Specialist Relationship Therapy & Counselling

Helen Rice MA MSc MBACP Relate-certified

Specialist support you can trust

As a Specialist Relationship Therapist & Psychotherapist, in private practice for over 10 years, I am one of the area's leading therapists. I have a proven track record in working effectively with individuals, couples and families dealing with a broad spectrum of relationship difficulties and personal challenges - evidenced in the Testimonials section.

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Effective therapy designed around you & your needs

Research consistently shows that it is the quality of the relationship between a client and therapist that is most likely to lead to a successful outcome, rather than any specific discipline or therapeutic technique. It is this relationship that I place at the heart of my practice.

 

My clients are enabled to distinguish the very personal barriers that have been in the way of having the life and relationships they want, and then encouraged to take the real-life steps to achieve their goals. Learning to reflect on current & past circumstances, and being willing to tackle challenges with a sense of neutrality and non-judgement in a safe and supportive environment is the key to success. This process allows real, lasting and transformative changes to be made - naturally and with ease. My clients often discover this ultimately leads to positive changes in many other relationships, and areas of life too!

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Unrivalled expertise
My training and experience is extensive and I believe I offer my clients an unrivalled degree of support, understanding & insight into relational difficulties of all kinds because of this. Notably, I completed 3 years dedicated academic study & supervised practice to qualify as a Specialist Relationship Therapist - MA Relationship Therapy (University of Hull, with Relate). By contrast many therapists offering 'couples counselling' have taken a short course as an add-on to a general counselling qualification. 

 

As you would expect, I also have a solid foundation in Counselling & Counselling Skills (Foundation & Diploma, University of London) as well as an MSc Applied Psychology (University of Surrey). Additionally, I have benefitted from extensive personal development coaching training (Landmark Education) and corporate mentoring training. I have an ongoing commitment to my own Continuous Professional Development and supervision.

 

An integrative approach - bringing theories & practice together

I draw on a wide range of theoretical ideas and practical techniques to support each client/ couple in a unique and personal way that best suits them and the issues they are dealing with.

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Theoretically speaking, I incorporate psychodynamic, systemic, existential, narrative, compassion-based and other therapeutic ideas in my approach, as well as the latest neuro-scientific thinking on trauma recovery, to help clients make sense of their difficulties. Practical interventions include reflective homework, life-coaching techniques, psycho-education and facilitated exercises in sessions when they may be useful.

 

For those couples wanting to address difficulties with sex, I offer a Sensate Focus approach which combines talking therapy with a cognitive behavioural programme of self-guided practical exercises.

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Qualifications

• MA Relationship Therapy, Relate Institute with University of Hull

• MSc Applied Psychology, University of Surrey

• Relate Certified Counsellor (senior practitioner status)

• Level 5 HEFCE Counselling & Counselling Skills, University of London

• Accredited Register Member British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy - (MBACP) Registration number 137257

 

Experience

• Relate Certified Counsellor for work with couples, individuals & families

• Founder of relationship counselling & lovelife coaching website www.belovecurious.com

• Personal development coaching at Landmark Education & mentor in corporate roles

• Professionally, 20+ years experience as social research consultant to HM Government & other public and commercial organisations in UK & abroad.

 

Media

• A regular commentator on relationship & dating issues. My advice has been featured in Psychologies Magazine, Happiful (a Counselling Directory publication), the Daily Mail YOU Magazine, Metro daily newspaper, New! Magazine, Saga UK online, Tesco Magazine & Bournemouth Echo. See: www.belovecurious.com/inspiration/in-the-press/