Jo Easterbrook
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
"If this is not a place where tears are understood, Where do I go to cry? If this is not a place where my spirits can take wing, Where do I go to fly? If this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Where do I go to seek? If this is not a place where my feelings can be heard, Where do I go to speak?" W J Crockett
Welcome! I am a warm, caring informal and 'fully qualified' senior ex-Relate Singles and Couples Counsellor with 30yrs+ experience. My main specialism is all issues involving RELATIONSHIPS (including ABUSE). I also work with people living with a 'STOMA'. I see COUPLES/SINGLES/FAMILY/CHILDREN of all sexual orientations. I am also a SEX Therapist and Accredited FAMILY MEDIATOR, offering a flexible ‘No Waiting’ policy. My service is professional, relaxed and confidential in a private setting - I derive great joy seeing people become happy again.
Swanland, East Yorkshire, HU14 (within 6 miles of Hull city centre)
Over the past 34yrs I have gained a considerable amount of valuable experience through working as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist/Family Mediator/Lecturer. I have worked with all aspects and complexities of relationships from preparation for co-habitation or planning a baby, to reconciliation or divorce/Child related contact and residence Court cases and because of this I feel that I have been privileged in seeing relationships in a holistic way - 'The whole picture' is giving me valuable insight which helps me to help you. I look forward to meeting you :-
What happens during Couples Counselling?
As a Couples Counsellor I will work using different roles, for example; facilitator, mediator, Coach, container and observer. I will work to support both of you and will point out patterns and modes of communication over the course of my observations. I may encourage each of you to take responsibility for your own choices and actions. Above all, rather than sorting out the issues for you, I will teach you skills to resolve your own issues. I will give you exercises to do at home which will teach you skills and techniques
What are the benefits of Couples Counselling?
Talk about all issues in a safe environment.
Gain confidence in self-expression as a couple.
Improve communication levels through practice and with therapist feedback - I will give you tasks to do at home so that you can learn new skills.
Learn to negotiate and compromise with one another.
Learn to understand what is keeping you stuck as a couple and discover ways of moving forward.
Affairs, relationship breakdown, depression, anger, stress, anxiety, drinking, eating disorders etc can be symptoms of an underlying problem such as issues involving sex, past or childhood, or work issues etc which are not being dealt with. These symptoms are often a 'flag' used to draw attention to a problem. A way of saying HELP! All of which do not have to result in separation or divorce!!!
Sometimes people feel that they want to divorce when in actual fact they have other issues which are too difficult to deal with so they focus on something which they can control, like separation.
Things are not always as they seem - affairs for instance, need NOT mean the end, indeed, for some couples it is the beginning of a much deeper and more healthy relationship.
SERVICES AND THEORIES I AM 'QUALIFIED' TO OFFER.
- Couples, Singles, Children and Family counselling
- Psycho-Sexual Therapy
- Family Mediation
- Private tutoring for counselling students
- C.B.T, Person-Centred, Transactional Analysis, Psychodynamic and Systems Therapy.
Are you:
Wanting to speak to someone urgently and tired of being told you are on a waiting list which are sometimes double waiting lists and don’t want to wait for an appointment?
Need some support, coaching or guidance?
Relationship in trouble?
Shocking news?
Traumatised through eg: Rape, violence, anger, illness, accident or violence,
Childhood abuse that has finally come to the surface.
Feeling panicky, afraid, confused, angry, sad, devastated, worried, shocked, depressed, lost, lonely or just uneasy?
Gay and need help to 'come out'.
Cannot sort out contact or residence for the children?
Want help to pass counselling assignments?
Not happy sexually?
Low self-esteem?
Then you have come to the right place!
COUPLE AND SINGLES COUNSELLING
Some issues I work with:
- Preparation for: Pre-co-habitation, pre-marital, pre-natal or pre-divorce.
- Reconciliation or separation
- Life skills
- Sexual problems - for couples or singles
- Rape or Sexual abuse (past or present) - is it affecting your relationship
- Violence
- Anger issues/management
- Physical abuse (past or present) - it could be affecting your relationship
- Affairs - they do not just happen, there is usually a reason
- Keeping your relationship going (you do have to work at it)
- Trying to keep everyone happy
- Should I go or should I stay?
- Will I cause damage to the kids?
- General guidance
- General or work-place guidance
- Parental guidance
- Divorce / Separation guidance
- Want to talk something through for clarity or make important decisions.
- Want help and guidance to decide the next move
- Explore past or current issues, or future events
- Need to resolve difference with someone - family member not getting on with another etc?
- Think your ‘going mad’ or maybe your partner has said that you are (Gaslighting)
- Not sure if you are still ‘in love’
- Feel stuck or trapped
- Don't know how to break the news - particularly to children.
- S/He doesn't want sex
- 'He is only nice when he wants sex'
- We repeat the same old patterns
- Is change possible and will it last?
- Don't want to repeat habits or patterns
So, who am I and what do I have to offer you?
I am a mature, very experienced, caring, relaxed and empathic person who gets a lot of value from helping my clients develop and find happiness. Personally, I have experienced ‘life’ and some of its frailties; I know what being counselled feels like and of how important that relationship is between you; how scary your first crucial appointment can be and what the repercussions can be to have to wait ‘too long’ to be seen. Conversely, I know what it feels like to become ‘whole’ again and find happiness. It was at this stage, over 30years ago, that I decided that I wanted to become a counsellor and do for others as someone had once done for me. My whole career has since been devoted to working with and studying relationships within the caring profession.
Relationship counselling can involve other issues such as loss, rejection, betrayal, domestic abuse, affairs, choice, change, loss of trust, trauma, other family members – the list is endless. In counselling, skills are learned and in particular communication, which is the biggest perpetrator of relationship breakdown. It is surprising what actually surfaces and how much you learn about yourself and each other once you have decided to take that first step towards recovery……….. The worst bit is making that first approach and therefore, I hope that some of the following will give you some guidance about your choices.
Because you visited this site, it is highly likely that you are looking for help, coaching guidance and support - AND quickly; it may be something which you feel is relatively minor or it may be something very distressing which could prevent you from thinking properly. A possible consequence might mean that it is difficult to make a decision, even about which therapist to choose and, it is very important that you do choose the right person because this is the person who has to be entrusted with some of the most delicate areas in your life. It is imperative for you to feel trust, respect and have confidence in your therapist - this will make a difference to your recovery.
What you will NOT want, I guess, is to have to wait for an appointment or to be put on a double list.
So, how do you choose the right person for you?
Instinct is always a good indicator but to satisfy yourself explore before choosing your therapist - ask questions. Here are some of my answers to questions I might expect clients to ask.
- All my original qualifications are on display in my room - it is important that you actually see the qualifications.
- I have worked in excess of ten thousand practice hours
- I have been working for 32 uninterrupted years with the exception of the occasional week or two holiday.
- I work with singles, couples and families. I am a Psychosexual Therapist , Family Mediator, Coach, Children Counsellor and tutor of student counsellors.
- My specialist subjects are all aspects of relationships from pre-co-habitation/pre-natal guidance and counselling; reconciliation; divorce counselling. Sexual and Domestic Abuse, Childhood sexual abuse or trauma and Anger management.
- My fees are: Counselling fees £60 per hourly session - First session will be between 1 and 1 ½ hours.
- Psychosexual Therapy £60 pr session
- Family Mediation £60 each pr hourly session
- Family counselling £60 or hourly session.
Signs you have relationship problems
- questioning your love for each other
- communication breaks down
- sex has ended or causes problems
- arguments continue without resolution
- anger or violent eruptions
- nagging
- depression or other health problems recur
- the bond of trust is eroded or broken.
It is normal for relationships to suffer as the pressure and strains of everyday life occur. Love may disappear, replaced by resentment and anger. Each partner can view this differently depending on their own experience of family life. One may despair, while the other may view it as a temporary blip.
Where a couple has attached hastily - in response to a passion, pregnancy or other need, disappointments can surface and fester when the excitement subsides. Renegotiating, with a skilled counsellor, can help build a more realistic and deeper relationship.
Family Mediation
I am one of the few original non-solicitor family mediators who worked for the charity 'Hull Family Mediation Service' for 24 years. I now run a private practice and compete very strongly with the court's 'adversarial' system.
1. I am now retired from financial and house mediation but I still practice child Contact and Residency mediation.
2. Couples who are separating or separated and want to improve their relationship with each other as parents.
3. Family or any other disputes mediation
WHEN WOULD MEDIATION NOT WORK
- If it is too soon after your separation.
- If there has been any protection order placed.
- If there has been any violence or if you are afraid / feel intimidated by your ex.
- If there is a real power imbalance where you will feel manipulated by your ex.
- If either of you are not willing to negotiate your own outcome.
CLIENT FEEDBACK:
Hi Jo. Apologies for all of the tears. It’s a very emotional farewell.
As D said, we are so very grateful for everything you have done for all of us. You have saved our family and we will be forever grateful to you. Take care of yourself. G x
I just wanted to thank you again for getting me through the last couple of weeks and helping me find strength and confidence again. You truly are inspirational.
Thank goodness I have found you is all I can say!😁 A
I’ve had a few wobbles, but just accepting this is normal and feel in a stronger place. You really helped me, thank you so much xx
Thanks 🙏 couldn’t have got this far without all your support. You’re a big part of my A team 🙌 or maybe that should be my D (divorce) team 😂 thanks again 😊
😅 Thankyou. . You are lovely X R
I said I was horribly troubled by negative gremlins on one shoulder, and you said that, normally, most folks had a positive voice on the other. I had no idea of this. I set to work and had a think. The lad who was best placed to be on my other shoulder was the young Mike who got thro all that shite! He is ace and so so precious! We are teaming up and he sits on my other shoulder. He is so much stronger than these demons which don’t belong. We are telling them to fuck off now! A game changer. Bless your part in this Jo! I could cry with joy! Thank you!
Thank you so much jo 💖💖 you’ve helped me tremendously and I cannot thank you enough xx
Hi Jo, it’s S. I came to see you a couple of years ago regarding finding a girlfriend and letting my guard down with them. I just wanted to pass on that I have in fact found a girlfriend called ?? and we have been together approaching a year now. I wanted to make sure it was right before I messaged you! Thank you once again for your help and I really hope all is well with you? Regards, S
hi joe, thank you for today. i really needed that, we have worked things out. he’s been really stressed out. and we have talked and we both agreed we can’t take it out on eachother, i’m currently on the way to the meal thank you so much you have helped me not just today with everything. see you next week xx
Hello Jo. Thank you so much for last night. We were very comfortable discussing our issues with you. I felt confident in your approach to us and have faith in your support in which ever the outcome may be. You've given me some hope back thank you. Regards, H & E
Thank you so much again for your support and advice. I knew you would understand. It was lovely to hear your voice! 😊 xx
You are such a wonderful woman and thank you for all you have done and are doing for me xx
Thank you Jo and you too lovely lady xxx
Thanks for seeing me at short notice yesterday
It really helped to talk and I slept well
I can feel my old self coming back 👃
Thank you so much jo 💖💖 you’ve helped me tremendously and I cannot thank you enough xx
Many thanks Jo and all the best to you and your family for 2019. Thanks for all your help this year.
Jo many thanks for helping me get through 2018. I have a feeling 2019 going to be much better.
Hi jo, thank you for last night. I feel so much better today and almost feel normal after weeks of feeling awful. Thanks for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. I hope your mum makes a full recovery - A
Etc etc
Thank you so much for visiting my page. Jo
Training, qualifications & experience
Academic Qualifications:
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside 1996 BA (Hons) (Counselling). 2/1.
University of Lincolnshire and Humberside 1995 Diploma in Counselling
University of Huddersfield 1999 PGCE (Adult Education)
Professional Qualifications:
Herbert Grey College, Rugby 1996 Certificate CCMC (Relate)
National Family Mediation 1998 Certificate in Mediation
National Family Mediation 1998 Accreditation as Mediator
National Family Mediation 1998 Certificate in Supervision
Legal Aid Board 1998 Competent Assessment in Legal Aid Mediation
National Family Mediation 2000 Full Mediation Accreditation
Herbert Grey College, Rugby 2001 Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy (CBT/Psychodynamic
Professional Experience: Counsellor in Private Practice and with Relate
Thiry two years work as an Integrated Couples and 1-to-1 Counsellor; nineteen years as a Psychosexual Therapist; twenty nine years as a Children’s Counsellor/Mediator.
I was trained in many different theories including: Person-Centred, Family Systems, Solution Focussed, Couples, Psychodynamic, CBT & T.A. and use which ever is appropriate at the time.
In my private practice I have various contracts with: Chanel 4 TV; Private companies, Hull City Council, G.P’s, schools and private individuals. I have worked In excess of ten thousand practice hours.
· Family Mediator
Twenty seven continuous years, mediating families in conflict, with Hull and District Family Mediation Service;
eight years mediating with DSS, SEN/LEA in schools and workplace mediation.
· Professional Practice Consultant (Supervisor)
Twelve years work as a Professional Practice Consultant (Supervisor) for the Hull and District Mediation Service. In private practice I am a clinical supervisor for practicing and trainee counsellors. I train mediators to become qualified.
Further and Community Education Lecturer/Tutor
Nine year’s experience in community education outreaches, teaching various counselling and social skills courses, to adults.
Nine year’s experience teaching basic level to up to Counselling Degree courses.
I have worked for seven years at HM Prison Everthorpe, teaching social, life and basic skills.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred).
Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision.
Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training.
All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Relationship of all kinds including workplace relationships. This may involve counselling several people together.
Conflict Resolution
Family Mediation - save, possibly thousands of pounds on solicitor's fees. Resolve contact issues for the children and their parents.
Workplace Mediation - save a lot of heartache, money and prevent absences. Simple and quick resolution. 99% of my cases have been successful.
As an ex-lecturer in Counselling I offer private Tuition - Reduced fees for students
Therapies offered
Fees
£70.00 per session
Additional information
My fees are:
- Couples or Singles Counselling fees are £70 per hour. First session will be between 1 and 1 ½ hours. An additional £5 for weekend appointment. If 6 sessions are paid for in advance there will be a reduction of £12
- Family Mediation fees are charged £60 per hour each for relationships or. child only issues.
- Concessions for counselling for student counsellors
When I work
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No waiting. AM, PM, EVE, Appoints. Flexible to suite clients.
First appointment at 10am last at 8pm.
Further information
Additional information:
I take referrals from Individuals, The National Health, The Law Court, GP’s, Private Companies, The Council: Chanel 4 TV.BBC. YTV
I have counselled - VIP's, film stars, and other well knows celebrities.
I am the author of:
- How Divorce and Separation my affect your Children. (1998)
- Sexual Boredom
- Sexual abuse in childhood
Due for publication is:
- Symptoms and effects of Affairs
- Sexual Abuse
- A guide for men about women