I’m Helen, I have been a qualified counsellor since 2016, training for this takes 4 years. I have a decade of experience working with children and adolescents from the hardest to reach groups. I am passionate about working with young people who are vulnerable in terms of their lifestyles, families and exploitation. As a qualified counsellor I have experience supporting children between the ages of 6-19 in having a safe space to explore emotions, thoughts and process in a creative way or through talking. I have experience counselling anxiety, depression, self harm, LGBT, aggression, substances and abuse. I have worked with pupils in a behavioural unit, Youth Offending team and I have held Child In Need and Child Protection cases as a multi-systemic therapist working in partnership with Essex Social Care, this was where I met Rachel! I also have my own private practice, counselling adults and children.
Personally, I’ve lived in Basildon all my life; I went to school there and grew up knocking about the streets with the locals. Although this was a LONG time ago and I feel I have a good understanding of the trials and tribulations of being a youth, the pressures and confusion, the desire to fit in but at the same time wanting to be an individual. My own experience through adolescence very much lends itself to the career path I’ve taken.
These days I am married, with two children now in their 20’s, they also grew up locally and had their own experiences, which I of course observed and supported them with.
I teach and perform dance for adult women, I enjoy being creative with art and costuming and set design. I believe having a hobby to immerse oneself in provides a good balance with work and family life.
I really enjoy working for Kool Carers, I always leave the sessions feeling happy and excited as I can really see the difference we are making to these splendid young people.