Rate Helen Binnie

How I work

Life can be full of joy and feel meaningful, but for many people it can also be very challenging, painful and confusing. Sometimes it is both at the same time. It may be that feelings of joy and contentment are something you’ve never felt but long to find, or perhaps you wish to find meaning in the way that you live or you need support while navigating an important life transition.

You may be experiencing strong feelings that you don’t understand or be faced with decisions you can’t easily make. The journey through life is invariably multifaceted and ever-evolving, and in therapy you can find a safe space where together we can explore your thoughts and feelings so that you discover for yourself how to live the life that you choose and discover what you really want and don't want and most importantly learn to understand your thoughts, emotions and behaviours so you can make the choices that you want to make.

It is important to know that the therapeutic journey can be challenging at times, it always requires courage to look at oneself honestly and although everyone is different and it may not seem to you that finding joy is a priority for you right now, it can be I believe one of the extraordinary rewards of the therapeutic journey. That however long or short therapy any self-knowledge you uncover for yourself has the potential to unlock your capacity for joy and contentment from wherever you find yourself right now.

There are many reasons people chose therapy. It may be for support through a difficult time, or perhaps for a specific issue that’s troubling you. Sometimes it is a feeling of general unease or maybe one of the big life questions, like ‘What is the meaning of my life?’ ‘How do I want to spend the rest of my life?’

Whatever has brought you here you have control of the pace and what you bring, what you explore and what your priorities are. In my opinion It is essential that you feel empowered at all times to decide the pace and the priorities.

Therapy is a safe, confidential, non- judgmental space for you to process your feelings and to understand yourself better. Through this better understanding of yourself you can make mindful choices along your journey through life.

My training and experience

I trained as a person-centred, humanistic therapist and psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist over 15 years ago and I have worked as an integrative therapist in private practice, the NHS (as a psychosexual therapist) and other organisations, since.

My initial therapy practice was rooted in the fields of trauma and addiction. This led to my Master’s level Psychosexual Therapy training at a leading London Hospital and University which included clinical work in the Women's Health Department. Subsequently I have practiced as a registered (Reg COSRT) psychosexual and relationship therapist and a psychotherapist (MBACP).

I also have a particular interest in therapy as part of a holistic model of mental, physical and spiritual health. This view is founded on my belief that our personal wellbeing is impacted by the mind-body link and how stress, fear, chronic illnesses, and ill health impact and inter-relate to emotional health, well-being and relationships with others.

My therapy practice benefits from my parallel ongoing experience as an entrepreneur, developing and leading several businesses, which I continue to do, alongside my leadership work in organisations in the charity and education sectors. This means I have a first-hand understanding of the stresses and challenges of the world of work outside of the therapy room.

The way I work

My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, I want every person that I work with to feel safe, heard, and valued. The therapy space is designed to be a sanctuary where you can explore, reflect, and find clarity, all within the parameters of trust and confidentiality. My practice is trauma informed and GSRD aware. I am an Ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

People are unique, and so are their stories and struggles. Recognising this, my therapeutic approach is not one-size-fits-all. Drawing from various modalities like Eclectic, Humanistic, Integrative, Person-centred, Phenomenological, and Relational, I tailor my sessions to resonate with each individual's narrative. My expertise in Psychosexual and Couples therapy enables me to address specific challenges in these domains, offering a holistic therapeutic experience

I work strictly to the ethical guidelines set by the BACP and COSRT, I ensure that standards of professionalism are maintained at all times.

I am Registered with COSRT and MBACP and have trained and worked as a psychosexual therapist for the NHS.

What I Can Help You With

Every person’s experience is unique, and so are the challenges they face so it may be helpful for you to know that I have experience of working with the following issues in particular

The Self

Issues that arise in our inner world such as personal growth, existential questions about life, stress and anxiety and sadness and simply wanting to have a better more satisfying life.

- Self Esteem

- Personal Growth

- Life Transitions

- Mid-Life Crisis

- Existential or Life Purpose Questions

- Imposter Syndrome

- Perfectionism

- Loss & grief

- Stress and Anxiety

Diversity

- Neurodiversity (including ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism)

- Discrimination

- Harassment & Bullying

- Women's issues

- Ageism and ageing

Identity:

Therapy can provide a non-judgmental space for exploration and understanding of the main issues around who we are and how we identify in the world.

- Identity Crisis

- Sexual Orientation

- Sexuality and GSRD (Gender, Sexual,, Relationship, Diversity)

- Racial Identity

- LGBTQ+ issues

- Gender Identity

- Cultural/ Religious Identity

Relationships:

Whether it's challenges in intimacy, trust issues in relationships, attachment concerns, or psychosexual issues, psychotherapy can provide insights and strategies to navigate complex relational issues.

- Peer relationships

- Intimacy

- Cross-Cultural relationships

- Co-dependency

- Attachment Issues

- Marriage and Relationship Problems

- Same-Sex relationships

- Psychosexual therapy

- Trust

Health-Related

Managing long-term illnesses, chronic fatigue, sexual health concerns, or navigating the challenges posed by disabilities.

- Living with Insomnia

- Chronic Illness

- Autoimmune diseases

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ ME

- Sexual Health

- Long Term Illness

- Long COVID

- Somatisation

Clients I Work With

Adults 18+

Qualifications and Training

M.Sc. Psychosexual Psychotherapy South Bank University/Whittington Hospital NHS Trust, London (1994-1998)

Certificate & Diploma Counselling Surrey Open College Network, Guildford (1992-95)

Member BACP (MBACP) - Registration number 387553

Registered member COSRT (RegCOSRT) - Registration number 4212