My name is Helen Chatfield and I am the founder of Compassionate Conversations. Prior to starting this venture, I worked for the NHS and Social Care sector providing psychological therapies for over 23 years. I have worked with people of all ages but have specialised particularly in working with children and adolescents and their families/carers.
I am extremely passionate about helping and supporting others to improve their wellbeing, mental health and overall functioning. I believe sincerely in talking therapies and the power they have in helping people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
I have a wealth of experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder, bereavement, conflictual relationships, neurodivergence and children looked after or adopted.
I qualified as a Clinical Social Worker in 2000, initially working for the Social Care sector before moving into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), where I progressed my career and therapeutic skills by undertaking specialised therapeutic trainings. I have a particular interest and passion in working interpersonally with people and truly believe that relationships can be pivotal in understanding and supporting our emotional wellbeing.
I hold a Post-Graduate Diploma in Systemic Practice with Families and Couples and advanced training in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT/IPTA). In addition, I have been trained (under Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust) to deliver Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR (trauma therapy) and Non Violent Resistance therapy (NVR). I have also completed the National Autism Programme training, and I have a special interest in adapting therapy to meet the needs of neurodivergent people. This is close to my own heart having two neurodivergent children myself and having navigated assessments, therapy, crises and the education, health and social care systems.
Outside of therapeutic practice, I teach at the Anna Freud Centre and UCL on their post graduate diplomas in IPTA and also Autism and Learning Disabilities, supporting developing therapists on their journeys. I also offer IPT/A supervision.