Helena Blackstone

I offer therapy for individuals aged over 18 in-person at my North London practice, online and by telephone, both long-term and short-term.

Starting therapy can feel like a step into the unknown. As we come to understand ourselves better and feel truly heard, it can also be deeply fulfilling.

You may come with a particular concern, be struggling with difficult feelings that don’t have an obvious source, or you may simply want to live more fully. I offer an accepting and exploratory space, in which you can process your feelings and better understand your experience. Together, we can create meaning and elicit real change.

Many of us were taught to minimise or distract from our suffering. While this is common, the pain doesn't vanish. It stays beneath the surface, manifesting in unwanted patterns. Real transformation occurs when we embrace these patterns without judgment, engaging rather than fighting against them. I may challenge you at times, but always from a position of deep empathy.

I work to build a collaborative and attuned relationship with you in which we can explore your thoughts, feelings and relationships, past and present. Through this process we can come to a deeper understanding of yourself, the people around you, and your world.

I have some eight years of experience supporting diverse people with their mental health. In the NHS, I provided therapy for women with histories of childhood sexual abuse and complex trauma. I have also supported clients in the charity sector, prisons, immigration removal centres and higher education.

I was Operations Director at mental health charity Mind in Camden, where I led on development and delivery of mental health services. Before working in this field, I worked as a journalist, specialising in mental and sexual health as well as the arts.

My qualifications include:

• MA in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling (Regent's University)
• Certificate in reflective mental health practice (The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust)
• Certificate in Psychoanalytic Counselling & Psychotherapy (The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust)
• MA in Journalism (City University)
• BA in English Literature (Bristol University)

I commit to regular and continuing professional training, which has included topics such as Psychoanalysis and the Socio-Political World, Internal Family Systems, working with dreams, attachment theory, and creative writing as therapy.

To help understand what you are looking for from therapy and whether I am the right therapist for you, I offer a free initial phone or video conversation of up to 30 minutes.

Sessions after that are 50 minutes at the same time and day each week, at a cost per session of £90.

I have a limited number of lower cost spaces for those on low incomes. Please enquire with me about availability.