UKCP-Accredited Psychotherapist, EMDR Qualified
Psychotherapy in St Albans โ Tailored Therapy for You
Looking for psychotherapy in St Albans? Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or simply ready for change, therapy can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. As a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist in St Albans, I offer a blend of proven approaches โ psychodynamic therapy, CBT, and clinical hypnotherapy โ tailored to you, and I am now also EMDR qualified.
๐ Based in St Albans ยท ๐ Online sessions UK-wide ยท ๐ Completely confidential
Qualified & Accredited
Qualified. Experienced. Accredited.
I hold a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling Psychology and I’m registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the National Hypnotherapy Society and the National Society of Talking Therapies, and I am EMDR qualified โ meeting the highest professional and ethical standards.
Meet Helena
Warm, considered support โ built around you
I’m a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist with over a decade of experience helping people navigate life’s challenges. My integrated approach combines psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and clinical hypnotherapy โ because one size doesn’t fit all.
I specialise in helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and past trauma. My approach is collaborative: you’re in charge, and I’m here to help you understand yourself better and move towards the life you want.
I am now also EMDR qualified (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Where appropriate, for example with trauma, PTSD, anxiety or phobias, I may use EMDR techniques within your psychotherapy sessions.
Why people choose me
- Non-judgmental, warm, and professional
- Master’s-level training and ongoing development
- Flexible scheduling โ in-person in St Albans or online UK-wide
- A proven track record of helping clients achieve real change
A Different Kind of Conversation
What Is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a process of working together in a safe, confidential space to explore what’s troubling you. It’s not about advice or judgement โ it’s about understanding yourself more deeply so you can make changes that last.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, past trauma, relationship issues, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Psychotherapy or Counselling?
How Psychotherapy Differs From Counselling
The two overlap, and many people use the words interchangeably. As a rough guide, counselling often focuses on a current difficulty, offering support and practical ways of coping, while psychotherapy tends to look further into long-standing patterns, past experiences and the ways they shape how you feel now.
You don’t need to work out which you need before getting in touch. As a psychotherapist I draw on both, and we can decide together what would suit you best.
Simple, Supportive Steps
How It Works
Book Your Free Consultation
A relaxed 30-minute call to meet, ask questions, and see whether we’re a good fit.
First Session & Assessment
We’ll explore what brought you here and what you’d like to achieve, and I’ll explain how I work.
Regular Sessions & Progress
Most clients meet weekly or fortnightly as we work through things and build practical strategies.
Real Change, Real Results
As you feel steadier and more confident, sessions taper โ the goal is to become your own therapist.
How I Can Help
Areas I Work With
Anxiety & Stress
Feeling overwhelmed? Learn practical tools to quiet anxiety and reclaim your sense of calm.
Depression & Low Mood
If low mood or hopelessness has taken hold, therapy can help you find your way back to yourself.
Relationship Issues
Whether it’s communication, conflict or a breakup, we’ll work through it with clarity and care.
Past Trauma & PTSD
Process difficult experiences at your own pace and gently loosen their hold on your life.
Life Transitions
Career change, bereavement or a big decision โ find your footing through periods of uncertainty.
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Build a stronger sense of self and the confidence to pursue what genuinely matters to you.
Practical Details
Session Length, Fees and Where We Meet
Each psychotherapy session usually lasts an hour, and most clients meet weekly or fortnightly. The standard fee is ยฃ70 per session, and your initial consultation is free of charge.
You can see me in person at my consulting room on French Row in St Albans, or by secure video call from anywhere in the UK. If you work, or have worked, for the NHS, you can find out about the HeroPerks discount. You may also be interested in my hypnotherapy sessions, which I can combine with psychotherapy where this helps.
Insurance accepted
Pay Through Your Health Insurance
I work with AXA Health, Vitality and WPA, so you may be able to pay for therapy through your private health insurance. Cover varies between policies, so please check with your insurer before booking.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?
Psychotherapy tends to explore deeper patterns and root causes, while counselling often focuses on immediate support and coping strategies. I use both approaches depending on what you need.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no fixed number. Some people benefit from 12โ16 sessions, others prefer longer-term work. We’ll discuss your goals and adjust as you progress.
Is psychotherapy covered by my insurance?
It may be. I work with AXA Health, Vitality and WPA, but cover varies between policies, so please check with your insurer first. My health insurance page explains the steps.
Is therapy confidential?
Absolutely. What you share is entirely confidential, with only rare exceptions if there’s a risk of serious harm. You’re in control of your own story.
Do you offer online sessions as well as face-to-face?
Yes. I’m based in St Albans and offer in-person sessions there, as well as secure online sessions for clients across the UK. You choose what works best for you.
How much does it cost?
Standard sessions are ยฃ70 and usually last an hour. Your first consultation is free. NHS staff, including NHS retirees, may be able to use the HeroPerks discount.
Your Space
A Safe, Welcoming Space
The therapeutic space is designed to feel comfortable and confidential. You can be completely yourself here โ no judgement, no pressure, just genuine support.
Whether you choose to meet in my St Albans consulting room or by secure video call from home, you’ll have my full attention and a space where your thoughts and feelings matter.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book your free 30-minute consultation today. No obligation, no pressure โ just a chance to meet and explore whether therapy is right for you.
Prefer to talk first? Call 07855 918895