Helma’s Ethos:

My practice is named Sunflower Counselling for several reasons, all of which reflect my ethos and passion for counselling and its benefits. The sunflower represents many things including positivity and strength. In some cultures, it represents good luck and lasting happiness. Sunflowers have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy. They’re known for being positive flowers and bringing joy to those around them. They track the sun, which reflects the hope and purpose of my work, which is to work collaboratively with my clients, bringing them out of darkness to face the sun. Their spiritual meaning relates to self-respect, which means learning to be authentic and embracing your own individuality, which fits in with my counselling model.

 

Who I am and how I work.

Before training as a qualified counsellor, I had a long career as a music teacher. For over 30 years I taught singing and piano individually to both children and adults, both privately and within school settings. Being used to working with people on a one-to-one basis, I noticed how frequently my students trusted me and spoke about their problems. With this experience and background, I decided to retrain as a counsellor. I am a qualified Integrative Therapeutic Counsellor (MBACP) working with adults from 18+. I have undertaken additional Young Persons training to also work with 16 and 17 year olds. I specialises in working with depression and anxiety. 

 

Helma Marlow says:

‘Working Integratively means that I use and combine elements from the modalities of Person Centred Theory (Humanistic) and Psychodynamic Theory, although sometimes I may work with just one of these models. I also have some training in CBT and may use elements of this in my practice where useful, as well as Transactional Analysis techniques. I currently work at The Arc Agency in Wokingham, and at my private practice based in Binfield Heath, in addition to  The Cherry Tree Centre.

I am also trained and qualified  to work online and by telephone, and have much experience in this. I offer an individual and professional service to my clients. I am a member of and registered with the BACP, and therefore adhere to their ethics, principles and code of conduct. I have  professional insurance in place.’

 

What is counselling, and what can it do for you?

Counselling offers you a safe and non-judgmental space to talk about your problems and difficulties; it enables you to explore your life, relationships and feelings with someone who listens and hears you in a different way from others in your life. It can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your relationships, often identifying unhelpful and negative patterns of behaviour.  I provide a space to explore these, whilst working through your emotions in a safe and empathic environment. Counselling can lead to exploring other options and choices in your life, whilst uncovering and rediscovering your true and unique qualities and who you really are. People often discover that they have been living their lives inauthentically, and this can be a chance to separate learned unhelpful or limiting beliefs from your own authentic beliefs and values, leading to personal strength, resilience and empowerment. Finally, counselling is a collaborative relationship; I believe that the client is the expert in their own life, so I  will support you, working together with you to make the changes that are within your control, leading you to a happier and more fulfilled life.

 

Helma works with a range of presenting issues including but not limited to: 

• Anxiety                       • Eating disorders 
• Depression                • ADHD 
• Low Self Esteem       • Anger 
• Relationship issues  • Bullying 
• Bereavement             • Gender and Sexuality 
• Abuse                         • Work problems 
• Addictions                 • Transition  and Identity 
• Family issues            • Sexual Health 
• Self harm                   • Trauma and PTSD 
• Suicidal thoughts     • Stress 

Helma is currently training in Couples Counselling and will be seeing couples from the beginning of July 2023.

 

If you are looking for a qualified counsellor and would like to book a session with Helma please get in touch.

 

Qualifications 

• Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person Centred and Psychodynamic approach)
• Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills and Theory
• Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and
• LRAM – Royal Academy of Music
• Perf Cert – Royal Academy of Music
• Couples counselling – to be completed
• MindEd certificates for working with Young Adults

 

Professional Membership

• BACP – British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

 

Insurance

• Holistic Services Insurance