Helen Gilbert
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About me
I have been working in the ‘helping professions’ since 2002 supporting people individually and in groups with difficulties such as anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues. Since training as a psychotherapist I have worked in private practice, primary care (NHS), alcohol and drug treatment, and with people estranged from their families. I also use therapeutic writing as a tool with individuals and groups.
I see psychotherapy as a process of paying careful attention to the individual experience, offering a space of listening and reflection. I have seen people find greater freedom and make positive changes in their lives through psychotherapy.
Why I'm qualified to help you
My approach is see therapy as a unique experience with each client, an ongoing deepening conversation which allows the individual to connect with their feelings and life stories then explore why they might feel and act as they do.
I draw from a range of theory (psychoanalytic, existential and phenomenological) in order to deepen my understanding of the individual difficulties faced and offer interpretation and support.
What you can expect from therapy with me?
When a new client contacts me I answer any initial questions they may have and then usually offer an initial face to face session. This session lasts 50 mins (the time of a normal counselling session) and gives a chance for the client to describe what brings them to therapy, to explain some of their history, and also to ask me any questions about how I work.
After this we decide whether we are going to contract a number of sessions. Often I suggest we meet for six once weekly sessions, which gives us a chance to see if we work well together. Following this we agree whether to continue in a more open-ended way, to contract another block of sessions, or to finish. In the consultation session we will agree a fee, day and time for regular sessions. The fee is payable at the end of the month. We will also discuss what happens if the client has to cancel a session.
Training, qualifications & experience
MSc Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of Roehampton)
MA Creative Writing and Personal Development (Sussex University)
Accredited Member: Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association (UPCA school of UKCP)
Some of the distress and difficulties experienced by people I have worked with include:
*Depression and anxiety
*Stress and burnout
*Drug & alcohol addiction
*Family estrangement
*Loss of direction and confidence
*Relationship problems
*Creative blocks
Member organisations
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Family estrangement
Loss of faith
Creative blocks
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£70.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I charge £70 per session.
Some lower fee sessions are available for students and people with no income. Please ask if you think this applies to you.
When I work
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I have some early sessions available at 7.30am. I also work some evenings up until 9pm.
Further information
I am also able to offer creative writing as a therapeutic tool which can form a part of my individual therapy practice. I also offer reflective writing groups as a series of workshops. This can offer a different approach to exploring self and relationships.
Skype sessions can be arranged as an alternative to face to face therapy if required.
