Jo

About me

My counselling is inclusive and affirming of gender, sexual and relationship diversity, and I work with any issues someone might bring. I also have a particular interest in:

• Life transitions and coping with change
• Suicidal thoughts and feelings
• Mental health diagnoses and recovery
• Depression; anxiety
• Exploration of sexuality and intimacy, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, asexual and changing or questioning sexuality.
• Diversity of gender identity and expression, including trans, non-binary, masculine, feminine and fluid gender identity, and its impact on sense of self and relationships
• Diversity of relationship models and/or sexual practices, e.g. monogamous, poly, open, casual, kink/BDSM, etc.
• Psychedelic preparation and integration therapy

Realising that you need to talk to someone is the toughest, and also bravest first step. Whether you are in the midst of a crisis, or wanting to come to terms with something that happened long ago, counselling can provide some calm and space in our busy lives and fast-changing world. You would be free to choose how you use your counselling sessions, and I will be alongside you as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in any area of you life.

You might want to increase self-awareness and deepen understanding about feelings, relationships and behaviour patterns, and to develop strategies and resilience in response to life’s challenges. You might want to navigate through a difficult time, seek emotional healing, set yourself goals, or simply see what comes up.  I can help you to explore new ways to manage trauma and distress, navigate a life transition, or explore relationship dynamics that are not working for you.  

My counselling approach prioritises the relationship between the two of us as a safe and confidential place, and I will respect you as a whole person rather than focus solely on a problem, label or diagnosis.  I understand that everyone is unique, and everyone has their own experiences and understanding of the world we live in, our relationships and the things that have happened to us.

My training is in humanistic psychotherapeutic counselling, and this approach emphasises our capacity for autonomy, growth, and the freedom to shape and give meaning to our lives. Whilst not working with specific techniques or methods, for those of you who might be interested, my approach is person-centred and influenced by theoretical teachings such as Gestalt, Focusing, Existential Psychotherapy, Transactional Analysis and Systemics (family dynamics). 

I have been providing long and short term counselling and psychotherapy since 2017, and I also offer psychedelic preparation and integration therapy.  I have previously worked as an honorary counsellor for an LGBTQ mental health charity, a counsellor in local secondary schools, and for Brighton & Hove Switchboard helpline.  

To find out more, please get in touch for a free initial conversation by phone or video.