Helen Downs, NCPS

Helen Downs helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction and trauma find steadier ground. She supports those struggling with low self-esteem, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, and challenges such as sleep, eating or parenting concerns. Helen also works with people dealing with ADHD, bipolar and depression, and with those adjusting to life changes or caring roles.

She has seven years of professional experience and holds NCPS as a credential. Helen has practiced hypnotherapy for seven years and has worked in settings that include prison services. That range of experience informs a direct, respectful way of working with each individual.

In sessions she keeps language simple and practical. Conversations focus on what feels most urgent and on small steps that make a difference. She draws on several methods to suit what each person needs rather than using a single fixed approach.

Helen uses client-centred principles to listen and build rapport, cognitive behavioural tools to tackle patterns of thinking, and hypnotherapy when helpful to address habit, anxiety or motivation. She also brings aspects of psychodynamic and dialectical approaches when exploring deeper patterns and managing strong emotions.

People can expect a calm, down-to-earth style that values respect and sensitivity. Helen aims to help people plan reachable goals and to find clearer direction after setbacks. She encourages a collaborative pace so each person moves forward when they feel ready.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy is about listening and working at the client’s pace. The therapist focuses on understanding each person and building trust so they can talk through what matters most. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, helps identify unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns and offers practical exercises to change them; it can be useful for anxiety, depression and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Helen will discuss options and help decide what fits best based on goals, preferences and the issues being addressed. That collaborative process means methods can be mixed and adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs. Video calls let conversations feel more like face-to-face meetings. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be easier during a busy day. Live chat and text messaging allow for shorter check-ins, written reflection and flexible timing. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family or other commitments, and to keep continuity when in-person meetings are difficult.