Helen Pons

Integrative Counsellor

Counselling Training, Qualifications and Experiences

Training

Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (approved by CPCAB and BACP).

BACP COP (Certificate of Proficiency).

Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP) and I adhere to their Ethical Framework and Good Practice Guidelines.  All registrants must meet high professional standards, enhancing safety and ensuring a high quality service is delivered. I also adhere to their recommendations for regular supervision.

4 years counselling experience working for Pregnancy Crisis Care, Plymouth & SE Cornwall

L3 Award in Pregnancy Choices Support   /   L3 Award in Post Abortion Support

Foundation in Infertility Support (Bica).

I undertake regular Continuous Professional Development – recent courses have been Attachment and Shame, Attachment in the Counselling Room, Trauma Informed Training by Plymouth TIF, MH Conditions in Counselling, Attachment and Eating Disorders, ADHD and relationships, Games in Relationships, Grief and Loss, Psychopathology, Birth Trauma, How Trauma Affects the Body and Bica Foundation Course in Infertility, Trauma Training by Sexual Abuse Listening Therapy SW.

I have a current enhanced DBS and am fully insured.

I am also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for the purposes of GDPR and Data Protection.

 Type of counselling

I am an integrative Counsellor trained and qualified in a number of researched, evidence based approaches  – (Person Centred, Gestalt, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy) and integrate these approaches creatively to make your counselling personal to you.

Each of us are unique having different thoughts, feelings and responses to life experiences and whatever is troubling us can be best supported by a personal, bespoke approach.  We are far more than our thoughts!  My training teaches me that when our mind, heart, body and soul are in a good state of connection then our general overall wellbeing is improved. 

Experience

I have many years of experience working within Adult and Children’s Social Care and Education. Working with parents and with children who have experienced developmental trauma. I am a member of Adoption UK and the National Therapeutic Parenting Network and I am familiar with the PACE Approach - Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy helpful for building relationship and emotional safety with traumatized children and young people.        

Since qualifying as a Counsellor I have provided counselling support within a pregnancy crisis care charity, supporting clients through pregnancy crises, (baby loss, infertility, IVF, ectopic pregnancy, abortion, termination for medical reasons, stillbirth and pregnancy choices support.)  This has involved working with bereavement, grief, loss, anxiety, PTSD and depression and countless other difficulties.

Listed on Counselling Directory.

As an integrative Counsellor, registered with the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and  Psychotherapists), I work from home providing trauma-informed counselling in a safe, confidential space for a range of issues including pregnancy related crises, pregnancy support, parenting support, anxiety, bereavement, depression including postnatal and post adoption, grief and loss,  trauma and attachment (developmental trauma), health and special educational challenges, low self-confidence/esteem. 

I specialise in the following areas :

  • supporting couples or individuals on complicated and often traumatic pregnancy journeys. Perhaps you have experienced difficulties becoming or remaining pregnant, or find yourself anxiously or unexpectedly pregnant;

  • supporting couples or individuals who are creating family differently, including fostering, adoption, special guardianship care, recognizing the complexities of trauma, attachment and developmental trauma and tne specific stressors of navigating Health, Social Care and Education systems. I understand the potential for compassion fatigue and burnout;

  • supporting teachers who work within ever increasing pressures within the education system. 

    Maybe as a parent or a teacher you recognize your situation – if so, please reach out now.

 My background in Social Care and Education gives me unique insights into the issues parents, children and educators can struggle with. I have always had a deep interest in people and their behaviours and my counselling training has further developed this giving me knowledge and skills which I use in my counselling today.

My counselling training with Astranti Connect (formerly Devon & Cornwall Counselling Hub), nurtured my belief that each of us are unique having different thoughts, feelings and responses to life experiences.

Life can be a struggle at times and admitting this can be the first step to bringing about some change. I won’t advise or judge but together we can sift through your uncomfortable feelings, thoughts and experiences so you can move to a place of rebuilding, restoration and healing.

By creatively integrating approaches and interventions, I ensure my counselling is tailored specifically to you so you can get the most out of your sessions, developing improved wellbeing.

You will be seen.

You will be heard.

You are not a case number or lone statistic.

When I am not counselling, I am usually somewhere enjoying the beauty of our created world by walking the moor or coast with my dog, reading, gardening or spending time with family and friends.  I love the way being outdoors helps me to rebalance myself and improve my wellbeing.

If you would like to contact me, we can schedule a reduced price, no commitment initial consultation to see if counselling with Trust Counselling South West is right for you.

Helen Pons, Counsellor,  Reg MBACP

Trust Counselling South West