particular type of therapy before getting in touch. Therapy at Place to Talk Therapies is trauma-informed and relational, meaning the work is shaped around you rather than a fixed method. Together, we can explore what feels most supportive for your needs, pace, and circumstances.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to begin getting to know each other and to explore what has brought you to counselling. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. There is no expectation to talk about anything before you are ready. The focus is on creating safety, understanding your experiences, and considering how therapy might support you moving forward.
