Helen McNamara

Sleep & Insomnia Specialist, Occupational Therapist

BSc, PGCert

From £85.00 (50 minute session)

Helen McNamara is a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) who has specialised in sleep and insomnia since 2017, working across both the NHS and private practice. With a deep understanding of how sleep affects every aspect of wellbeing, she offers a holistic, person-centred approach. Helen works collaboratively with each client to explore their lifestyle, priorities and challenges, ensuring that treatment feels both achievable and sustainable.

Qualifications and Training

Helen is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the British Sleep Society. Committed to helping people make meaningful, long-term improvements to their sleep, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Behaviour Change with the University of Derby.

She trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) with the University of Oxford. CBTi is the recommended first-line treatment for insomnia and an effective approach for a wide range of sleep difficulties. Helen has also completed training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training with Dr Russ Harris. These evidence-based therapies underpin and enrich her work in sleep health.

Experience

Helen’s clinical background spans a variety of NHS services, including inpatient wards, community mental health, addiction and eating disorder services. Prior to specialising in sleep, she designed a wellbeing programme for oncology patients, which has since been adopted across her NHS trust; she also contributed to a related textbook published in 2023.

As awareness continues to grow around the role of sleep in women’s health, particularly during midlife, Helen has presented at and facilitated numerous conferences and events focused on women’s wellbeing.

Her broad experience allows her to recognise the complex interplay between sleep, stress, health, lifestyle and environment. Helen works gently and at a pace that feels manageable for each individual, offering tailored strategies that meet people exactly where they are.

Who Helen Works With

Helen supports adults and young people aged 16 and over who are struggling to achieve restful, restorative sleep. When working with younger clients, she collaborates closely with parents or carers to develop healthy routines and practical strategies that promote better sleep for the whole household.