helen@hjamespsychotherapy.com

Integrative and person centred creative mental health support for adults, teenagers and children.

Helen James, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist.

(MA. Psych. BSc. Psych. PG Dip. MBACP & UKCP).

As an experienced psychotherapist and counsellor I am dedicated to

helping clients achieve their goals and explore new ways of thinking.

I provide a safe and non-judgemental space for children, adolescents,

and adults to work through their emotional difficulties.

My integrative approach allows me to tailor therapy to your specific needs, so you can find the therapy that works for you.

Why psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is an effective means of addressing a multitude of emotional and mental health concerns.

At my practice, I provide attachment-focused therapy that emphasises the development of interpersonal relationships and connections with others. With my support, you'll be able to explore your emotions and experiences in a safe and collaborative setting.

My training

Training in integrative (meaning different modalities combined into a whole) psychotherapy at Terapia in London has equipped me to work with a variety of therapeutic techniques, including and not limited to, art, drama, music, and play. I strongly believe in the expressive power of play and of using creative mediums such as clay, paint and sand. The integrative approach allows me to customise my approach to suit the needs of each child, young person, or adult. My focus is always based in seeking to understand the unconscious dynamics which might be adversely affecting the client’s life and in helping my clients understand themselves whilst supporting them in building a stable and healthy sense of themselves in the world. I am keenly aware of the need to develop a child or adult’s capacity for resilience, and for their sense of their own agency and identity to be fully expressed.

I have a long-standing interest in attachment difficulties and adverse childhood experiences and work from a Trauma informed position; believing firmly in establishing a sense of safety for my clients as quickly as possible, prioritising the relational aspect of the work.When working with parents, I see my role as supporting them in thinking about how to understand and support their children through difficult periods in their lives. I find working with parents and facilitating dialogue to help them better understand their children a very rewarding and important part of my work.

My experience.

I have been working with children and young people for over twenty years. Formerly working with children, teens, and adults, teaching art techniques for creative emotional expression, I went on to study Psychology, and become a Psychotherapist, specialising in children and adolescents, a career which combines my two great passions; young people and creative expression perfectly.

I have worked with the YMCA as a mentor to young people living in the organisation’s hostels in Brighton and Hove and have been involved with the Children with Diabetes (CWD) organisation, both in the UK and USA over many years. I have worked with children and young people in a range of settings, from Primary, Senior and Boarding schools all the way through to Further Education colleges and Universities in East Sussex, prior to setting up my own practice.

Until last Autumn, I also worked in an NHS Acute Adolescent Inpatient Psychological unit which gave me invaluable insight and experience in working with young people who are reluctant to engage in the therapeutic process and who are experiencing the most acute mental health difficulties.​​​​