Helen Willoughby

Helen Willoughby trained as a nurse before moving into therapy in 2003. She holds BACP and NCPS credentials and has worked in private practice for over two decades. Helen aims to create a calm, respectful place to talk and to help people take practical steps forward.

Her approach is flexible and person-centred. She listens first and adapts methods to each person. She uses Client-Centred Therapy alongside cognitive behavioural techniques, mindfulness and motivational interviewing when these fit the work.

Helen has experience supporting people with stress, anxiety, depression and bipolar difficulties. She also helps with relationship strains, grief, sexual and domestic abuse, eating concerns and addiction. Parents, people exploring gender or sexuality, and those coping with chronic illness or major life changes are among the kinds of issues she sees.

Sessions aim to be straightforward and collaborative. Helen answers questions at the start and explains how different methods might help. Therapy focuses on practical coping, building self-esteem and making changes that feel manageable.

Her style is kind but direct. She encourages small, achievable steps and checks in about progress. People who prefer clear explanations and a supportive listener often find her approach useful.

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what matters to you, helping people feel understood and steering the pace of work. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour and offers practical exercises to change unhelpful cycles; it can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress and improve day-to-day coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Helen will talk with you about your goals and preferences, and together you will decide which methods to try. That collaborative process allows techniques to be adjusted as you learn what helps most.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm current session options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they remove travel time, make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day and allow shorter check-ins when needed. If you prefer a practical, exercise-based session or a gentler listening space, Helen can shape appointments to match those needs.