Riverway Counselling
Helen Webb mbacp Our lives are like the journey of a river. At times we flow calmly, but sometimes we encounter rocks or rapids. When we discover our inner strength we're able to navigate these obstacles and turbulent times, finding a way to carry on and flow gently once again.
About me
Welcome to Riverway Counselling
I am a Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a Supervisor. I run a private practice in Mellor near Stockport. I believe passionately in the affirming effect of the therapeutic process. I am a warm, compassionate person, who will listen without judgement. I offer counselling to individual clients who need to share and discuss difficult issues in a confidential, trusting environment.
I value and respect all my clients as individuals, regardless of race, religion, culture, background, gender, sexuality or individual identity.
I am motivated by my belief that everyone deserves to feel valued. Often our self-worth can be compromised, especially in the midst of difficult areas of our lives. Being true to ourselves can be a challenging process as we gain awareness about ourselves, but I believe it is an empowering and affirming experience. Through this process, hopefully you will move towards developing greater self-confidence, and value of yourself.
I am a Registered Member of The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP). As a member, I am guided by the BACP Ethical Framework, which informs my professional practice. Part of this commitment is to attend supervision in order to evaluate and regulate my practice.
In addition to my Diploma in counselling, I regularly attend ongoing professional development, and continue to attend a number of training courses each year to update my skills. I also have a Level 7 Certificate in Supervision from the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy
Helen Webb
B.Ed (Hons), DASEHIC, Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Registered MBACP
The Counselling Process
There can be times in your life when issues and problems seem overwhelming. It can feel as if there is no way forward, and that it is impossible to cope. I understand from personal experience, the effect of loss and relationship breakdown, which helps inform my professional practice. I respect the individual nature of pain and trauma, and my empathic approach gives my clients the opportunity to work through their own unique issues.
As a Person-Centred Counsellor, my approach is non-directive. This means that my focus is on you as a person, not on providing you with an answer to your problems. The starting point for counselling is always the issue or difficulty that you might be experiencing, and as this issue is explored and shared, underlying issues can be uncovered.
I would endeavour to work closely with you in the therapeutic setting, where these deep personal issues can be explored. It involves looking deeply at not only the content of what is happening, but also your emotions and responses to this. We often discover aspects of ourselves, or our relationships with others that we were previously unaware of, and the counselling process can be an important part of a journey of self- discovery. This process can help you move forward, with a new perspective on yourself, and greater inner strength.
I work with individual adult clients over the age of 18. Clients may seek counselling for a variety of issues. These may include:
- Loss
- Bereavement
- Trauma
- Abuse
- Depression
- Stress and anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Low self worth
- Relationship difficulties
- Divorce and separation
- Redundancy
- Difficulties in caring for relatives or partners.
- Coping with chronic illness.
- Parenting children with Special Educational Needs
This list is by no means exhaustive, and I am very willing to offer counselling for a variety of reasons. You may be feeling overwhelmed with a range of emotions and unsure why, or you may be carrying deep hurt or shame about something that happened in the past. Whatever your reason for considering counselling, I will offer you the therapeutic space to work through your issues, and together we will reach a point when you feel you can move forward.
Additional Information
As well as developing my private practice, my background as a counsellor has included working as a volunteer for charitable organisations, offering counselling to vulnerable adults at Age UK and The Women's Centre in Stockport. Both of these roles have been varied and invaluable to the development of my skills. I am experienced in working with a range of issues and difficulties, such as grief, bereavement, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family pressures, redundancy and stress.
Prior to becoming a counsellor, I worked as a Teacher of Deaf Children and Young People for over thirty years. My effective communication skills have enabled me to work closely with families, as well as helping Deaf young people to understand and express feelings and emotions. I hold a level 3 qualification in British Sign Language. I offer counselling to Deaf adults and young people (over 16), who either sign using British Sign Language, or who communicate using spoken language.
Information about sessions
Each session lasts 50 - 60 minutes, usually on a weekly or fortnightly basis. We can meet in person or online using Google meets or Teams.
When you contact me we can arrange to meet on a video call. This will be for about 20 minutes to discuss the counselling process and see how we might work together.
I recommend booking an initial session of counselling. It is important that you feel comfortable about the process before making a commitment and embarking on a therapeutic relationship.
Once you've decided you'd like to go ahead, we will select a regular time that suits you. The number of sessions you have is your decision, and can be reviewed at any time.
My working days are Tuesday to Friday and evening appointments are available. The cost is £55 per session. Please ask me about a concession if you need to.
If you would like to contact me, please use the form below or alternatively you can email me directly on helen@riverwaycounselling.co.uk.
Where I work
My practice is situated in a private garden studio in Mellor. The room is a calm, warm, therapeutic space with its own separate entrance. It is fully accessible for wheelchair users and parking is available.
Supervision
I have a Level 7 qualification in Supervision from the Manchester Institute for Psychotherapy. From my own experience of receiving excellent supervision, I am passionate about guiding and mentoring counsellors, and the affirming supportive framework of supervision.
My supervision style is collaborative and encouraging and I aim to provide a space where supervisees can:
- Reflect deeply on their client work and professional development
- Build confidence and self-awareness in the therapeutic process
- Explore challenges safely and without judgment
- Strengthen ethical and reflective practice
I am guided by the Hawkins and Shohet Seven-Eyed Model of supervision, which provides a rich and flexible framework for reflective and developmental supervision, grounded in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.
My experience of working with my own clients informs my supervision practice, and I understand how important it is to feel valued and encouraged in a non-judgemental environment. I am warm, empathic and approachable and I believe in working ethically, where challenge and growth are part of a trusting relationship.
I offer Person-Centred Supervision to both trainees and qualified counsellors. Sessions will be 1.5 hours, charged at £90.00 for qualified counsellors, and £75 for trainee counsellors.
I value and respect all my supervisees and clients as individuals, regardless of race, religion, culture, background, gender or individual identity. Please contact me to enquire further. We can then arrange an online video call or meet in person to discuss how we would work together.
If we both feel comfortable and you would like me to be your supervisor, then we can book a 1.5 hour session, either face to face or online. helen@riverwaycounselling.co.uk
Contact form
Or email me directly on helen@riverwaycounselling.co.uk.
