Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself".
- George Bernard Shaw​
My name is Helen and I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist based in Princes Risborough.
I'm an integrative counsellor drawing on a range of theories with person centred at my core, but drawing upon psychodynamic theory, CBT and transactional analysis. I am dedicated to providing a compassionate and safe space where you can explore your inner world and work toward meaningful change, either as an individual or as couple. I am qualified through the CPCAB (the Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) and am a registered member of the BACP (the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy). ​​​​​
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Helen White, BA Hons, MCIPD, MBACP
My Story
My background includes four years training at Number 22 Counselling to achieve the level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I have also trained in Relationship Counselling with Langley Therapy and undertaken additional intensive training in areas such as trauma, abuse, infertility, loss/bereavement and neurodiversity. I have wide experience supporting clients through a variety of life challenges.
I believe that each person’s journey is unique, and I bring a flexible approach to therapy to honour this individuality and fit my client’s needs and expectations. I am fully qualified and a registered member of the BACP, as well as holding full professional insurance in line with guidelines for best practice, and an enhanced DBS certificate. I have also worked as a grief counsellor with CRUSE. I uphold the ethical standards and professionalism expected of a BACP member and comply fully with the BACP Ethical Framework. For full details of what this entails, please refer to www.bacp.co.uk.
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My professional journey began in the corporate world, where I spent many years working in the legal sector as an HR Director. My journey from the corporate world into counselling has shaped my approach, allowing me to draw on both professional and personal life experiences to support my clients with empathy, insight, and understanding.
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In my previous role, I had the opportunity to support individuals through various professional and personal challenges, from stress and interpersonal issues to career transitions and issues around their work-life balance. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for the complexities people face and instilled in me a strong foundation of empathy, listening, and respect for each person’s unique story. I believe that my life experience, combined with the professional training I have undertaken, provides a depth of understanding that enriches the therapeutic process I can offer.
Life has taught me that no one's journey is straightforward or perfect - and that's okay. My personal experiences navigating relationships, family dynamics, career, grief, chronic and significant illness, and many other difficult challenges have shaped who I am today and how I approach my work as a counsellor. I am in a good place in my life now, but I know I'm not perfect. I've been in those moments where being truly heard, understood, and not judged made all the difference. That's something I bring into my practice: creating a safe, accepting space where you can share your story without fear of judgement.
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I also believe in embracing life fully. I love my dog, exercise and long walks that ground me and give me the self care that I need. My family and friends mean the world to me, and I cherish new adventures and the opportunity to continue learning and growing in my career as a counsellor. I believe that growth is always possible, no matter where you are in your life, and together we can explore your path with authenticity, curiosity and compassion.
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"The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of one's self to others."
- Pierrce Teilhard de Chardin​
My Approach
As a counsellor, I am deeply rooted in the person-centred approach, where empathy, understanding, and acceptance are fundamental to our work together. However, I also value the richness of an integrative approach, drawing on a range of therapeutic modalities to support each client’s specific and unique needs. While I offer a warm, non-judgmental presence, I also believe that gentle challenge in therapy can be beneficial, helping you to confront difficult emotions and uncover new perspectives.
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Other modalities I draw on could be Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Transactional Analysis and/or psychodynamic counselling.​​​ CBT and DBT offer practical tools for addressing thought patterns, emotional regulation, and coping strategies, making them valuable additions to the therapeutic process. Psychodynamic counselling allows us to explore underlying emotional conflicts and how past experiences may influence present feelings and behaviours. Together, these approaches support a deeper understanding of yourself and help create lasting change.
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In our sessions, you’ll find a supportive and empathic environment where you are encouraged to express yourself freely and where we can explore the thoughts, patterns, and experiences that shape your life. My goal is to empower you to trust your own inner wisdom and to discover pathways that resonate with your values and aspirations. While I offer a warm and empathetic presence, I also believe that a gentle, constructive challenge can be transformative. By working through difficult emotions, patterns, and beliefs, you’re empowered to uncover new perspectives and strengths. My goal is to support you in building resilience and in trusting your own capacity for growth, drawing on a a blend of techniques that align with your unique journey. We may even sometimes laugh on our journey - there can be many happy moments in our work together!
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"Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less".
- Marie Curie