Helen Simpson

Background

About Helen Simpson

I am a therapist, artist and comic writer and performer. I am a qualified Occupational Therapist and use ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) in my work and my own personal life. ACT is a from of CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). It is a treatment used in many medical settings including mental health and physical illness, It is different from most other therapies in that it does not focus on symptoms and getting rid of them. It looks more on how to live a life of meaning alongside difficult thoughts, feelings and physical pain. However the treatment does reduce how much you suffer from these things. There are now thousands of peer reviewed clinical trials proving the effectiveness of ACT. I deliver the ACT act which is an interactive comedy performance that teaches people about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have delivered this to the UEA, NHS Wellbeing Service and staff at the charity MInd. I also am a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist and member of the BABCP and use this to deliver individual and group therapy to adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression. I originally trained as an Occupational Therapist and have worked for over 30 years in mental health, I am a member of the Health Care Professions Council and you can check my registration at I can deliver ACT to groups or individuals privately. My private rate is £60 an hour for individuals and starting at £120 and hour for groups. Presently this is via Zoom which anyone can access if they have a computer with audio, video and internet access. I am quite happy to use the telephone if preferred, I am also a community artist and have created a number of works the most memorable being a 40 metre knitted scarf created by hundreds of people to celebrate a local LGBT festival, In 2010 I got together with two others and started the Magdalen street celebration This was a way of celebrating the cultural and racial diversity of the place where I live as well as the environmental and financial benefits of using local and independance shops. I am also a comic writer and performer of sketches and stand-up which have been aired on BBC Radio Norfolk. You can see some of my stand up on my facebook page