Integrative Counsellor and Coach in Banbury

I’m Helen, a professional integrative counsellor, imagery coach, and children’s author, committed to helping you navigate life’s challenges with empathy and understanding. Drawing from my own transformative experience with therapy, I provide a safe, confidential space to explore and untangle emotions, fostering healing and growth. Warm and supportive, I’ll work alongside you, tailoring my approach to your unique needs.

Welcome! I’m Helen and I’m a professional integrative therapeutic counsellor, imagery coach and published childrens’ author, dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges with empathy, understanding and unconditional acceptance. I imagine you are here because you are experiencing anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm, depression or even despair. You may be feeling lost or simply confused about how you feel.

How can I help? In my past I sometimes felt lost, confused and ‘not good enough’, but with good therapy I learned to know and value myself. My experience led me to pursue a career in counselling.

I can provide you with a safe and confidential space to explore, untangle and understand your feelings, to facilitate healing and growth and emotional wellbeing. My training enables me to integrate different approaches that help me help you to look at the here and now, what came before, and how to move forward. People describe me as a warm, empathic person, easy to talk to and someone who you can build a safe and trusting working relationship with. If you choose to work with me, I will put you at the centre, gently challenge you when appropriate, but support you every step of the way.

Issues We Help With

Supporting emotional well-being through life’s challenges

At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, our therapists work with individuals, couples, teenagers, and children facing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. Each member of our team is here to support you in making sense of your experiences, managing difficult emotions, and finding a path toward greater clarity, balance, and wellbeing.

Suicidal thoughts and self-harm
Loneliness and social isolation
Bullying (including workplace or school)
Body image and eating-related concerns
Identity, gender, and sexuality exploration
Life transitions and adjustment difficulties
School refusal and academic pressure (for children/teens)
Health anxiety or chronic illness adjustment
Coping with uncertainty or major life change
Personal development and self-understanding
Neurodivergence and late diagnosis support

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy

We understand that starting therapy can feel like a big step, and you may have questions before making that first appointment. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, we’re here to help you feel more informed and at ease. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked at Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice.

What issues can therapy help with?

Therapy can support you with a wide range of emotional, relational, and mental health challenges. Common reasons people come to us include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, and life transitions. We also offer therapy for neurodivergent individuals, support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and counselling for couples, teenagers, and children. Therapy provides a safe space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping you make sense of difficult experiences and develop healthier ways of coping. It’s not just about resolving problems — therapy can also be an opportunity for personal growth, building self-awareness, and reconnecting with your values and goals. If you’re unsure whether therapy is right for you, we welcome you to get in touch for an informal chat.

How do I know if I need therapy?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply not yourself, therapy can help you understand what’s going on and find a way forward. You might notice patterns in your life that are holding you back, or perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or relationship issues. Some people come to therapy after a life event — such as bereavement, separation, or illness — while others come seeking greater clarity or meaning in their lives. If you’re asking yourself whether you need therapy, that may be a sign you’d benefit from a supportive, confidential space to talk. Our therapists in Banbury offer a compassionate approach, helping you explore your feelings without judgment.

Where is your therapy practice located?

Our practice is located in North Bar House, a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian building in the heart of Banbury. Just a short walk from the town centre and accessible by car, bus, or train, North Bar House offers a calm, welcoming environment for your therapy sessions. The building features original details, including a charming patio with an old well — a quiet space that reflects the peaceful, grounding nature of our work. We also offer online sessions if you’re unable to attend in person or prefer remote support.

What types of therapy do you offer?

At Banbury & North Oxfordshire Therapy Practice, we offer a wide range of therapeutic approaches tailored to suit your individual needs. Our therapists are trained in modalities including integrative counselling, Gestalt therapy, psychodynamic therapy, person-centred therapy, trauma-informed approaches, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS or ‘parts’ work) and mindfulness-based practices. We also offer couples counselling, child and adolescent therapy, and support for neurodivergent individuals. Because we believe that no two clients are the same, we work flexibly — blending techniques where appropriate — to create a safe, collaborative space where you can explore what matters most to you. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or longer-term work, we’re here to help.

Who do you work with?

We offer therapy to adults, couples, young people (aged 11+), and children, supporting people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We understand that each person brings a unique set of experiences, and we aim to create a warm, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for all. We welcome clients from the LGBTQIA+ community and those who identify as neurodivergent. Whether you’re facing mental health difficulties, emotional stress, or simply want to understand yourself better, our team of Banbury-based counsellors and psychotherapists can help. We also support parents and carers navigating challenges with their children or teens.

How much does therapy cost?

Our therapy fees vary depending on the therapist and the type of therapy you’re accessing. We aim to make therapy as accessible as possible and offer a range of pricing options, including reduced-fee slots with some therapists. We’ll always be transparent about costs and will discuss fees with you before you begin. Payment is usually made via bank transfer or in advance of each session. If you have any concerns about affordability, we encourage you to speak to us — we may be able to offer flexible arrangements where possible.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

The length of therapy depends on your individual circumstances and what you hope to achieve. Some people benefit from a short course of therapy focused on a specific issue, while others choose longer-term work to explore deeper patterns and gain lasting change. We’ll discuss this together at the start and review it regularly as therapy progresses. There is no fixed timeline — therapy moves at your pace. What matters most is that you feel supported, understood, and able to make the changes you need in your own time.

How do I get started with therapy?

Getting started is simple. You can contact us via our website or email to arrange an initial consultation. In this first meeting, we’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any preferences you have for the type of therapist or support you’re looking for. From there, we’ll help match you with the right therapist within our practice. You’re under no obligation to continue after this session — it’s a chance for you to see if we’re the right fit. Sessions are typically held weekly, and you can choose between face-to-face therapy at our Banbury practice or online sessions, depending on your needs.

Our Banbury Location

Address

North Bar House
43-44 North Bar Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire
OX16 0TH

Directions on How to Find Us

By Car

North Bar House is conveniently located on North Bar Street, just off Banbury town centre. If driving, you can reach us via the M40 motorway (Junction 11), following signs for Banbury town centre. Once in town, North Bar Street is easily accessible from the main routes.

Parking

There is limited on-street parking available near North Bar House (time restrictions may apply). For longer stays, the nearest public car park is North Bar West Car Park, a short 3-minute walk away. Additional parking options include Bolton Road Car Park and NCP Car Park Banbury, both within a 10-minute walk.

By Train

Banbury Railway Station is well connected by major rail routes, including direct services from London Marylebone, Birmingham, and Oxford. North Bar House is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the station for a short ride to the location.

By Bus

Banbury is served by several bus routes connecting the surrounding areas. The nearest bus stops to North Bar House are on North Bar Street and Southam Road, just a few minutes’ walk away.

Get the help you need

Contact our team of BACP accredited therapists located in the heart of Banbury and get the help you need.