Helen May

I am an integrative counsellor who works relationally. This means that the relationship we can build together is at the centre of our work together, and will be used as a lens through which to examine your other relationships and ways of being in the world. Being integrative means I draw on different schools of psychotherapeutic thought, in order to tailor the experience of therapy to fit your individual needs. I mainly work with psychodynamic, person-centred and gestalt perspectives. 

Something that is hugely integral to the way I work is a stance of non-judgemental, open curiosity. I want to learn about how you see the world, and what it is like for you to inhabit; I am not here to 'fix' you (for a start, you are not broken!), pathologize you, or reduce you to a label or a set of symptoms. We are all unique individuals, who have developed 'creative adjustments'; survival strategies for navigating our environment. Sometimes, it is useful for us to examine these strategies to see if they are still serving us.

If you are having difficult emotions, are struggling with a decision, or have experienced an event that is causing you distress or confusion, having someone to talk to who is external to the situation can be invaluable. Because I don't have a pre-existing relationship with you, such as a friend or family member might have, I can listen to you without having my own prior opinions on you or your situation.

I have experience of working with a variety of client issues, including but not limited to: 

• Anxiety

• Depression & Low Mood

• Self-Esteem/ Self-Worth Issues & Shame

• Relational/ Attachment Issues

• Loneliness

• Workplace Difficulties

• Family Problems

• Trauma

• IVF & Fertility Complications

• Miscarriage

• Bereavement, Grief and Loss

• Relationship Breakdown

• Feeling 'Stuck'

Please get in touch if you'd like further information – I look forward to meeting you.