Helen Baker Eclectic Counselling & Coaching: growth through connection

03/03/2026

In dbt as well as intuitive painting, expressive therapies and sand tray we often sit beside our feelings. We feel them without judgement, explore what they might be telling us. Allowing them to just be is part of creating your healing edge

03/03/2026

Welcome to Helen Baker Eclectic Counselling & Coaching for 2026 🌿
Welcome to the new year at HBECC. There are some exciting things that are coming this year, and I want to share them with you and also refamiliarize you with how I work.
Firstly, I’m a Mental Health Social Worker who loves adventure, travel, my family and our beloved pets. I’ve lived a rural life for many years now, and I treasure the grounding that brings — though I also love visiting cities and soaking up their energy from time to time. I’m an artist who loves intuitive painting, mixed media and also have a daily meditation practice.
I understand that healing is not always linear. It is layered, symbolic, storied. It lives in images, metaphors, movement, sand trays, color, conversation and silence.
✨ What is eclectic counselling?
Eclectic counselling means I do not work from one single rigid model. Instead, I draw thoughtfully from a range of evidence-based therapies and creative approaches, blending them in a way that suits you.
No two people are the same — so why should therapy be?
An eclectic approach allows sessions to be flexible, responsive and personalized. Some days we may focus on practical skills and strategies. Other days we may explore symbols, stories, emotions or body awareness. It means your therapy is shaped around your needs, your strengths and your pace.
✨ What I offer (through a creative and compassionate lens):
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed sessions and programs
• Sand play
• Symbol work
• Expressive therapies
• Talk therapy
Creativity in my practice doesn’t mean you have to be “artistic.” It means we allow space for imagination, metaphor, story, embodiment and new perspectives. It means we work gently and collaboratively to discover what healing looks like for you.
I draw from a wide range of knowledge and skills to offer a personalized, holistic service tailored to your individual needs. My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, empowering and grounded.
Current referrals accepted include:
• Mental Health Care Plans (gap fee applies)
Work Cover
• NDIS (self-managed)
Self-referral
• Open door
If you’re navigating life transitions, emotional overwhelm, trauma, or simply feeling the quiet nudge that something new is possible — you are warmly welcome here.
In 2026 I am also training in Havening and will be offering this later in the year. Stay tuned for developments in this exciting way of working with the nervous system.

18/12/2025

The practice is now closed until January 7th. Thank you everyone for making 2025 so successful. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

15/12/2025

29/11/2025

For years I have been frightened of using canva, these past weeks I have been teaching myself how to use it, yep my mind was limiting me.

10/07/2025

Day 4 of my month long practice at the office. Dedicating ten minutes of painting time - its meant to be each time I come to the practice but I tend to forget so it ends up one paint session per week. Today I painted red, gold and white. It's still just some layers but there are bits im loving. I also can't get enough gold. Alchemy is happening - I hope.

26/06/2025

Earlier this year I was asked a question from a counselling client? What else do you offer? I found myself telling them about an idea that was forming for an 8 week group. Last night we finished, through the time together we painted layer upon layer of our painting. The final layer, our wings. We meditated weekly, discussed spheres of wellness and intuitively created our beautiful wings, each painting very different and very meaningful to each of us.
If you are interested in going on the wait list for the next round of the creative frequency group and painting your own wings please let me know.

30/05/2025

Lately I have been using mandalas in sessions to help explore thoughts and feelings. They are often used to explore our inner worlds, promote balance and engage mindfulness.

Creating mandalas gives us freedom and power. The colours we use, the emotions we express, the ability to observe ourselves and self reflect.

I've been adding symbols to mine as it enables strengthening of the message on the page. Psychologist Carl Jung believed that mandalas assisted with bringing the sub conscious thoughts to the conscious therefore making them visible.
This activity is a favourite of mine and often really fun.

08/05/2025

Today I Played with funky fish and paint pens. What do you think is going on in this card? Are they fighting, playing or hugging or something else?

Today's adventure included discussing about feelings, big and small without judgement. The gingerbread man shows my interpretation of the card. Such fun with funky fish today.

03/05/2025

Do you have a meditation practice? Is it daily, weekly or whenever you think about it? Do you know there are health benefits associated with meditation. Including reducing stress, improved memory and concentration also improved emotional well being. I have had a daily meditation practice for over five years now. I credit my more calmer attitude to meditation. Could meditation be of benefit to you?
There are a variety of apps you can use for your practice. Some are fee others are fee for service. If you are interested in starting a practice they are worth looking at. I would be lost without my insight timer app. I would be interested in hearing about other apps you use.

03/04/2025

One of the things I love offering is expressive and playful therapies. I have so much fun with clients learning about themselves through cards, bubbles, sand, symbols and movement. Working with fairy tales is also a favourite thing to do.