Helen Decardi-Nelson, Counsellor

Helping you to understand, change and grow

I am an Integrative Counsellor with experience counselling adults, children and young people. I also counsel Couples experiencing difficulties in their relationship, please click here for more details.

I am based in Nettlebed, Henley-on-Thames.

I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have full DBS clearance to work with children and young people.

MY COUNSELLING APPROACH

Helping You Move Forward

Adults, children and young people have come to me for counselling for all kinds of reasons, including; enhancing self esteem and confidence, relationship difficulties, bereavement, loss, management of anger, as well as issues such as depression and anxiety, traumatic and early life experiences.

I believe that there is not a 'one size fits all' approach to counselling. Different individuals have different needs at different times, this 'unique-ness' means that I utilise a variety of different approaches. This tailored 'Integrative' approach draws on different schools of thought and ways of working to produce the most effective therapy for you.

My integrative approach to counselling means that, in addition to talking, we may use symbol work, role play, problem solve, goal-set, practise relaxation techniques or explore family patterns, as part of your therapy.

My approach is an 'Integrative Humanistic' one, which means that I believe the relationship we develop; of understanding, openness and trust, is fundamental to our work together. I believe that you are the expert on your life. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space.

Understand - Counselling gives you an opportunity to reflect on your life and the events that have shaped you and which have made you the person you are today: your thoughts, feelings and responses to situations.

Change and Grow - Sometimes it is enough to understand what makes you the person you are, giving you the freedom to accept yourself. Other times this awareness and understanding of yourself enables you to make choices about your life and to change the way you respond to yourself, situations and others.

COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN

The Children's Society believe that 10% of children and young people have a clinically diagnosable mental health issue.

However, the earlier help can be given, the better. The plasticity of the brain means that children and young people can learn to regulate emotions, cope with instinctive negative emotions and build resilience for the future with the right learning and support.

I use a play-based approach when counselling children.

Counselling for children involves encouraging them to express themselves, just as with adult "talking therapies" this is often through play, as it helps the child feel at home with sharing their feelings.
Using art and play allows children to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that is most comfortable for them.
Over time in a comfortable and safe space, children are able to open up, for instance through their art or role play, and as a result can better understand and cope with their feelings.

COUNSELLING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The World Health Organization has found that 50% of long term mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Therefore, if you are worrying more than usual or having thoughts and feelings that are having difficult to cope with, it is important to receive support and to learn skills that will enable you to develop positive mental health. I have years experience counselling within a secondary school setting and of helping young people with issues that can arise in this period of life that brings up so many developmental changes.
As with my work with adults, I will work with you to discover the best approach that suits your needs, concerns and personality.

CONTACT ME

Contact me on 07958 263829 for a free 15-minute confidential chat or to arrange an initial meeting. Feel free to send me a text, if that is easier, and I will call you back.

Alternatively, you can email me at or feel free to send me a message below.