Elections 2025: Helen Carouzos

I am an experienced Trustee, and bring strong leadership, strategic oversight, and stakeholder engagement skills.

My background in guiding initiatives and managing resources will help me support the BPS's mission and goals.

I'm committed to working collaboratively to make a positive impact in the community.

My leadership inspires and supports staff and members, creating a positive, motivated environment.

I can identify risks early and take steps to manage them, strengthening the society.

I also use my communication skills to build trust and collaborate with members, the public, and organisational partners.

Additionally, overseeing the society's performance and ensuring resources are used wisely is a responsibility I take seriously.

I believe my role isn't just about oversight but about empowering others, inspiring confidence, and helping the society thrive.

My recent experience overseeing the counselling service at N-compass in Preston (2019–2024), a charity operating across England to help people regain control of their lives and find hope and purpose through Carers, Advocacy, Wellbeing, Counselling, and Volunteering Services, has deepened my understanding of mental health support and the importance of compassionate care.

This heartfelt involvement has enriched my perspective as a Trustee, allowing me to bring warmth, insight, and practical understanding of real-world needs to my contributions.

My dedication to mental health, combined with my leadership and strategic skills, positions me well to support the BPS's vital work and help foster a supportive, collaborative community.

My involvement in primary school committees (1990–2017) in Australia, the UK, and a Greek school in Salford has improved my skills in collaboration with diverse groups, decision-making, and community engagement.

These roles deepened my understanding of child development and mental health, helping me make thoughtful decisions and strengthen my leadership and teamwork.

For example, identifying educational needs and organising activities to raise vital funds to purchase equipment and resources.

These skills are certainly valuable for guiding the BPS towards its goals.

My time (1990–2007) as an Executive Committee Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Counselling Psychologists and then later serving as State Treasurer of Victoria gave me valuable insights into the society's structure, member needs, and the challenges within counselling psychology.

Additionally, it provided me with experience in financial oversight, budgeting, and a strong sense of accountability.

These roles have equipped me to advocate effectively for members, contribute to strategic decisions, and ensure sound financial management for the society.

Additionally, my experience as Vice President of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association of Australia (EAPAA) has further strengthened my leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and understanding of organisational governance.

It also highlights my commitment and passion for mental health support and workplace wellbeing, which aligns with the society's mission.

Over the last 25 years, my experience in counselling, coaching, and consultancy across Australia and the UK, along with managing my private practice, has honed my skills in organisation, management, decision-making, and ethics.

This background enables me to make fair, informed decisions and effectively fulfil my responsibilities as a Trustee.

Inclusivity and diversity enrich the BPS by fostering a welcoming environment for all.

My work with menopausal women, including those with late-diagnosed ADHD, has highlighted the importance of listening to their unique experiences and respecting their perspectives.

I consider cultural, social, and personal factors influencing their menopause experiences, prioritising a safe, non-judgmental space for sharing concerns.

By acknowledging diversity in age, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and health beliefs, I can tailor support and interventions to each individual.

When the society embraces diverse perspectives and backgrounds, it allows us to better understand the needs and challenges of all groups.

Promoting inclusivity and diversity is fundamental to the integrity and effectiveness of psychology as a discipline.

This not only makes psychological research and practice more fair and relevant, but also helps build a society where everyone feels valued and understood.

The society's commitment to support this vision can include actions such as implementing diversity and inclusion training for members and staff, developing outreach programmes aimed at underrepresented groups, and promoting inclusive research practices.

The society recognises that challenges such as unconscious bias, systemic barriers, and historical inequalities exist, and is dedicated to actively addressing and overcoming them.

It's about creating a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to contribute, no matter who they are.

For example, I have worked with employers to psycho-educate, support, and provide recommendations to improve workplace productivity and morale for neurodivergent employees.

My ongoing work with the neurodiversity community highlights the importance of adopting personalised, respectful, and flexible approaches that recognise and celebrate each individual's unique experiences and strengths.

Promoting inclusivity and diversity is a neuro-affirming approach that values difference, challenges stigma, and sees strength in varied ways of thinking and being.

This helps to ensure that the society's work stays grounded in the realities of those it serves.

Whether they're reviewing strategy, supporting staff, members or forming working groups, it's essential the society lead with curiosity, humility, and care.

This helps build good working relationships, trust and keeps communities at the heart of decision-making.

This can ensure that psychological services are accessible and meaningful for people with diverse neurological profiles, fostering a more equitable society.

As a counselling psychologist, I further embrace inclusivity and diversity by listening to current and former footballers, fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

My work ensures that psychological support reflects the rich variety of experiences and backgrounds, making mental health support more accessible and meaningful for all.

By addressing diverse challenges and challenging taboos and stigma in the football industry, I help create a caring community that promotes wellbeing and reduces inequalities.

Furthermore, when the BPS champions diversity, it empowers psychologists from different backgrounds, enriching the field with new perspectives and ideas.

Embracing inclusivity and diversity means listening to communities with open hearts. By understanding their stories, we foster a caring world where everyone feels seen and respected.

Kind listening builds a compassionate society where all can thrive together.

An Elected Trustee plays a vital role in creating a vibrant, member-centred community.

Acting as a bridge between the society's vision and its diverse members, the Elected Trustee actively listens to their needs and aspirations, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making.

By engaging with psychologists across various fields, the Elected Trustee gathers insights on what truly matters, whether it is professional development, networking, or advocacy for mental health issues.

Having served on various committees, I know that empowering members to participate is essential.

As an Elected Trustee, I promote open, inclusive discussions to ensure transparency, shared ownership, and a united community.

My experience organising networking events on mental health topics, such as the Psychology of Relationships and Finance, has brought together psychology professionals and the public, fostering authentic conversations that showcase how psychologists can enhance quality of life.

This commitment to mental wellbeing extends to my support for a women's football team in Cheshire, where I focus on promoting resilience and empowerment both on and off the pitch.

This partnership has proven highly effective and is often seen as the missing element in pre- and post-match mentality for athletes, allowing them to thrive in competitive environments while maintaining their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Feedback from these events highlights engaging discussions and the vibrant energy created in these supportive spaces, reinforcing the sense of belonging within our community.

A meaningful membership identity involves promoting inclusivity and recognising each member's unique contributions, such as advocating for tailored resources that support different psychology specialties to ensure everyone feels valued and included in the conversation.

Trust is key to a strong community. An Elected Trustee must lead with integrity, be transparent, consistent, and accountable.

When members trust their leaders, they engage more and feel proud to be part of the BPS, creating a thriving environment where psychologists connect and work together to advance the field.

Through my committee work and networking groups, I've seen the vital role Trustees can play in fostering belonging.

I'm excited to lead a panel on Mental Health in Football, featuring players, coaches, club leaders, and psychologists, to explore the psychological challenges athletes face and how mental health support enhances performance and wellbeing.

Collaborating with fellow psychologists is especially impactful in helping former players navigate identity and purpose beyond their athletic careers.

Reflecting on our community's progress is vital. An Elected Trustee welcomes feedback to evaluate BPS initiatives' impact.

Community identity evolves, and by embracing new experiences, we can adapt and thrive.

Flexibility and openness to new ideas keep our community vibrant, ensuring everyone feels valued and included, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and meaningful engagement.

In summary, the Elected Trustee is a steward of the community's spirit. By listening, advocating, and leading with integrity, they create a space where members belong and thrive.

Through their dedication, Trustees build a legacy of a dynamic, inclusive, and meaningful community, inspiring future generations to contribute.

How long have you known the candidate?

Seven years.

When have you worked with the candidate or come into contact with them?

I have worked with Helen as a clinical supervisor for her counselling psychology practice since 2018.

Why do you think the candidate would make a great trustee?

Helen is a very experienced, highly ethical and skilled Counselling Psychologist who deeply cares about her work.

I was very pleased to learn that she has decided to apply to become a Trustee within the BPS as in my opinion she is a very suitable candidate for the role.

Helen has a range of relevant leadership, organisational and governance experience that would help her to carry out the role.

She is also highly committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity within our profession which she demonstrates within her practice.

Helen has excellent skills and abilities in creating vibrant communities where members feel cared for and proud of belonging and working in.

I believe Helen would make an excellent contribution to being a Trustee within the BPS and I highly recommend her for the role.

How long have you known the candidate?

Over four years.

When have you worked with the candidate or come into contact with them?

I first met Helen Carouzos at the start of 2021 when we were both working as coaches for the ADHD Centre.

During this time, we regularly attended group supervision sessions together, which provided insight into Helen's coaching approach and professional ethos.

Our professional relationship developed further when I founded Neuro Directions Ltd and Helen joined as an endorsed Neuro Direction Coach.

Over the past two years, I have had more regular contact with Helen through our peer supervision sessions, collaborative discussions, and endorsement processes, allowing me to observe her practice in greater depth and get to know her as both a colleague and a valued contributor to our neurodivergent coaching community.

Why do you think the candidate would make a great trustee?

I am confident that Helen Carouzos would make an outstanding Elected Trustee for the British Psychological Society.

As a HCPC registered counselling psychologist and Chartered Member of the BPS, Helen brings over 20 years of experience across counselling and coaching psychology, and organisational settings.

Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to psychological practice and governance.

Helen's strategic insight is evident in her work with organisations, where she delivers mental wellbeing workshops and executive coaching, enhancing performance at individual, team, and organisational levels.

Her ability to translate psychological principles into actionable strategies demonstrates sound judgment and a strong grasp of corporate governance.

Her communication skills are exceptional. Helen has facilitated discussions on topics like the psychology of money, fostering open dialogues that destigmatise complex issues.

Her approachable demeanor and ability to engage diverse audiences make her a valuable asset in collaborative environments.

Helen's leadership is marked by integrity and cultural sensitivity. Her work in diverse communities and her emphasis on inclusivity align with the society's values.

She is known for her ability to challenge constructively, fostering environments where diverse perspectives are valued.

In summary, Helen's extensive experience, strategic acumen, and commitment to ethical practice make her an exemplary candidate for the Trustee role.

Her contributions would undoubtedly support the society's mission and governance.