Counselling in Surbiton

I’m Helen and I can offer you a safe therapeutic space to be yourself and to be heard. I believe therapy is about having an independent, non-judgemental guide to help you get to a place of personal insight. It’s about giving you the space and time to think and explore, the freedom that comes from being able to have an honest conversation and the safety to experiment and create change.

I support adults, children and young people when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or confused by their experiences and emotions, to help discover a sense of relief, ease and hopefulness about the future. My compassionate approach engages curiosity, imagination and playfulness to untangle issues and gain fresh perspective on self, issues and relationships.

I believe people of all ethnicities and social backgrounds can benefit from counselling, and I welcome individuals whatever their culture, sexuality or gender. Few of us sail through life without problems. As we go along, we learn our ways of copying. However, sometimes challenges can leave us overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected. Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can reflect on what is going on in your life, explore the life you would like to live and make choices that are beneficial to you. Our work is to develop your resilience to face the challenges and help you to connect with yourself and others.

​I support people with a range of issues, some of which include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, low moods, sexuality and gender identity issues, low self-esteem, sadness, separation, divorce, middle-life crisis, procrastination, spiritual issues etc.

Do you or your child struggle with anxiety and/or depression? Have you ever experienced trauma and it’s had a lasting impact on you? Do you or your child find it hard to handle difficult thoughts and feelings? Do you or your child find it hard to get up in the morning or that you’re not finding pleasure in the things you once enjoyed? Do you find work stressful or you’re having difficulties navigating your relationships? If you answered yes to any of these questions then I can help. I can help you to handle those difficult thoughts and feelings. I can help you live a life that’s rich and meaningful working on goals set by you.

My name is Helen Ross and I am a professional counselor and psychotherapist. I offer a friendly down-to-earth approach to therapy, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to talk. I work flexibly and collaboratively, tailoring therapy to your needs My therapy room is in my home where I can offer a supportive environment

I work with individuals and couples, helping them find ways to live a more fulfilled and satisfying life. Over time, we develop ways of behaving, thinking and feeling that work well enough to get by, but sometimes get ‘stuck’; I’m trained and experienced in finding and understanding those patterns and, without judgement, getting to the heart of how to put things right. I’ve worked in private practice, charities and the NHS with a range of individual issues, particularly depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and historical trauma; couples work includes relationship breakdown, affairs, communication and conflict challenges.

Throughout life we can encounter emotional distress at various times. As a Counselling Psychologist, I can help if things are getting on top of you, if you’re feeling down, scared, worried or overwhelmed. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. When working with my clients I feel it is important to work together so we can come to a shared understanding of the difficulties you are facing. Working collaboratively, I aim to empower my clients with understanding and coping strategies to live a more functional and fulfilling life

I specialize in trauma, depression, stress and relationship issues, providing a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, identify their goals, and develop the skills they need to thrive. My compassionate approach is tailored to each client's unique situation, whether addressing negative thought patterns or healing from trauma.

I have worked with people with eating disorders for over 16 years - in research, the NHS, and the private sector. During that time I have developed a real passion for helping people who are facing these difficulties. I have seen the impact eating disorders have, but I have also seen how effective treatment can be, and how significantly life can change for the better. This led me to develop Surrey Eating Disorder Recovery - where I offer specialist evidence-based therapy for adults with all forms of eating disorders or eating difficulties - from emotional eating to bulimia, anorexia or ARFID.

I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and change, no matter their circumstances. I am passionate about working with my clients through a diverse range of challenges that can make life feel unfulfilling and meaningless. Common struggles that I work with include, but are not limited to, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, navigation of transitional life stages (such as moving, starting a new job, or becoming a parent) and crises of meaning.

Are you looking for a bit of assistance to navigate some of life’s challenges? Are you feeling stuck or dissatisfied in your life? Perhaps you are feeling anxious or low. I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space for you to explore the meanings and underlying reasons for the patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving that are holding you back. I work in a relational, trauma-informed, and interactive way. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I offer both short- and long-term therapy online via Zoom/Skype/Microsoft Teams.

We can explore together what your needs are and consider the best options for you. Whatever your reason for accessing therapy, we can discuss during an initial appointment, and you can decide if you would like further sessions. Therapy can be useful to help with many common aspects of life, such as depression and anxiety, among many others. It can be an opportunity to find a way to explore difficult experiences that happen to all of us in life, in a non-judgmental setting.

Finding a good match for a therapist can seem daunting. In consulting with me, I seek to offer you the benefits of my many years' experience with a sensitive and respectful approach.  Whether you are struggling with anxiety or low mood, or feel stuck in a difficult situation, or feel you are not fulfilling your potential, or perhaps have an adolescent son or daughter who you are concerned about, I would value hearing from you.

How do I work? As a counsellor, I do not offer advice but what I can do is provide a safe space where I can support you in exploring your thoughts and feelings in greater depth, helping you to look at behavioural patterns you have adopted over time which perhaps no longer serve you. I can help you explore the past, the future and the here and now - it can be a journey of self-awareness and discovery. I work integratively which basically means I draw on a variety of theoretical models to best suit you. However, I am not one to bamboozle the sessions with theory! I approach things in a very calm and down to earth way.

Are social situations leaving you drained or unfulfilled? Maybe you can't speak to friends and family about how disconnected you're feeling and they aren't understanding you. Do you want to be more open, assertive and have a greater sense of purpose in life? Need time for yourself? A space to air confusing or painful thoughts and experiences that build up over the weeks. Sometimes we need to reflect and vent about our relationships with a warm, neutral professional.

Where do you start with addressing your problems and how do you know how to choose the right therapist? The most important factor is the relationship with the therapist we choose. We have to feel safe and confident that we are in good hands in which we can share most private thoughts and feelings. I am a psychoanalytical psychotherapist in private practice based in Kingston, Surrey, I also work and teach psychotherapy students in the Bowlby Centre (Center for attachment based Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy ) in London. Additionally I am a member of The International Psychotherapy Group and Forum for independent psychotherapists.

I have a background working in The Arts, with Animals and The Outdoors. My experience includes working with children, young adults and adults on a short and long term basis. I have worked in the Community, within the NHS, Schools/Colleges, in Private Practice and Service Director of a Bereavement service.

Located next to Surbiton mainline train station. I have appointments available during the day, evenings and weekends. I offer both one to one counselling and couples counselling.