Dr Ben Helliwell

(he/him)

Chartered Clinical Psychologist | CBT| Trauma Informed Psychologist - Online Therapy

Dr Ben Helliwell

Dr Ben Helliwell

Dr Ben is a Clinical Psychologist with a particular interest in how people cope with chronic pain, fatigue and the emotional impact of long-term health conditions. He's drawn to this work because these experiences often shape every part of a person's life, and he understands how overwhelming it can feel when symptoms, stress and uncertainty build up over time.

Ben's approach is calm, practical and collaborative. He takes time to listen fully and help people make sense of what's going on, without rushing or overcomplicating things. Clients often say they value his steadiness and the feeling that they can speak openly without judgement.

In therapy, he draws on evidence-based psychological models—including cognitive-behavioural, health psychology and compassion-focused approaches—but always adapts them to fit each person's circumstances. His focus is on finding realistic, meaningful ways forward rather than searching for quick fixes.

What Ben finds most rewarding is seeing people regain confidence and reconnect with what matters to them, even when progress feels slow or uncertain. His core values include integrity, curiosity, respect and practical wisdom. He believes the therapeutic relationship is central to change, and works at a pace that feels safe, supportive and grounded.

Above all, Ben aims to help people understand their experiences, feel more in control, and move toward a life that feels steadier and more manageable.

Dr Ben's Education and Training

Education:
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology - Lancaster University
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)- University of Leeds
Bachelor of Science (BSc[Hons]) in Psychology - Lancaster University

Publications:
Simpson, J., Helliwell, B., Varese, F., & Powell, P. (2020). Self-disgust mediates the relationship between childhood adversities and psychosis. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59(2), 260–275. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12245

Taylor, C. D. J., Helliwell, B., Coleman, R., Sutton, C. J., Hutton, P., Sylvestre, Y., Bird, L., Shields, G., Kelly, J. A., Brandwood-Spencer, T., Boland, A., Sharrock-Ingham, E., Babatunde, B., Beech, A., Vikram, A., Guillemard, S., Arntz, A., Harper, S. F., & Berry, K. (2025). iMAgery Focused Therapy for PSychosis (iMAPS-2): An assessor-blind feasibility randomized controlled clinical trial. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 51(Suppl_3), S317–S335. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbaf060