Helen Halstead

I am a play therapist and counsellor based in Solihull, supporting children and young people (CYP) and their families. 

With over 20 years’ experience working with children in nurseries, schools and community settings, I provide a safe, supportive, and confidential space for therapeutic work.

I am currently accepting new clients, so appointments can be arranged promptly. 

Sessions are available during the week, including daytime appointments and are offered by prior arrangement. I aim to respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible.

To arrange play therapy or counselling in Solihull or to discuss sessions, please get in touch using the contact details provided. 

When we first meet, I’ll talk with you about your concerns and together we’ll find the best way to support your child and you moving forward. 

In play therapy, your child will have a safe, creative space to explore feelings, work through challenges, and build confidence—often in ways that words alone cannot achieve.

I tailor each session to your child, letting them lead while gently guiding them towards understanding and coping with their emotions. 

I also work closely with parents, carers and schools in Solihull so that support feels consistent and meaningful.

As a qualified play therapist in Solihull, my goal is simple: to help your child feel seen, heard and understood whilst you feel confident and supported in the journey they are on.

Whatever your concern—be it anxiety, behaviour, emotional or developmental, we can work together to find the best way forward for your child.

Every child experiences the world differently and I tailor play therapy to their unique ways of expressing themselves and coping with challenges.

Solihull Play therapy Service provides a safe space to explore feelings, build confidence and develop coping strategies through play, creative activities and sensory experiences.

I specialise in supporting children and young people with neurodiversity, including autism, ADHD and sensory needs. 

I also offer sessions for parents and carers, giving guidance and practical strategies so you feel confident supporting your child at home. 

My approach is flexible, child-led and compassionate, creating an environment where curiosity and emotional expression are encouraged and every child feels valued and understood.

Together, we can support your child’s growth and resilience, through play therapy and counselling while ensuring you feel informed, supported and empowered moving forward.

The first session is a parent/carer-only meeting to understand your child’s needs and your concerns. 

We will discuss what’s happening for your child, explore strengths, challenges and identify goals for therapy. 

We will also agree on practical arrangements, including session frequency, location and ways I will work with you and their school or setting (if appropriate).

This initial parent/carer session is £35.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the play therapy and counselling process, what to expect and how we will work together to support your child in the best way possible.

Hello, I’m Helen.

I offer clinical supervision for both trainee & qualified counsellors and I would be delighted to support you in your professional journey.

My supervision style is reflective, supportive and encouraging – creating a safe space where you can grow in confidence and sustain your work with clients.

I currently have availability in my practice, with flexible morning and afternoon appointments. Evening sessions are possible too, though these tend to be in high demand and may be limited after 5p.m. 

I provide warm, supportive, and non-judgmental supervision, tailored to your way of working as a counsellor. 

Whether you prefer a traditional approach or want to explore creative or play-based techniques, I can adapt my supervision to meet your individual needs. 

I enjoy supporting those working with adult clients, as well as those working with children and young people, helping you navigate your client work with confidence and clarity.

With over 25 years of experience supporting children and young people, I feel I bring a distinctive perspective to this area of counselling as I also work as a Play Therapist and trained creative counsellor. 

My supervision combines practical guidance, reflective insight, and fresh perspectives, all tailored to your style and client group.

I see supervision as collaborative and supportive, designed to help you develop your skills, build confidence, and sustain your professional well-being, whether your practice is traditional, creative, or a blend of both :)

I believe supervision is a vital part of a counsellor's professional journey, offering a dedicated space for reflection, growth, and support. My role is to act as a supportive guide and a trusted professional companion.

In our sessions, you can expect us to explore your client work from different angles. We'll look at the therapeutic relationships you are building, discuss any ethical dilemmas you may encounter and reflect on any personal reactions to the work. 

This is a space to celebrate your successes and to navigate any challenges or uncertainties that arise.

I would like to help you develop your own unique therapeutic style and to build your confidence and competence as a practitioner. 

I'll encourage you to trust your instincts and to integrate your knowledge and skills in a way that feels authentic to you. 

My goal is for you to leave each supervision session feeling supported, more self-aware, and ready to continue your valuable work with clients.

I offer a 45 minute introductory supervision session online, face to face (if you are local to Solihull) or by phone for £30.

During this time together, we’ll explore where you are in your counselling journey, discuss your placement or private practice, review any paperwork, and consider how we might work together to support your growth.

Finding the right supervisor is an important step.   I aim to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can reflect, gain clarity and feel empowered in your professional journey.

Your introductory session is a relaxed, no-pressure opportunity to talk about your practice, your goals and how I can best support you.

I’d love to hear from you and help you take the next step in your development as a counsellor.