Helen Downs , NCPS

Helen Downs is a UK-licensed therapist with seven years of professional practice, and she also holds the NCPS credential, a recognised professional counselling qualification. She has practised as a hypnotherapist for seven years and brings that additional skill to her therapeutic work alongside other evidence-informed approaches.

Helen has substantial experience supporting people with stress and anxiety, addiction, trauma and abuse, and LGBT+ related concerns. Her professional and lived experience has informed sensitive, adaptable work with neurodiverse clients, and she has developed particular expertise in issues that often arise alongside neurodiversity such as ADHD and co-occurring challenges.

She also works within prison services and supports people and families affected by involvement in the justice system, where mental health, diversity issues, ADHD and addiction commonly intersect. Helen emphasises respect, sensitivity, and compassion in her practice, and she aims to create a reflective dialogue that helps clients rediscover direction and plan meaningful change.

Helen views the therapeutic relationship as a space to explore setbacks and strengths, and she supports clients in taking the courageous first steps toward a more fulfilling life. Her practice focuses on tailoring care to each person’s unique needs and goals.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Helen incorporates hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and client-centered therapy into her practice. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help people access resources for change and can support issues like habit change, anxiety symptoms, and stress management. CBT focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior and developing practical strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a collaborative, non-judgmental relationship where the therapist listens deeply and supports the client in exploring values, identity, and personal goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Helen works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time as those needs evolve, ensuring the plan fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to access support from different locations. These remote formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to maintain continuity of care and to tailor session styles to what works best for each person, whether they prefer real-time conversation or ongoing messaging support.