About Jo
MY PHILOSOPHY
I'm passionate about how the therapeutic relationship can facilitate insight and believe in the human capacity for change. My philosophy is that every person has worth, the right to decide their own future and a person should feel safe and secure in order to explore their sense of self.
If a person is provided with the right conditions for growth - they'll always move towards change
The type of therapy I offer is relational, person-focussed and yet challenging – meaning I work with a wide variety of presenting issues. I have worked with a diversity of clients and mental health concerns - predominantly age 16+, experiencing anxiety, low mood, depression, trauma, grief, loneliness or difficulties in interpersonal relationships. I believe that through understanding how you are in the world, you can create a greater self-awareness and understanding for self and other.
I describe myself as fascinated by the stories people tell themselves & of themselves, and the affect of interpersonal relationships.
Alongside being a psychotherapist, I’m also an EMDR Therapist. EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation & reprocessing) is now part of WHO & NICE guidelines and part of the suite of therapies offered by the NHS. To find out more about this option, and how it aligns with my own way of working, you can find information here.
About me
“Originally heralding from the Midlands, I made Brighton my hometown over a decade ago. It’s where I became a wife and mother, & both of those events are what propelled me into therapy!
“Yet, my transition into motherhood meant having to navigate the loss of my identity - reflecting on how I was raised (and if I wanted to raise my own children in the same manner). Coupled with the expectations I felt society placed upon me, a growing sense of anxiety, and how my relationship with my partner shifted and evolved, I turned to personal therapy to help me understand my Self on a deeper level. It is through my continuing personal development that I have broadened my social and political awareness, and why I incorporate aspects of feminist therapy into my work”
I’m also secretary to EMDR Sussex - a regional branch of EMDR UK
Information about my EMDR sessions can be found via The EMDR Clinic
My experience
In addition to private practice, I’ve worked as an honorary psychotherapist within an NHS service offering counselling interventions to members of staff.
As a practitioner, I’ve worked as a voluntary therapist at an inner city college in the Midlands (age 16+) and been a voluntary counsellor working with families and carers of substance users within the Brighton & Hove area. My work with both placements often focussed on clients beginning to safely to express feelings. exploring their interpersonal relationships and vulnerability in the face of tragedy.
Qualifications & training
I’m an Accredited Professional (PNCPS Acc.) by The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
BA (Hons) First Class - Humanistic Counselling Practice
EMDR Training (Level 1, 2 & 3)
Group Therapy Facilitator (TA & Gestalt)
In addition to professional development within;
Obsessions, rumination & Intrusive thoughts
Couples / Relationship Therapy
Relational Trauma & Attachment
Somatic & Body Psychotherapy approaches to trauma
The Challenge of Racism in Therapy & Supervision
Six part story method (6PSM)
Level 2 & Level 3 in Counselling skills & theory
TA101: Introduction to Transactional Analysis
Working with families and carers of substance users
Working creatively with adolescents & young people
Other info;
Fully insured
Enhanced DBS check