Jo Bird

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BA(Hons) MBACP Psychotherapist for Adults,Teenagers &Couples
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Great Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

I am an experienced and qualified therapist that has successfully helped many people like you overcome great challenges to find a better ways of living through therapy.  Reaching out for help can be difficult but you have made a wonderful start just by looking here. Hopefully I have given enough information over the following pages to help you take the next step.

MY THOUGHTS

Most of us will struggle with life at times. Situations and people can challenge us, and the feeling of being alone or not knowing where to turn can be overwhelming. When you can no longer see joy in the world maybe you need some help finding yourself again. I will listen and be beside you as together we explore your world and look at the challenges you are facing.

I am a Humanistic Therapist that believes that the key to change lies within us, but that we often need the help of an understanding 'other' to find our way. Together we will build a relationship where you feel respected and  seen, and where your concerns are heard without judgement. I believe that therapy works, and that I can help you.

MY EXPERIENCE PARTICULARLY  INCLUDES....

  • Anxiety,
  • Depression,
  • OCD,
  • Psychosis,
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Self-harming
  • Loss and bereavement
  • Couples/relationships
  • Trauma/PTSD
  • Addiction
  • Young People
  • Aspergers, ADHD, Autism

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION

I know that anxiety affects so many aspects of life. It can cause sleepless nights and control how you access the world around you. It can ruin relationships and make you isolate from family and friends. Anxiety has significant links with depression, which can leave you without energy and reduce your will to do do things.  There are so many causes of anxiety and depression, its a very individual  experience and can be caused by many different life experiences, but I have found absolute joy in seeing those crippled by these challenges regain their lives through therapy.

OCD, PSYCHOSIS,SELF HARM and SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

I often find these to be symptoms of the struggle you may be facing, symptoms that you may feel you have no control over. They may be  signs that your body is taking over and saying 'help!'  Therapy is that help.  Finding out what is causing these coping methods is a start, finding a way to lessen their grip is the continued work we will do.  Watching people walk away from therapy no longer shackled by these invasive symptoms is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.

LOSS AND BEREAVEMENT

Experiencing loss takes many different forms including loss of work, of people and loss of things. I know how each loss can have a devastating impact on how you live your life and I can help you in that struggle. It may mean being with you through the grief, listening to how you feel and how your world has been turned upside down. It may mean helping you face that your life has changed without your choice and finding ways to see a future.

COUPLES/RELATIONSHIPS

I provide the safe environment that couples need to explore their relationship, one where they can express how they feel knowing that they will be seen and heard, where their concerns will be explored and their feelings not overlooked.  Losing boundaries and not being able to communicate can start difficulties in any relationship, so finding a safe space where feelings can be shared can bring understanding back to a relationship where it has just slipped out of view. The training I have in this area is based on therapy offered by Relate  and includes looking at communication, the different approaches to relationships, and the part sex plays in emotional connection. This therapy is more solution focused and directive, finding ways to move forward in a relationship open to more understanding on both sides.

TRAUMA/ PTSD AND REWIND THERAPY

I cannot ignore how often people coming to me for therapy have suffered some kind of trauma in their life. Often they have dismissed it as unimportant or make it less by comparing it to others, but trauma has a significant impact on how our mind and bodies work, and  it needs attention.  This work is gentle and lead by you. Not all trauma work needs you to discuss the event as there are other successful ways of giving you the help you need and I feel that is important for you to know that. Being able to give that assurance has eased many into starting therapy.

Rewind Therapy I studied Rewind Therapy initially to help bridge the gap in the treatment of veterans suffering from PTSD, but have subsequently found it amazing in helping others with PTSD symptoms.  In working this way we are able to assimilate the traumatic imprints left by past events and stop them intruding in your life.

As part of my commitment to this therapy and in my absolute belief in its efficacy, I offer this treatment to veterans for free.  If that is you, please contact me and we will have a discussion to decide of Rewind Therapy could help you.

I am an approved counsellor for the Police Firearms Officers Association, PFOA,  

ADDICTION

Addiction can take many forms including food and substances. Understanding addiction is a good way to begin dealing with the problem and having worked with those battling addiction I can help you look at why addiction became your way of coping, and support you as you tackle the issues that we find. For some addictions it may be necessary to work alongside the advice of a Doctor if you are looking to stop dependency.

YOUNG PEOPLE

The world has change so much and young people have to now deal with lots of life experiences that they are not quite emotionally ready for, or know how to deal with. Judgement maybe something they fear, so often I find that offering a confidential space where fears can be expressed and explored is sufficient to help them through this very tricky transition into adulthood.

AUTISM, ASPERGER's and ADHD

We are becoming more aware of the Neurodiversity we have in the world, and also the struggles that are caused by a society that is developed in the interest of the majority.  This means that those that may approach relationships differently, or process situations in a different way may feel 'different' or out of place. In working with those with Autism, Aspergers or ADHD I find that by moving away from the general label and focusing on the individual and their own challenges can help  bring more sense to the struggles they are facing.  Sometimes families need support when those close to them approach things in a very different way, or when they just need to vent their inner most feelings. I have worked supporting children with different needs in an educational setting  for many years, and have done much research in this subject area with a hope to bring understanding to the challenges it can bring. My experience  has brought me diverse perspectives which allows me some insight into the challenges faced.

LETS MEET!    AN INVITATION TO YOU.

So if you think you might like to look further into what counselling could do for you we can start with a free consultation after which you should know if you want to explore further.  This consultation can be by phone if that's your preference or through a face to face meeting where you will really get a feel of what it would be like for us to work together. The choice is yours. 

One small step at a time... and the next one is just a text, email or phone call. 

Phone calls may be difficult to answer so maybe drop me a text instead and I will call back as soon as I am free.

I am able to offer a relaxed and comfortable space where privacy is maintained. I can be flexible with times, offering before/after work and weekends as well as normal daytime. Easy parking available.

Training, qualifications & experience

BA (hons) Counselling & Psychotherapy,  Greenwich University

Police Firearms Officers Association  PFOA approved counsellor

Foundation Degree in Humanistic Counselling Greenwich University

Relationship Therapy studied with The Counselling Academy 

Qualified to practice Rewind Therapy for treatment of PTSD

Addiction and Mental Health Counsellor at Catalyst Charitable Organisation

Assigned counsellor For The Amber House Project for young people with a history of homelessness and addiction

Fourteen years supporting mainstream and neurodiverse children in primary education.

Samaritan

MBACP

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Photos & videos

Fees

£50.00 per session
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

Initial consultation free

£50 per counselling hour (50 mins)

£65 for couples (60 mins)

£120 Rewind Therapy. One session plus one follow up

concessions are available

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Day times, including before work sessions and evenings. Weekends also available.

Great Bookham, Leatherhead, KT23

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Older adults
Couples

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Therapy room is on the ground floor and accessible, but the only bathroom facilities are upstairs.

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom

Social