Helena is a holistic psychologist. She is qualified in Western Psychology, which emphasises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), in Saphire™ Imagery work, in TRTP (The Richards Trauma Process), and in Gestalt Therapy. She has also trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and various other therapies with a mind-body focus.

Helena has immersed herself for many years in the deep aspects of the psyche revealed by her teachers of Tibetan Buddhism, the Kabbalah of Light, and Hinduism.  She also has a Masters degree in Comparative Religion.

After 25 years of practice as a psychologist, she believes that although all good therapy has a strong cognitive aspect, it is difficult to change old patterns of thinking and feeling unless we address the subconscious mind.  The subconscious works in images more than words and logic and seems to reside throughout the body and not just in the head.

We may gain emotional release by moving the body with exercise, dance, yoga, massage and body therapies. But to clear troublesome patterns of thought and emotion more thoroughly, it helps to use focussed attention to dive into the subconscious, pull out old negative images and patterns and replace them with positive images and a felt experience of deep calm.

Contemporary leaders in research and effective treatment of trauma, such as psychiatrist Dr Bessel van der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score), recognize that to clear trauma, two things have to happen:  the person has to move to a state of empowerment over the past, and the body has to return to deep calm.  Prominent neuropsychologist Dr John Arden (The Brain Bible), points to the importance of nutrition and other lifestyle factors for good mental functioning. Body and mind are inseparable: we have to work in, and with, both.

Wisdom traditions such as Buddhism and Kabbalah have for many centuries used techniques of imagery, mindfulness and awareness of thoughts, emotions and body sensations and patterns.  They knew well that when we look within and see what is stored there, we have the best chance of shifting what is unhelpful, and of moving progressively toward radiant wellness. Among modern methods, TRTP is particularly helpful in shifting traumatic or distressing memories and stuck patterns that hold us back from being free and empowered in our lives.  TRTP does this in a way that is swift, effective and safe. 

Helena chooses simple, direct connection with each person.  She meets you where you are at in your life, in the present moment, and helps you penetrate issues and unblock patterns that obstruct growth and freedom.  

She has endeavoured to work deeply and with integrity on her own process for 45 years, and aims to hold a compassionate and supportive space for the individual journeys of others.