Therapy and support that meets you where you are

Helen is the owner and principal therapist of Mandala Psychotherapies and has extensive experience of working with children, young people and families. Helen understands that seeking support for a child or young person can feel like a significant step. She is passionate about creating a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where children and young people feel safe to express themselves, make sense of their experiences and develop the confidence and resilience to navigate life's challenges. She also values working collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals, helping them better understand a child's emotional world and develop psychologically informed approaches that promote long-term wellbeing. Alongside her private practice, Helen works within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS community and crisis teams, where she supports children and young people experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioural and mental health needs. Her experience includes working with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, emotional regulation difficulties, bullying, eating difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), neurodiversity including autism and ADHD, self-harm, suicidal ideation, school-related challenges, family difficulties, and many other emotional and psychological concerns. After qualifying as a Psychotherapist for Children and Young People, Helen completed further specialist postgraduate training in Play Therapy, recognising that children do not always have the words to express what they are feeling. Play, creativity and imagination can provide powerful ways for children and young people to communicate, process experiences and heal. This additional training enables her to offer developmentally appropriate play therapy for children and young people aged 5–18 years, adapting each session to the individual's unique needs and stage of development. Helen's integrative approach draws on a range of evidence-informed models, including attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, systemic perspectives, person-centred principles and CBT-informed interventions, alongside creative approaches such as play, art, sand tray and therapeutic storytelling. She believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and tailors her work to each child's personality, strengths, experiences and developmental needs. As an accredited BACP therapist, Helen is committed to providing safe, ethical and high-quality care. She engages in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development (CPD), ensuring her practice remains informed by current research, best practice and her ongoing clinical experience. At the heart of Helen's work is the belief that every child and young person deserves to feel seen, heard and understood. Through building trusting therapeutic relationships, she provides a safe and accepting environment where children and young people can explore their emotions at their own pace, strengthen their understanding of themselves and develop the resilience and confidence to thrive.