Hello, I’m Helen Stephens. A fully qualified BA(hons) integrative counsellor based in East Tilbury, Thurrock. I work with adults and young people (aged 12 and up), offering face-to-face, online, and telephone sessions to suit your needs.

Why I Do This Work

Before I trained as a counsellor, I was very much stuck in my own life. I felt like I was going round in circles. Waking up each day with a knot of dread in my stomach, not knowing which way to turn, just going through the motions. I looked like I had it together on the outside, but inside I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and completely lost. Everything felt too much and not enough at the same time. I didn’t know what I needed, I just knew I couldn’t keep going like that.

Eventually, I found my way into counselling. I was nervous (and honestly, a bit sceptical), but something in me hoped it might help. And it did, in ways I never expected. It wasn’t about being given advice or being “fixed.” It was about having a space where I could stop pretending, be real, and be met with genuine warmth and understanding. I slowly started to make sense of the patterns I was stuck in, the things I’d been carrying, and why I felt the way I did.

I also began to recognise and understand my own ADHD more clearly. The constant overthinking, the busy mind, the sense of having to work harder just to keep up, things that had always been there but never fully made sense. Through counselling, I could start to join the dots between this, my anxiety, and the patterns I found myself in. That understanding has been an important part of my own journey, and it’s something I quietly bring into my work with clients.

That experience changed my life and it’s what led me to this work. I trained as an integrative counsellor because I wanted to offer others what I’d been given: a safe, non-judgmental space to land in when life feels too heavy, too confusing, or just too much.

Now, I support others who feel stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or like they’ve lost sight of themselves. I know how lonely it can feel when you’re in that place, and I also know that change is possible, not overnight, but gently, gradually, and in your own time.

You won’t find me sitting in silence and nodding endlessly, although I do have a very good nod!Instead, we’ll build a real relationship where you feel safe to talk, explore, question, cry, laugh (yes, laughter happens in therapy too) and gradually understand yourself more deeply.

I often work with people who are dealing with:

• Anxiety, overthinking, and perfectionism
• Feeling stuck or unsure where to go next
• Difficult early relationships or attachment wounds
• People-pleasing, rescuing, and losing yourself in others
• Trauma, low self-esteem, and big life changes
• Bereavement, loss, or just feeling “off” and not sure why

I also have experience supporting those affected by substance misuse, hormonal changes, and Peyronie’s disease- a topic many find difficult to talk about, but which deserves open and compassionate support too.

Qualifications and Professionalism

• BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling
• BACP Accredited Member – working within their ethical framework
• Certificate in Clinical Supervision Inc Online and Telephone Working
• Enhanced DBS checked and fully insured
• Regular clinical supervision and ongoing CPD (because learning never really stops- especially in this job)

Let’s Talk

I offer a free 20-minute introductory call so you can get a sense of how I work and whether we’d be a good fit. There’s no pressure, just a chance to talk things through and see what you need.

If you’ve read this far, thank you! Reaching out for support isn’t easy, but it’s often the first step towards feeling a bit more “you” again. And if you’re not quite sure what you need yet, that’s okay too, we can figure it out together.

Warmly,
Helen