My name is Peter Hellsten and I am a counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years experience in the helping professions, having worked extensively in the Health and Social Care sector. I graduated from the University of Edinburgh, where I trained both in the psychodynamic and person-centred traditions, which continue to inform my therapeutic stance. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, I practice within a framework of ethical guidelines and standards. My therapeutic practice is based on the idea that difficulties experienced in the present quite often have their roots in the past. We may, without being aware of it, have formed patterns of thinking, feeling, relating and behaving that may have become troublesome, unhelpful or unwanted in our lives today. Counselling and psychotherapy can provide a nurturing relationship in a comfortable and safe environment, where we can give free expression to our feelings, explore our thoughts and reflect on our behaviours and experiences. Therapy can help people overcome ‘stuckness’ that stands in the way of emotional and mental well-being. By moving to a more fluid, expansive way of being, positive feelings such as empathy, self-esteem, love, courage and contentment may increase. I welcome anyone who feels that counselling and psychotherapy may be of help, whether you are looking to have just a few sessions to think about a specific issue or situation, or would like to consider more open-ended therapy. Whilst I promote and encourage personal growth with clients, I am equally committed to my own continuous personal and professional development. If you would like to find out more, or wish to book an initial appointment with me, please visit my website at www.peterhellsten.co.uk
