Helen Loughran Counselling

 

Therapy is an invaluable way to work towards feeling happier and achieving lasting peace of mind.

I am an experienced BACP registered therapist, used to working with people of all backgrounds. I work both in my own private practice and also with two counselling charities.  People describe me as being warm, friendly and calm.

My training with the Counselling Foundation in St Albans, is in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This means that as well as looking at what might be troubling you with aspects of your life now, we may also look back to earlier in your life to explore deeper causes of the emotions you are experiencing.

I provide a thoughtful, non-judgmental environment in which to reflect on what is troubling you and to work together to unravel the issues that may be presenting you with difficulties.

I have particular experience in working with teachers and senior leaders in schools and also with people who are dealing with the impact of rare medical conditions either themselves or in their family.

I have a consulting room in Hertford and also provide online and telephone counselling.

How to get in touch

Please contact me by email at hcloughran@outlook.com.

I will aim to get back to you within 48 hours.

What issues can counselling help with?

What issues can counselling help with?

Counselling can provide an opportunity to think about how you are doing and identify and address things that may be getting in the way of you feeling happier and more fulfilled.

This could include

  • Burnout and emotional exhaustion
  • Feelings of stress or anxiety
  • Relationship problems
  • Health related issues
  • Grief, loss or bereavement
  • Problems with addiction
  • Trauma
  • Depression
  • Problems with confidence or self-esteem
  • Anger management
  • Difficulties at work
  • Problems with family or school life
  • Issues relating to sexuality

Practical information

I offer an initial free 15 minute telephone consultation so we can briefly discuss what you’re looking for in therapy and consider timings and cost. Please email me to arrange a phone call.  After we have spoken by phone, we can then arrange a first session.

In our first session we will discuss what is on your mind and gain an understanding of what it would be like to work together. We will be able to explore whether psychotherapy is best suited to your needs.

Sessions cost £65.  I offer both short and long term therapy – you don’t need to decide which is best for you straight away – we can discuss this as we go along.

Clients may be private clients paying for their own treatment.  Others have their counselling paid for wholly or partly by their employer.  Where an employer makes a contribution to the costs of therapy this has no impact on the confidentiality of the individual’s counselling.

Counselling can take place online via Teams or in person in my consulting room in Hertford.

Working with school leaders and teachers

School leaders

I understand the challenges that leaders face in schools where they are accountable for so many aspects of a school’s performance as well as caring for the whole school community –  staff, pupils and parents.  This is in addition to the other challenges that life can throw up which have to be managed alongside the pressures of work.  There are times when having a confidential, non-judgemental and supportive person to talk to can make all the difference.

Looking after yourself and making sure that you have the support you need is a responsible step in ensuring that you are able to look after the people who rely on you.

 

Teachers

While teaching can be immensely rewarding it is also hugely challenging.  Each day endless demands are made of you by pupils, parents and managers.  When added to the pressures that can come with life outside school, there are times when it can be good to have someone to turn to who has an understanding of some of the challenges you face.

About me

Helen Loughran MA (Oxon), NPQH, NPQEL, MBACP

I used to be a Headteacher.  For several years while a Head, I also trained and practised as a psychodynamic counsellor before leaving leadership to focus solely on my counselling work.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists.  In addition to my private practice, including work with school leaders and teachers, I undertake pro bono work with a charities that offer low cost counselling and counselling for people who have been affected either directly or indirectly by a rare condition.

Having experienced school leadership at first hand over many years, I fully understand the challenges school leaders and teachers face – I often work with people who work in schools.

About my colleague who also offers counselling for people working in schools

Miriam Berry

I taught in a London school for over a decade and was a pastoral middle leader. I trained and practised as a psychodynamic counsellor for several years before starting my own practice.

I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and have particular experience with neurodiversity, grief and sexuality.

Having juggled teaching alongside the stress of raising a family and caring for a loved one with a long-term illness, I can empathise with teachers struggling to cope. My training and experience helps me to support teachers to find a manageable path for themselves.

Miriam offers online counselling.  Please contact us at hcloughran@outlook.com if you would like to get in touch with Miriam.