Jo Bird FdSc MBACP

About me

Most people finding their way to this page are looking for help for themselves, or for someone close to them. They may be struggling to make sense of their world and how they experience it, or wanting to be heard and understood, without judgement or blame.

Finding your way through life can leave you holding pain, guilt and shame that can stop you from experiencing it as you would choose; you can lose the joy and wonder of living when you can only focus on the struggles you have just trying to be who you are, and this can lead to stress, anxiety and depression.

I will listen. I will not judge your life or give advice and I will not analyse you and tell you what is wrong. I will be beside you, and together we can explore what is happening for you and possibly why. People often find that with awareness they can see how to change things that will improve their life and just being able to share your story can lift a huge weight that’s been carried a long time.

I believe that every life is valuable. You may tell yourself that you can manage as things are but in reality everyone deserves to live their life in the best way for them, so counselling is open to everyone, however small the issues may seem. Some may stay in counselling for long periods of time, others may ‘dip in’ from time to time when mental health struggles become overwhelming. Even if you just need a week or two just to clear your head of unhelpful thoughts, I can be there for you.

I am a qualified counsellor/ psychotherapist. I have particular experience with those living with addiction and mental health struggles including Bi Polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD and other undiagnosed concerns. I have also worked with people who are being affected by the struggles of those close to them, which is often experienced as anxiety, depression and stress.

As the Counsellor for a Residential Home I spent time with young people that had experienced homelessness, addiction or perhaps an unsettled start in life. I have worked with teenagers and young people experiencing anxiety and depression.

I have trained and spent time as a Samaritan.

I am a Humanistic Therapist which I passionately believe can offer salve to many troubled or challenging areas.

Before becoming a counsellor I worked with families and people under exceptional pressure as part of a multi team support network.

I also work in a school where I have supported main stream children and those that were considered to have particular needs including autism, ADHD and Cerebral Palsy.

So if you think you might like to look further into what counselling could do for you we can start with a free 30 minute consultation after which you should know if you want to explore further.

I can be flexible with times, offering before/after work and weekends as well as normal daytime. The Atrium is a calm, comfortable space where there is parking and refreshments available to purchase during normal opening hours.

I can offer times at my home in Bookham but these are less flexible.