Welcome to Counselling with Emma Heylen
About me
I have lived in different countries, worked in pastoral care for over twenty years and have provided relationship skills training to students for seven years helping them with relationship issues. I am a qualified counsellor and have experience working with young people and adults with a range of different issues. I initially qualified as a person-centred counsellor which helps me to treat you as a unique person and I recently completed my BA (Hons) degree in integrative counselling, specialising in developmental (early) trauma. I work creatively to help you sort through some of your thoughts and behaviours. I draw from models such as (CBT) cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, transactional analysis, mindfulness and gestalt. Counselling can sometimes be difficult but together we can focus on your goals and the rewards can be life-changing. I see clients one to one for both short and long term work and although I work from a Christian worldview, my own life experiences help me to understand and respect people with different worldviews.
I am a member and registered with ACC (Association Of Christian Counsellors) and continue my professional development by meeting regularly with a group of counsellors and attending monthly supervision. I also attend professional development days throughout the year.
Testimonials
What have you found most helpful?
Being able to explore my feelings, especially the ones that I'm ashamed of or embarrassed about, and to feel accepted and validated as I did so. I feel like I have a much clearer sense of who I am at the deepest level, but more importantly that who I am is OK. I feel as though I truly like myself for the first time. (Male 30's)
Emma is empathic, kind and allowed me to make discoveries about myself in a safe space. I loved the creative elements of our sessions. She helped me to explore issues at my own pace. (Female 50's)
Very useful for anyone in my state of mind. Helped with opening up and sharing feelings with friends and family. (Male 30's)
It has been really beneficial to have counselling within the context of my faith, even if at times I have found that hard as my tendency is to try and compartmentalise my mental health and my faith. I have validated and heard. I have also felt that Emma has demonstrated high levels of empathy which again has validated my struggles and concerns. (Female 30's)
I have found it helpful to be able to learn to recognise my own feelings in my life as well as be in an environment where I feel safe to talk about them. (Male 20's)