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Helen Willoughby

Therapist · United Kingdom

Helen Willoughby, BACP, NCPS

Experienced counsellor with a practical approach

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  • Person-centred focus
  • Practical tools
  • Supportive listening

About Helen

Helen Willoughby is a counsellor with 22 years of experience who began her career in nursing before moving into therapy. She works with people facing anxiety, depression, stress and addictions, and supports those dealing with relationship strain, grief and questions about sexuality and gender. Helen practises in the United Kingdom and accepts international clients, offering a calm, respectful space to talk through difficult issues.

Her background combines long clinical experience with a flexible counselling style. She uses Client-Centred Therapy alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other approaches to suit the person in front of her. Sessions focus on what matters to the individual, with practical steps and time to reflect on thoughts and everyday habits.

Helen aims to answer questions at the start of work together and to set a pace that feels manageable. She speaks plain language and prioritises kindness and clarity during sessions. Therapy is presented as a collaborative process rather than a list of techniques.

People come to her for help with low self-esteem, trauma and abuse, parenting strain, sleep problems, and issues around intimacy and identity. She also supports those coping with long-term health conditions, bereavement and major life changes. Helen mentions compassion fatigue and coaching among the ways she can help.

Her approach balances listening with practical tools. She explains options clearly and helps people try out new habits between sessions. If someone wants to take a first step, Helen offers steady support while they work towards clearer day-to-day coping.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

22+ years

Credentials

BACP · United Kingdom, NCPS · United Kingdom

Languages

English

How Helen blends approaches for online work

Client-Centred Therapy places the person and their experience at the centre of sessions. The counsellor listens deeply, reflects what is said and helps people make sense of their feelings and choices. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers straightforward exercises to change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness Therapy helps develop present-moment awareness and simple routines to reduce stress and improve sleep.

Choosing an approach is a shared process. Helen will talk through different ways of working and check what fits the client's needs, goals and preferences. Together they may try one method or combine elements from several approaches to see what helps in day-to-day life.

Confirm the available session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work and family life, reduce travel time and allow shorter or more frequent check-ins when needed. Some formats also make it simpler to have sessions that focus on practical homework, breathing or thought-monitoring exercises without needing to travel.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Helen help with?

She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, grief, sleeping problems, and self-esteem.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is kind and down-to-earth, combining person-centred listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural and solution-focused approaches.

How much experience does she have?

Helen has 22 years of experience in therapy and she previously worked as a nurse before training as a counsellor.

What are her professional credentials and where is she based?

She holds BACP and NCPS credentials and practises in the United Kingdom.

Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?

Yes, she accepts international clients and conducts sessions with English-speaking clients.

What session formats does she offer?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start a course of therapy with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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