About me and how I work
Helen Maggie Watson BA(Hons), PGDip, MBACP, MAC
I am a psychotherapist and coach; a wayfinder and authentic catalyst for meaningful change. Helping you cultivate the life you want is my professional passion.
Training, qualifications and experience
I am a highly qualified, experienced, and ethical practitioner with a fervent belief that we all have the capacity to change and grow.
My primary training, qualifications and expertise are as a psychotherapist however, following years in practice providing psychotherapy and counselling I recognised some clients thrived with an alternative approach. This led me to enhance my knowledge and extend my competency into coaching, I returned to NHS accredited training and became an accredited, certified coach.
Formal qualifications
- BA(Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy - 1st Class
- PGDip (level 7) Integrative Psychotherapy - Distinction
- Certified Health and Wellbeing Life Coach
Additional Specialism Training
- ADHD Clinical Service Provider
- Disordered Eating – Compassion Focused Therapy for Eating Disorders
- Alcohol Use Disorder approaches to recovery
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
I am committed to ongoing training and learning to enhance my knowledge and skills; I regularly update my expertise with current evidence, research and developments in the fields of psychotherapy, psychology, neuroscience, coaching, and wellbeing. I attend training events and conferences, read relevant publications and professional journals and bring this contemporary understanding to my work.
Professional memberships:
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- Association for Coaching (AC)
How I work
Online or in person
If you prefer to work in person, I am located on the border between East Lancashire and North Yorkshire where I have a welcoming and comfortable office which is convenient for Pendle, Skipton and surrounding areas. If you prefer to work online I do this using Zoom. The flexibility offered by working online means we are not restricted by where you are located and it may be easier to fit around your schedule.
Timely
I provide services either, for a short time which may be for a few weeks, or longer term, depending on your choice and needs. I work flexibility and how long we work together is decided by you and considering your needs and progress.
Relaxed and informal
My way of working is informal and relaxed. I don’t make any judgements or tell you what I think you should do. I listen carefully and provide a supportive collaborative relationship which facilitates your unique journey of change.
Customised for your needs
Being an Integrative Practitioner means I work in a way which draws on different theories and models from psychology, psychotherapy, coaching, and neurobiology. My way of working rests on a philosophy and understanding that how we get into difficulties or find making changes challenging is dependent on our unique experiences so how I work is tailored to fit your individual needs.
Working relationally to create change
I will always be holding our relationship in mind. Developing meaningful connection while experiencing a genuine sense of equality and collaboration, is the key to unlocking the door to transformative work; I work relationally throughout my practice.
Evidence and research
I am an evidence-based practitioner which means the decisions I make about how I work with you and the interventions I make are based on the best current, valid research evidence available.
Ethical practitioner
I offer a safe, confidential, one to one, supportive relationship; working within the boundaries, principles, and values detailed within the BACP Ethical Framework. These ethical standards of therapeutic practice for psychotherapists, counsellors, and coaches always underpin my work.
Working ethically requires I pay close attention to my own wellbeing and self-care. Consequently, although I love my work for which I feel very grateful, to ensure I work well and provide the best quality service I limit the number of clients in my caseload. This means that at times I make the difficult choice to disappoint enquiries.