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Welcome to

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Counselling & Psychotherapy

Children, Young People & Adults

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About Silver Elm

Hello, and welcome. I know that deciding to begin counselling can feel like a big step. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can talk through what is going on for you, at your own pace, without pressure or judgement.

I offer in-person counselling and psychotherapy in Purleigh, as well as online sessions throughout the UK.

For children and young people, I provide a calm and supportive space where they can express themselves safely, often using creative and play-based approaches suited to their age and needs.

For adults, I offer a confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns, supporting a deeper understanding of yourself and ways of coping with life’s challenges.

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Meet Helen,

I am a fully qualified and insured psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist, and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.

I hold a Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy and have five years’ experience working therapeutically with individuals across a range of ages and settings. My training also includes a Foundation Diploma in Counselling Skills and a Certificate in Counselling Skills from the Chelmsford Counselling Foundation. I hold an up-to-date Enhanced DBS certificate.

I work in private practice and also in school settings, offering both face-to-face and online counselling. I provide a confidential and reflective space where difficulties can be explored in depth and at a pace that feels right for each individual.

I continue to develop my practice through regular continuing professional development (CPD). This includes specialist training in trauma-informed work and an understanding of autism, helping me to support clients in a thoughtful and responsive way.

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Helen Stapley

BACP Registered member

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How can Counselling help?

Counselling and Psychotherapy are both therapeutic approaches which aim to help us to make sense of and manage psychological, emotional, and behavioural changes. Although they share some features and can be interchangeable, there are subtle differences between them.

 

Counselling typically refers to shorter–term more focused work, where you explore and gain insights into a particular issue. You can use counselling to develop strategies, actions and behaviours that can help make daily life more manageable and enjoyable. 

 

Psychotherapy is a more in-depth, longer–term process that facilitates long-term changes, focussing on deep-rooted feelings and past experience. It tends to help people deal with longstanding, complex issues and leads to personal growth.

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"With time and space to reflect with an adult who is good at listening, all areas of a child's life will benefit: their relationships, from now into adulthood: their learning: their emotional and physical health: even their brain development."

Dr Margot Sunderland.
Child Psychotherapist, Author, Senior Associate of the Royal College of Medicine.

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Services

1.

Sessions are weekly and last for 50 minutes. 

Session fee is £55. 

2.

Initial 15-minute consultation is free of charge

3.

Parent meetings (existing clients)

 

£20

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I hadn’t previously considered counselling, as I’ve always been someone who prefers to handle my own challenges.  However, I began seeing Helen while navigating a difficult medical situation involving my son, and those sessions quickly became a source of comfort during an incredibly challenging time.  As we continued, our work together naturally evolved into exploring things I hadn’t fully recognised were affecting me.    I found her approach to be consistently kind, supportive and insightful, creating a space where I felt understood and able to reflect more deeply.  If you’re considering counselling with Helen, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.   

Adult Client. March 2026

"We want to say a big thank you to Helen. Her work with my daughter was incredible. My daughter was happy to attend every session; she could talk with her about all her issues and trust her. She could always count on her help."

Thank you, Helen,

May 2025 - Client 16 year old

"My daughter has been having weekly sessions with Helen for the past year. She has had various things to deal with some of which are historic habits. Helen has gently supported her to open up, believe in herself and look forward. She has learned to mend relationships and to become herself again. We are extremely happy with the care and advice that she has received and would highly recommend Helen as a counsellor. Thank you Helen for everything."

January 2025 –21-year old client

"My son recently finished a series of six sessions over ten weeks to help him with his anxiety and self-confidence.
Helen immediately put my son at ease, and he settled into the sessions really well. He is generally more content and confident and is able to apply reason to situations that would previously have caused him concern.
He is also happy to know if he ever needs counselling again, it’s a tool he can use to help him.
Thank you Helen! "

February 2025 - 17 year old

"When I first went to Helen, I as a total state, I had about 10 sessions and it felt like my whole life changed, she helped me get through some very hard times in my life and taught me how to deal with situations in a better and more mature way. I am grateful to have had Helen with me through my journey and thankful for her efforts to try and make everything better."

JR 18 yrs old - April 2024 

"Thank you so much for all your support and help. It's been brilliant and we are so pleased to have our happy, confident daughter back."

Mrs W - Jan 2024 

"Helen has supported our daughter, A, with overcoming anxiety and has made a huge difference. A has loved every session and Helen kept us informed every few weeks. She has also supported with ending the sessions, which needed carefully managing as A has become quite attached. We had our last session this week and she was talking confidently about managing without seeing Helen any more. We are so grateful to Helen for helping our daughter get back to the joyful, confident kid she deserves to be."

Mrs M - April 2024

"Helen has been a fantastic support, helping with my daughter with her anxiety. When she first began sessions, she was almost unrecognisable and struggling both in and out of school. I was able to speak openly and honestly with Helen and after my daughter had her first session she asked to go back! She thoroughly enjoyed going and always came out with a huge smile which was lovely to see. I have seen a huge positive change and thank Helen for all her help."

Mrs K - March 2024 (9 Year Client)

"Helen had really helped me change my entire outlook on life, for the better. When I came to Helen I was stuck in a very negative mindset, but Helen helped me rewrite the way I deal with problems and has left me a much happier person. I am now infinitely grateful for the support she has shown me, just by listening, has really helped me process new challenges in a healthy way."

Client review - 17 years old

"Helen has been a wonderful addition to our school since she began working with us. She always has an open mind when working with the complex needs of our pupils and listens to what the parents and the school want for the child. I know the children are getting the best support that we could offer and it has made a huge difference to pupils' self-confidence and ability to communicate more effectively. Thank you, Helen."

SENCO 2024

"Helen has genuinely helped me so much, I feel like a much better person, and I can cope much better.  She helped me a lot with my Tourette's and bullying that I went through.  She makes you feel comfortable and will listen to whatever you have to say.  I really do recommend her because with every session I came out feeling a lot my confident and myself."

16 year old client - 2024

"Helen has been amazing, and my daughter is in a much better and happier place, and more able to deal with emotional stress, worries and her anxiety. I can truly say without Helen I really don’t know where we would all be".

June 2024 14  year old

Client Reviews

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Contact Me

In-person sessions are held at:

Natures Medicine, Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RJ

07546 682716

Online Sessions are held on Zoom which has encrypted software and is GDPR compliant. 

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