HELEN KASHER
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
PGDip MBACP (accred)
ABOUT ME
I am an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist working in Chapel Allerton and Cookridge in Leeds. I am an accredited member of BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
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Areas of counselling I can help with:
Abuse
Anxiety
Depression
Relationship issues
Bereavement
Stress
health conditions
Low self-esteem
Many more - please ask
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I have experience of working in the NHS, the voluntary sector and in private practice. For many years, I worked as a Speech and Language Therapist.
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I offer individual short-term and long-term therapy, and flexible appointment times. Please read about how I work and ask any further questions you have when you contact me. I offer free telephone consultations which will help you to decide if I am the right therapist for you.
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I use comfortable rooms in Chapel Allerton (www.healthwiseleeds.co.uk) and Cookridge (www.towerclinic.co.uk), both easily accessible by public transport and with easy parking. The room in Cookridge is a ground floor accessible room.
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HOW I WORK
Counselling and psychotherapy offers you a safe and confidential space to talk about how you feel, allowing you to be heard and to feel supported. It can also help you to manage difficult or overwhelming periods in your life. Developing a greater understanding of yourself can lead to new ways of relating to and interacting with others.
I am an integrative therapist. Integrative means I don’t follow one particular approach but draw on a variety of approaches. It's important that you find the right therapist for you. There are many different therapists offering many different approaches which can be confusing. I recommend you visit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy website or the counselling Directory for more information: www.bacp.co.uk www.counselling-directory.org.uk
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The first session is 50 minutes. I will encourage you to tell me why you have contacted me and ask you some questions to find out more about you. I will tell you what to expect and answer any questions you may have. I will also tell you about how I collect and use your data and about confidentiality during sessions.
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You may decide you would like to book further sessions. Finances or time constraints might affect your decisions. It can be helpful to do a block of weekly sessions initially but I am happy to take a more flexible approach and this can be discussed during the first session.
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Sessions will be led by you and go at your pace. They are not structured in a set way. I will encourage you to talk about yourself, what is troubling you and your feelings, thoughts and behaviours. We might talk about your early relationships, or your patterns of behaviour in your past and current relationships. You may use the space to focus on what is happening now. I might challenge you to see things in a different way, but I won't tell you what to do.
WILL THERAPYÂ HELP ME?
It can be daunting to talk about yourself and your life. Research suggests that counselling and psychotherapy can be helpful. I hope it can help you. Talking about yourself and how you feel can be painful and change is challenging. You may decide that therapy is not for you. I will support you in this process and whatever direction it takes. I encourage you to visit your GP for further advice on medication and NHS support, and to let me know if you have any concerns about our sessions, or if you would like something different. Sometimes another therapist or a different approach might suit you better. It is really important that you feel comfortable with me and feel that I can offer you what you need. I can direct you to another type of therapist if this is appropriate. I may also suggest alternatives such as NHS therapy, or student counselling you might be able to access at no cost.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME?
You should be willing to talk about and explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours. It can take time to build up our relationship, to share with me how you feel. Sessions will be at your pace. I would also expect you to attend arranged sessions on time and to give me at least 48 hours notice if you cannot attend.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES AND HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION??
I charge £50 for a 50 minute session. Please contact me by telephone or email. Details are on my contact page.
Qualifications and experience
Certificate in Counselling skills and theory (University of Leeds)
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of Leeds)
Registered member of BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
BSc Speech Therapy (Leeds Beckett University)
ASIST ((Applied suicide intervention skills training)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & More (online course)
Essentials of Trauma Treatment: Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Training Course (Online Course)
Regular CPD/training undertaken including bereavement/trauma/sexual abuse/rape and more.
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As an accredited member of BACP I adhere to their Ethical Framework for Good Practice. I undertake regular continuing professional development and monthly supervision for my practice.
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As well as running a small private practice in Leeds, I worked at a voluntary counselling service in Harrogate for over 2 years, supporting clients with a range of issues, including bereavement, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and abuse.
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For many years, I have supported individuals and families affected by health conditions, communication difficulties and disabilities. Supporting clients with complex emotional needs has been an essential part of my day to day work throughout my working life.
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I worked as a Speech and Language therapist in the NHS in a wide variety of roles. I have worked extensively with people of all ages with communication difficulties. This includes people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, Motor Neurone Disease and Stroke, and people with speech, communication and hearing impairments. I developed an NHS service providing alternative methods of communication for those with limited speech.
CONTACT
Please do get in touch if you would like more information or to arrange an appointment
Email:
Phone:
07939 265111