Helen Logan, who practices psychotherapy at Cowdray’s Therapy Rooms, describes how an acting career and voluntary work inspired her to train as a psychotherapist. Helen also talks about how therapy can be hugely transformational and how rewarding it is to help her clients.

About Helen

Helen is a BACP Accredited psychotherapist with over 30 years of counselling experience. She practices integrative therapy, which means that she uses a variety of different theoretical counselling models tailored to each individual client and their presenting issues. Sessions are conversational in style and are very much a collaborative process with the aim of allowing the client a better understanding of themselves and the issues they have. Helen has a particular interest in the treatment of anxiety, addiction and trauma, but with her breadth of experience and knowledge welcomes clients with any areas of concern, be that current or historical.

Helen regularly provides training to other therapists and counselling organisations. To book, please email Helen: loganhel@outlook.com or visit her website.

What made you decide to become a psychotherapist?
I initially trained in drama but as I embarked on an acting career, I discovered that the part I really enjoyed was not the being on the stage but rather the psychological exploration and understanding of the character. This, combined with voluntary work I started doing in my late teens for The Samaritans firmly pointed me in the direction of re-training in psychotherapy!

I find the process of helping a client make better sense of themselves, their experiences and their feelings hugely rewarding, and I never fail to be inspired of the changes that clients make to their lives. It’s a wonderful job to have.

Can you describe your training?
After completing a foundation in counselling, I undertook a Master’s degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at London’s Regent College. My training is what’s called ‘integrative’ – which means that I studied several key models of psychotherapeutic theory. I choose this course because I wanted to have a broad understanding of the different approaches to understanding human psychology rather than one particular model as I believe that psychotherapy works best when you can adapt the therapeutic approach to each individual client and their specific personality and needs.

An essential requirement of being accredited with the British Association of Psychotherapy – my professional body – is that all psychotherapists undertake ongoing professional development. This is an important qualitative element of being a therapist which helps to ensure that we keep up to date with new research, ideas, and techniques.

What exactly is psychotherapy and who might come to see a psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and client, where through dialogue – either in person, or remotely (via the telephone or online) – the client’s concerns, issues, behaviours and thoughts can be fully explored in a supportive, neutral and safe environment.

Some people seek psychotherapy because they have felt depressed or anxious for a long time. They may have issues dating back many years that are interfering with their emotional or physical well-being. Others may have very current or short-term problems they need help navigating. They might be going through a divorce, facing an empty nest, feeling overwhelmed by a new job, or grieving a family member’s death, for example. Others might have addiction issues or relationship concerns. Sometimes an individual simply needs a space to vent and be heard by someone who will unconditionally listen and accompany them on that journey.

I find that sometimes clients arrive new to therapy worried that their problem somehow doesn’t warrant psychotherapy but my response to that is that if it matters to the individual and if it is causing distress or consternation then they are absolutely in the right place.

What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
I am rather biased of course being a psychotherapist myself, but I do believe that therapy can be hugely transformational in a number of far-reaching ways. Psychotherapy can help build self- esteem and self-worth; it can help to reduce anxiety or depression; it can provide the individual with a better understanding of themselves. Clients can develop a toolset of emotional resources and coping mechanisms and an overall template for healthier and happier living. Essentially, I believe that psychotherapy offers the possibility for the client to ‘meet themselves’ in a way that hasn’t previously been possible and that it can provide a strong foundation for lasting, life-long positive change.

And finally, what are your other interests?
I am an enthusiastic proponent of the physical and psychological benefits of cold-water immersion so in all weathers you might find me submerged in a huge water-filled old whisky barrel in my garden! I also enjoy swimming, walking and nature-spotting in this beautiful county and beyond. Having only recently moved to the area, a fair amount of my spare time is spent renovating the old cottage where my partner and I reside. It’s very much a labour of love!

Click here to find out more about Cowdray Therapy Rooms and our other therapists. To find out more about Helen, please visit her website.