MBACP (Accred), MSc, MSc, MA, Dip. Therapeutic Counselling,
PGDip, PGCert, CBT-E (Oxford), Autism/ADHD Assessor (UCL/LCC)
MBACP (Accred), MSc, MSc, MA, Dip. Therapeutic Counselling,
PGDip, PGCert, CBT-E (Oxford), Autism/ADHD Assessor (UCL/LCC)
Trained recently at Oxford University, and Heythrop College, UCL and Kings College London, in Philosophy and Clinical Psychotherapy and Psychology. I have over 30 years experience of working in mental health with wide ranging more usual and complex mental health difficulties. I have additionally worked extensively with ADHD and Autism in
Trained recently at Oxford University, and Heythrop College, UCL and Kings College London, in Philosophy and Clinical Psychotherapy and Psychology. I have over 30 years experience of working in mental health with wide ranging more usual and complex mental health difficulties. I have additionally worked extensively with ADHD and Autism in education and offer ADHD and Autism Assessments and Coaching, across the lifespan, within an MDT.
Now, as a qualified Psychologist, Family and Couples Practitioner, Therapeutic Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I work with children and families, young adults, adults, parents, carers and couples.
With a current Enhanced DBS clearance and working within accreditation Ethical Frameworks, I work sensitively and effectively with your situation.
I specialise in adult and adolescent severe mental health difficulties, managing parental conflict and separation, involved with legal-medical cases and report writing.
I invite you to a free 15-minute, introductory consultation - a safe, confidential, collaborative and non-judgemental space, in-person, online or by telephone where you may feel heard with acceptance, and where your experiences are taken seriously.
I am interested in getting to know you at your pace and I am sensitive to hear what you ch
I invite you to a free 15-minute, introductory consultation - a safe, confidential, collaborative and non-judgemental space, in-person, online or by telephone where you may feel heard with acceptance, and where your experiences are taken seriously.
I am interested in getting to know you at your pace and I am sensitive to hear what you choose to share with me. Thinking together about your situation may help you find a constructive way forward.
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I am qualified to work with families, young adults, adults and couples. I am trained in different approaches to talking therapy to equip myself to work with the widest, and most vulnerable populations, able to manage severe mental health difficulties.
My soundproof, wheel-chair accessible, pleasant consulting room is based near South Ham
I am qualified to work with families, young adults, adults and couples. I am trained in different approaches to talking therapy to equip myself to work with the widest, and most vulnerable populations, able to manage severe mental health difficulties.
My soundproof, wheel-chair accessible, pleasant consulting room is based near South Hampstead overground, Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road underground stations, buses 31, C11, 46, 139, 159, 113, with parking available.
My training and qualifications support treating
-- Addictions
-- ADHD and Autism
-- Anxiety, Panic and Depression
-- Emotion regulation
-- Adolescent difficulties
-- Adoption and fostering - Attachment issues
-- Bereavement
-- Body Dysmorphia
-- Childhood issues
-- Family disputes
--Dissociation and non-epileptic seizures
-- Domestic violence
-- Eating disorders
-- Educational issues
-- Forensic matters
-- Gender identities
--Gifted and talented
--Neurodevelopmental difficulties
-- Phobias (e.g. Emetophobia, Agoraphobia)
-- Pre and perinatal concerns
-- PTSD
-- Schizophrenias and Psychoses
-- Self-harm/suicidality
-- Workplace stress
Available in-person, by Zoom/Skype, phone or e-mail, supporting you post-COVID and beyond:
Skype: Helen.Holmes837/Zoom/Phone
Phone: 07952 717 951
E-mail: helenholmes009@gmail.com
Selected Qualifications, Accreditations, Academic experience and Continuing Professional Development:
BA. (Hons) Philosophy and Theology (Heythrop, London University);
BA. Law, Politics, English (first year);
MA. Psychology of Religion (Heythrop);
Dip. of Proficiency Clinical Supervision;
Accredited Mediator (CMC Associate, IMI);
CBT-E (Oxford University);
MSc. Psychology,
EMDR Practitioner;
MSc. Counselling Psychology,
Forensic psychodynamic psychotherapist;
Psychoanalytic therapist;
Grad. Cert. Family Therapy (IOPPN, Kings College, London) - Systemic Practitioner (AFT);
Two-year attendance - psychodynamic psychotherapy training (WPF);
PG Diploma in Psychoanalytic Observation Studies and PG Certificate in Applied Social Studies (Tavistock/UEL);
Diploma and Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling (CPCAB, MBACP Accredited);
Psychoanalysis Foundation course (IOPA); Families and Schools Together (Middx);
Interpersonal psychotherapy (UCL);
Mentalisation Based Therapy (Basic, UCL);
Autism Assessments: ADOS-2 (UCL), ADI-R (Accredited certificate of competence - Clinical reliability of administration and coding);
ADHD Specialist certification - Diagnostic assessments: DIVA (LCC);
Reflect, support, resolve facilitation for NHS staff;
CBT: Severe Mental Health Difficulties (UCL);
Maudsley Model of Anorexia Treatment for Adults (Intro, Kings College);
Safeguarding Children Level 3;
Safeguarding Adults Level 3;
Mental Health First Aider;
Differentiation Relatedness Scale and the Object Relations Interview (UCL);
Multidisciplinary module in Parent-infant mental health (UCL);
Psychoanalytic Parent-infant psychotherapy (Intro, UCL);
Psychoanalytic perspectives on childhood: Infancy, Latency, Adolescence (UCL);
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (Intro, UCL)
Workplace stress management;
Working with Families where there is a Parental Mental Illness;
Signs of Autism in Infants;
Motivational Interviewing.
Fellow - Higher Education Academy;
PGCE Higher Education (Psychology);
QTLS (16+);
Fellow - Society of Education & Training.
City & Guilds Certificate in Delivering Learning (Intro)
UKTEFL.
Selected Publications:
Book Author: Inside Psychosis: Clinical and therapeutic experiences working with men and women on acute psychiatric wards (Routledge, 2025).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-Psychosis-therapeutic-exploration-psychiatric/dp/1032833769
(Please see reviews below)
Book Author: 'Seeing God in our Birth Experiences: A Psychoanalytic Inquiry into pre and perinatal religious development' (Routledge, 2020):
Book Chapter: 'International perspectives on family care-giving: Informal care for people with vulnerabilities' (Emerald Press, 2025). Chapter 9: A Comparative Review of Formal and Informal Caregiving for People Living With HIV/AIDS: The Cases of the UK and South Africa.
Book Chapter: 'Assessment and Intervention of interpersonal violence amongst diverse populations' (Cambridge Scholars, 2025).
Book Chapter: 'Contemporary Social Problems in the UK: A Comprehensive Overview' (Routledge, 2023). Chapter: A domestic violence pandemic: Outlining victim and perpetrator perspectives. In,
Online article: 'Supporting those who have unusual experiences including psychosis' (Nov 2024)
Supporting those who have unusual experiences including psyc... - Counselling Directory
Online article: 'Supporting neurodivergent people with eating disorders in therapy' (Oct, 2024)
Supporting neurodivergent people with eating disorders in th... - Counselling Directory
Online article: ' Supporting LGBTQIA+ people to manage isolation and loneliness' (Oct 2024)
Supporting LGBTQIA+ people to manage isolation and lonelines... - Counselling Directory
Online article: 'Welcoming trans people into therapy - How can therapy help? (Nov 2024)
Welcoming trans people into therapy – how can therapy help? - Counselling Directory
BACP article: 'Professional appearance: What to wear?'
This article first appeared in the January 2022 issue of Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. https://www.bacp.co.uk/bacp-journals/healthcare-counselling-and-psychotherapy-journal/ BACP 2022©
Please request a copy.
Website, Workshop, Newsletter: Featured poet 2021 (FPAA) - poetry and drawings.
Book Chapter: God Representations in a Pre and Perinatal Psychoanalytic Framework (2009) AIP, London.
Book: 'And then there was light' (2008)
Poetry Anthology, Devotion Press, London.
Journal article APPAH USA: Birth of the living Gods? Exploring the pre-and perinatal aspects of religious development (2008). Journal of Pre and Perinatal Psychology and Health, 22(4), 250-285.
Conference Review: ‘Religion and Sexuality’, (July, 2007) Numine Magazine.
'Inside Psychosis' lecture
Belsize Park Library
September 2025.
Unmasking Masculinity, UPOD, Spotify, February 2025:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zrILQJLYLpHmTPTfOqaLF?si=6HX_j9f1Q3yjGg3S2cTpYQ
Psychotherapy with individuals with Psychosis, Delhi, STEPS, January 2025.
Psychoanalysis then and now, Delhi University, November 2024.
Coping mechanisms and self-discovery, Afe Babalola University, Nigeria,
August 2024.
Chair, Forensic Psychotherapy case consultations, September 2024 onwards (clinicians welcome to join helenholmes009@gmail.com).
Teaching related:
I have enjoyed facilitating many personal development workshops in London, and presented internationally. I have written and taught popular Psychology related courses at London School of Economics, Birkbeck College, City Literary Institute, Mary Ward Centre, Brent College.
I set up and Supervised an innovative and popular Masters-level, clinical project on Adolescent self-harm, at the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Kings College London, for 5 Masters courses.
I have been teaching difference and diversity for DClinPsych trainees at Kings College, London.
I am a trained and certified reflective practice facilitator for NHS Trust staff groups.
For seven years, I facilitated a Moslem/non-Moslem women's dialogue group.
For twelve years, I co-facilitated a mixed support group for adults with childhood issues.
Following my first degree and whilst training in secondary education at the Institute of Education, I helped set up The Big Issue in London, advocating for street level, young homeless people.
Please call - you and I can talk about what's going on for you and discuss the best next steps.
Please call, I will do my utmost to help you and your family.
07952 717 951
Dr Philip Timms FRCPsych
"In this book, Helen Holmes has addressed an issue which has been ignored for many years – the nature of psychological support and treatment on psychiatric wards. While it is easy to highlight the deficits we can all see in our increasingly-stressed system, Holmes has tried to show positive ways of interacting with (often) detained people in such wards. This can enable the establishment of therapeutic relationship, even when a person is in the throes of quite profound psychological distress and disturbance. Using a psychodynamic perspective she describes ways in which psychological skills and supervision can help more positive relationships to be established, creating a more humane approach and a more therapeutic environment. And makes a powerful argument for embedding psychological support as an integral part of any in-patient service."
Dr Philip Timms FRCPsych
Consultant Psychiatrist, National Psychosis Unit
Honorary Senior Lecturer, King's College London
‘Inside Psychosis is based on Helen Holmes’ work over a period of 15 years with deeply disturbed patients. She recognises the profound need of these individuals to be listened to in a safe relationship of genuine professional trust and care. Though her primary lens is psychoanalytic she does not hesitate to use a variety of therapeutic perspectives such as cognitive behavior therapy or the person-centered approach. Given the importance of religion and spirituality for many patients, the author advocates a bio psychosocial model of schizophrenia, that should encompass the spiritual needs of patients. Holmes succeeds wonderfully to demystify schizophrenia and psychosis and thus lessen fear and myths about these terrifying conditions. This book will be of great assistance to both, health professionals dealing with people suffering of schizophrenia and the patients so diagnosed, their families and friends. Highly recommended.’
Thomas R. Verny MD, DHL (Hon), DPsych, FRCPC, FAPA, Founding President APPPAH, Author of The Secret Life of the Unborn Child with John Kelly, Pre-Parenting with Pamela Weintraub, and The Embodied Mind.
In the course of many years of mainly one-to-one work with a great variety of people living with and dealing with the experience of psychosis, Helen has come to a near-unique understanding of the different factors involved, and of the range of explanatory models that have been formulated in the attempt to comprehend, and to work with and for, such individuals.
Inside Psychosis takes the reader into this complex world, managing to convey something of the experience of individuals experiencing schizophrenia and psychosis, as well as surveying the theoretical and professional discussions that are slowly shedding light on what has all too easily been seen as requiring treatment only with medication. Religious and spiritual elements are frequently present in psychotic and other schizophrenic experiences, and Inside Psychosis explores the multiple differences involved. These include how some cultures regard as “normal” and indeed significant what others regard as pathological, and how western medicine has found it almost impossible to include religion and spirituality in any attempted whole-person approaches to patient care.
Helen Holmes’ book, in its combination of theoretical discussion and case studies, brings together lived experience and disciplined reflection: it is educative not just of the understanding, but of the heart.’
Revd Brendan Callaghan SJ, MA, MPhil, MTh, Hon FCP, Formerly University of London, Senior Lecturer in the Psychology of Religion, Principal of Heythrop College, University of Oxford: Master of Campion Hall, Institute of Medical Ethics: General Secretary
‘Helen Holmes’ Inside Psychosis is a brave and engagingly written mosaic of many of the extraordinary complexities that arise within the interrelations between serious talking and profound listening both in the therapeutic situation and in supervision. Holmes’ lengthy and wide-ranging experience in a variety of clinical settings, and with diverse treatment modalities, make this book an important read for anyone wishing to learn about the intimate detail of the internal worlds of psychotic patients, and the psychotic elements in us all. Despite the horrors it details, it is a strangely uplifting book. At the end of the day, as Holmes’ work illustrates, the talking/listening ‘cures’ are treatments of love.’
Richard Ekins, retired member of the British Psychoanalytical Society and Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Cultural Studies, Ulster University, UK
Schooling can be stressful for all concerned; families and young adults, siblings, parents and teachers can feel the need for a confidential place to talk through their experiences. Having worked in and with schools, I am aware of the difficult issues arising, such as bullying and self-harm. As a psychotherapist, I am here to listen to y
Schooling can be stressful for all concerned; families and young adults, siblings, parents and teachers can feel the need for a confidential place to talk through their experiences. Having worked in and with schools, I am aware of the difficult issues arising, such as bullying and self-harm. As a psychotherapist, I am here to listen to you, facilitate support groups and provide consultation and training.
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are common feelings but there are times when this can feel overwhelming. As an emotional expert, I seek to help you manage your situation and can offer: assessments, parenting sessions, consultancy, group support a
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are common feelings but there are times when this can feel overwhelming. As an emotional expert, I seek to help you manage your situation and can offer: assessments, parenting sessions, consultancy, group support and training packages. Offering neurodevelopmental assessments, pre-Autism, depression, anxiety. Working with Adoption and Fostering agencies to enhance life chances for individuals experiencing early attachment complications, using a Dyadic Developmental therapeutic approach.
A new baby in the family changes everything and I am trained to help you and your family through this often confusing and difficult transition. Counselling can be beneficial to couples looking to strengthen their emotional connection, in all stages of their relationship. Therapy sessions can be held with families if required, as a support
A new baby in the family changes everything and I am trained to help you and your family through this often confusing and difficult transition. Counselling can be beneficial to couples looking to strengthen their emotional connection, in all stages of their relationship. Therapy sessions can be held with families if required, as a supportive place to discuss ways to improve your communication and lives together.
Family Mediation
Mediation has been portrayed by the courts as a form of neutrally assisted negotiation. Negotiations are typically held with the facilitation of an accredited third party mediator, within a defined structured process, in a formal setting, during an agreed duration of time, establishing the momentum for settlement. The third party mediator is not in the role of a judge, nor does s/he offer an opinion on the merits of either party’s case.
Here, I believe that dispute resolution needs to be easily accessible to the widest population, quickly achievable and minimal in relation to the financial and emotional pressures it may place on both parties. Mediation is, therefore, a consummate form of Alternative Dispute Resolution. I am a very experienced psychological professional, accredited as a mediator with rich and diverse experience of successfully resolving complex disputes.
My state of the art high quality behind the scenes administration, ensures that a mediation is arranged immediately, ensuring you the opportunity to resolve your dispute as soon as possible. Part of my mission is to provide you with the highest possible level of service, which includes the management of document exchange between parties, selection and hiring of venues, providing fund-holding services and offering various other forms of administrative support.
Family mediation is a process whereby a Mediator supports and facilitates you and the relevant family members to communicate more effectively and to find mutual resolution to a range of disputes, which often occur following separation and typically covers matters such as finance and children disputes (where the children will live, or the frequency of when they see each parent).
Mediation is a confidential process meaning that anything that is discussed in the meetings cannot be referred to outside of the process. This allows you to speak freely and think outside the box. The only time the mediator can break the confidentially of mediation is in a situation where there is an admission of criminal activity or the welfare of a child or vulnerable person is at risk. The mediator will give a clear explanation of what action they will take.
Step 1
You and your former or current partner or family members are individually invited to attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM). This is a fact finding and gathering process where your concerns, issues, fears and outcomes are discussed and noted.
Step 2
If following the MIAM’s, the mediator concludes that the case is suitable for mediation, a joint session is arranged.
Step 3
During the first joint mediation session, the mediator will explain the ground rules and the expectations of everyone during the mediation process. This information is written down and is called an “Agreement to Mediate” and having talked through the document, both parties will be asked to sign the document.
Step 4
If you and your former/current partner and/or family members agree mutually acceptable terms, the mediator will discuss with both parties about turning these into a legally binding agreement, if it is deemed necessary. It is likely at this stage that each party will seek the instruction of a family solicitor to assist.
The different types of mediation are described below, for your benefit:
Sole Mediation
This Is where you, your former/current partner and/or family members and the mediator, meet in one room to discuss the matters of the disputes you are managing. Sole mediation sessions generally last between 60 and 90 minutes long and it generally takes between 3-4 sessions for parties to come to mutually acceptable terms. These time lines alter depending on the complexity of the matters being discussed.
This is the second most common form of mediation, when you and your former/current partner cannot be in the same room together. In such situations, the mediator will alternate between two rooms to facilitate discussions. This is very helpful for people who have been in a volatile relationship in the past and where personal safety may be an issue.
Co-mediation
This form of mediation involves two mediators being in the room. This can be advantageous when there is a high level of conflict between the two people or where the issues are complex or requires a specialist.
Sometimes if a child is old enough, it can be beneficial to gain input from them. These types of mediation are highly specialized, where the mediator will need to have the requisite qualification before this type of mediation is initiated. Parental authority from both, is always needed to carry out child consultations.
Family Mediation costs:
If you are eligible for legal aid, family mediation will be free. If your partner has legal aid for family mediation, you will be charged only for the second and any subsequent mediation sessions – the information and assessment meeting, and first mediation session will be free for you, too.
If you are not eligible for legal aid, the costs are as follows:
£495 per person for up to 4 hours of mediation (each half-day), including the cost of the MIAM (multi-agency information and assessment meeting), pre-mediation and any documents produced at the end of mediation.
What is a pre-mediation meeting?
A pre-mediation meeting is a confidential meeting with a mediator, taking place before a mediation session. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the mediation by:
1) Introducing the mediator.
The mediator will introduce themselves and explain how the mediation process works.
2) Discussing the case.
The mediator will learn about the background of the dispute and the current situation.
3) Preparing for the mediation.
The mediator will discuss practical matters, such as, the start and end times, who will attend, and how to join the meeting.
4) Preparing documents.
The mediator may request briefs, documents to review, and a draft settlement agreement.
5) Discussing options.
The mediator may discuss what options are available, the benefits of mediation, and the likely costs.
Pre-mediation meetings are an important part of the mediation process because they help to:
Your baby arriving may well bring challenges for you and your family. Feeling low, stressed or lonely may not be the motherhood that people often talk about, as being the altogether natural process that we are all supposed to adapt to perfectly and adore. So, if you are feeling stressed, or worried that you are not bonding with your baby as you would like, or your changed relationship with another child, or that you just want to talk about how life is changing for you, then get in touch.
If you are feeling stressed, lonely and wondering what did happen to the lovely idea of parenting, when you gave birth, please get in touch since I run small groups for women and infants that can make a difference.
It is more commonly talked about now how dads can suffer through post-natal depression and other mixed feelings about the new arrival. If you are a dad and feeling stressed, then please get in touch for an appointment.
Fair Fees
Contract
Supervision
Privacy Policy
Mediation Complaints procedure:
If you have a concern, please first raise this with me and see the steps below:
1. The CMC requires all Regulated Mediators, Registered Mediation Providers and organisations which run Registered Training Courses to have a published complaints handling procedure in place. If you have a complaint about a mediator or mediation provider in respect of the service they have provided you must first complain to that mediator or the provider.
2. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint at that stage you may refer the matter to the CMC on one of the grounds set out below. This must be done within one month of conclusion of consideration of the complaint by the mediator or provider and in any event within 6 months of the events giving rise to the complaint. Complaints received outside these time limits will only be accepted at the discretion of the CMC.
3. All complaints must be in writing and addressed to the CMC at complaints@civilmediation.org. On receipt of your e-mail the CMC will send you a complaint form to be completed and returned.
4. Complaints can only be considered by the CMC if they concern an individual or organisation which is a member of the CMC. The CMC regrets that it cannot consider complaints against non-members.
5. All documents relating to the complaint must be submitted with the complaints form or, if any are unavailable, you must give an indication as to when they will be supplied. In submitting a complaint you consent to all information you supply and any accompanying documents being disclosed to the other party to the complaint, to the CMC’s Complaints and Discipline Committee, the CMC Board and to other relevant third parties which may include other regulators.
6. Complaints may be made on the following grounds only:
A complaint may be made against a Regulated Mediator (i.e. CMC Associate, Registered or Fellow) on the grounds that they no longer meet the requirements for Regulation (Rule 1 (i)); and/or they are not a fit and proper person to hold Regulated status (Rule 1 (ii)).
A complaint may be made against a Registered Provider on the grounds that it no longer meets the requirements for Registration (Rule 3 (i); and/or the service provided by the Provider does not meet generally acceptable standards (Rule 3 (ii)).
A complaint may be made against an organisation which offers a Registered Training Course on the ground that it no longer meets the requirements for Registration (Rule 5).
A complaint may be made against any Member of the CMC (whether an Individual or Organisation, and whether Registered or not) on the grounds that they have brought the CMC or the mediation profession or the mediation process into disrepute (Rule 6).
7. Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Complaints and Discipline Committee of the CMC from time to time. A copy of the Rules is available on request from the Secretariat.
8. All communications must be made in writing, but in its absolute discretion the CMC may also accept oral representations from the parties.
9. The determination of a complaint by the CMC and any disciplinary measures imposed are final and no further appeal will be entertained.
10. The CMC will progress your complaint with due diligence and in most cases provide a final determination within 6 months of receipt of the complaint.
As a result of a complaint being upheld, the CMC can take disciplinary action against members.
If you have any queries, please contact me: helenholmes009@gmail.com or 07952 717 951.
Individual and Family voices
'Sam', age 18. ''I wanted to write this card to say thank you so much for helping me to talk to my parents about who I am, which lifted a burden from me. I have stopped self-harming (Yay!) and we argue less. I am becoming more independent and looking forward to starting at Oxford''.
Father - ''It's good to have reached a point to stop and take stock, you've helped us through really tough times. I feel more relaxed about being in my family and being able to talk to each other is a great help of course. You have been insightful and kind but also knowing when to be firm speaks of your skills with families. We are in a much better place thanks to you. We are basically good people in our family. You are good too''.
'Piotr', age 23 - ''I can't talk to my parents and I was nervous at first talking about things for the first time. I am grateful that I found that I could start to speak about painful issues that are important to me, with you. This has changed how I see myself and others. Thank you very much for your help''.
'Jamie', age 41 - ''I can't believe how much I have changed since seeing you. I used to be so stiff and now I feel so much more at ease in my body. I don't know what you did but I felt that I could open up to you, no-one else had shown at interest in me so this was transformatory for me. I feel happier, how can I thank you enough''.
'Hassan', age 34 - ''Thanks for spending some time with me when life was so scary over Christmas and it just felt pretty bleak. You stayed with me and I have haven't drunk since. I never want to go back to that, I didn't realise how much I was putting myself at risk, which you have also helped me come to terms with''.
'Benjamin', age 40 - ''I have found you to be very professional. You have a great memory which sometimes surprised me since no-one else seems to listen as carefully as you, which is sad. I've changed a lot since being in therapy, all for the better''.
Mother - ''Thank you for being kind and listening to me, at a time when no-one else seemed to be, and I felt truly alone. You've helped me through some really tough times, you've been reliable and steadfast. Thanks for helping me through''.
Simon - ''I think you're a terrific therapist''.
Abdul - ''I feel safe with you''.
Raquel - ''I trust you''.
Akari - 'I feel really well held with you Helen, thank you'.
Jazz - ''I felt really well held through this year of child training, many thanks for your support Helen, you are very learned''
Child, Adolescent and Family therapy
Job Title: NHS Consultant Child Psychiatrist (retired)
I have known Helen Holmes for approximately eight years.
My opinion of Helen is that she is a person of high intelligence who also possesses an emotional intelligence and psychological mindedness, with a developing psychodynamic understanding. Helen has been highly committed to learning about different therapeutic modalities to best equip herself to help the widest possible population. My experience of her is of someone who is deeply committed to work in the field of mental health and is possessed of a strong determination to continue her professional development. This is evidenced by Helen’s ongoing attendance at courses and conferences, her interest in gaining experiences in various areas of clinical work and her ongoing involvement in long term continuing professional development. Helen is a person who has an enquiring mind and is very well-read in the fields of mental health and therapy, alongside contributing through publications.
Helen is a basically compassionate person with a particular interest in helping vulnerable and traumatised people. She has shown herself to be aware of human diversity and sensitive to social and cultural issues. She is a person has good social skills and an ability to relate to others. Helen also has a wide range of interests outside of the field of mental health.
I have no hesitation in recommending Helen as a safe and sensitive psychotherapist.
(Retired child and adolescent psychiatrist)
22 September 2023
Work together with your partner to improve communication, resolve conflicts and strengthen your relationship.
14 July 2018
I have known Helen Holmes in my capacity as a Systemic Family Therapist and Supervisor at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service- since September 2014. Helen has made an excellent use of this opportunity and she has acted as co-therapist, as well as lead therapist with live supervision and has joined a team of colleagues with a role to reflect insession about the process of therapy. In this setting Helen has worked with clients from different cultural backgrounds, race, ages, socio economic stratification, levels of ability, gender, and religious affiliations, always maintaining a sense of respect and sensitivity to the diversity of life styles and beliefs present in the room. This has been significant in her ability to engage with clients who present with complex psychological and social needs, and she has formed positive therapeutic alliances which could be linked to the clients’ ability to trust the process of therapy with Helen’s facilitation. Throughout the time spent working together I have been impressed with Helen’s ability to enact the feedback discussed pre and post session as well as through consultative supervision and her growing confidence when implementing this approach to therapy may confirm my impression. Helen has shown to be open to new learning and to take on board feedback constructively. She has also shown an ability to take up study autonomously to inform her therapeutic work at CAMHS. Academic Tutor Family Therapy, University of London.
Learn practical tools to manage anxiety symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Explore the root causes of your depression and learn effective coping strategies to improve your mood and overall well-being.
Work through the effects of trauma and learn how to manage symptoms of PTSD.
