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Dr Helen Gibson
Core Process Psychotherapist
(UKCP and ACCP accredited)
Helensburgh and Online
Email: helengibsontherapy@gmail.com
What I Do
I am a UKCP accredited Core Process Psychotherapist and offer a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore the issues that are troubling you.
Core Process Psychotherapy is a mindfulness based form of psychotherapy. The 'Core' in core process refers to the belief that, at heart, we are all in touch with a place within us that is happy and well. Over time through our lives, our contact with difficult situations and people, set up defences and habits that obscure this 'Core' wellness - what is known as our process.
By gentle mindfulness of our feelings, thoughts and body, we can begin to recognise what keeps us trapped in our unhealthy patterns and this is the first step to healing.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
1. Spirituality - I have an ongoing interest in spirituality and how it shows itself in our lives. I can help you if you are seeking to deepen your relationship with the sacred (whatever your tradition). I also have experience of helping people struggling to make sense of unusual spiritual experiences, including spiritual crisis. I have a Christian/Buddhist background but experience of other spiritual traditions. I am a trained Ignatian spiritual director, have a longstanding Buddhist practice predominantly in the Tibetan Kagyu lineage and have a BA (Hons) in Humanities and Religious Studies (1st class).
2. Pre and Perinatal Psychotherapy - I have an interest in the problems that can arise in pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. I am a retired Paediatrician, whose work included neonatology, but I have also done post-graduate training in pre and perinatal psychotherapy, which looks at relationship between mother and baby from conception and how difficulties during this period impacts this. I am a certified APPPAH Pre and Perinatal Educator and a Foundation for Infant Loss Accredited Practitioner. 3.
Aging - As I and people around me age, I have an increasing interest in how we come to terms with the often challenging changes around us (of illness, reduced capacity and death of those we know.) With age, though, can also come greater perspective and wisdom. I currently facilitate a group of elders exploring aging and spirituality.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST VISIT
The relationship between the therapist and client is very important in Core Process Psychotherapy and so I offer a first free meeting so that we can both see whether I am the right person to work with you.
My standard rate is £60/hour.
I work with people over the age of 18. I work in person from Helensburgh but also offer online (Zoom) sessions.
I have regular supervision, am fully insured and GDPR registered. I am an accredited member of the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Association of Core Process Psychotherapists (ACPP).
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ABOUT ME
I trained in Core Process Psychotherapy after taking early retirement from medicine in 2016. I have an MA in Mindfulness Based Psychotherapeutic Practice from Middlesex University. I had gone into therapy for burnout and found it personally transformative. I have always been interested in the spiritual side of life and the Core Process approach, based on Buddhist ideas, fitted very well with my way of seeing the world. It is an approach that continues to deepen my experience of the world.
I also work as an Ignatian Spiritual Director, have accompanied people on retreats and led study days on different aspects of Psychotherapy and Spiritual Accompaniment and on Contemplative Photography.
I have a diploma in Contemplative Group Work and have facilitated groups on aging and spirituality and, until recently, a support group for mothers with children with psychosis for the organisation Safely Held Spaces.
I enjoy expressing myself creatively through art, photography and nature and also enjoy embodied practices like yoga and kum nye.