Jo Read

I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, which means that I will collaborate with every person to tailor and adapt my approach depending on whatever brings you to therapy and how you'd prefer to work. 

My work is rooted in a relational, person-centred approach. I think that therapeutic change is more possible through a genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, accepted, and supported to explore your experiences at your own pace. This means also considering the impact of relationships, identity and the wider context of your life, as well as personal experiences. 

I have a Â鶹ԭ´´ accredited Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy, and a Masters degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have also completed a full post-qualifying certificate in Integrative Embodied Psychotherapy. 

Next month I will complete a year of training with Babette Rothschild in Somatic Trauma Therapy. I undertake regular and ongoing CPD to continually develop and expand my knowledge and approach. 

I am an accredited and registered member of the Â鶹ԭ´´.

I aim to create a warm, flexible and non-judgemental space where you can feel truly heard and understood, and focus on whatever feels most urgent for you within each of our sessions. 

There will be space to discuss your goals or focus for the therapy, and every six-eight sessions we will make space to return to this to check-in on progress and/or make revisions.

I understand that therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming, and I aim to hold the space and gently work alongside you to explore your thoughts and feelings. It is my hope that in time, we can build trust so that our sessions feel safe enough for you to bring your most authentic self. 

I offer an initial 50 minute session to explore whether we might like to work together for further therapy. This session is charged at the standard rate, and is a one off session with no expectation to continue.  I encourage every person to take time to think about whether they would like to continue working with me, and whether my approach feels like a good fit. I will also think carefully about whether I think I can meaningfully help and support you within my current skills and experience. This is because a strong alliance between therapist and client can be a very important part of what can lead to therapy being successful.

If we decide to work together, I will share my counselling agreement with you, with opportunities to discuss any questions that come up. Once we agree, we will each have a copy of this to keep and refer back to if needed. We will make space to establish a focus or goals for our work together, with an agreement to check-in on how the sessions are going every six-eight sessions so that we can adapt as necessary.