Jo Hooper

It's not always easy to talk about how we're feeling. In fact, we're often pretty bad at it. But holding our feelings inside, or even avoiding them altogether, can take a toll on our wellbeing over time. Believe me, talking through your thoughts and feelings – and being heard – can make a powerful difference.

I offer a safe, supportive space where we can explore together. 

Perhaps you feel anxious all the time, and struggle even to face the day?

Are you stressed out, overwhelmed, desperate for a good night's sleep, or finding yourself lashing out at loved ones? 

Do you feel stuck, plagued with thoughts that you don't want?

Maybe you feel lost, wishing you could regain some confidence or purpose?

Or perhaps you want to heal, or want to explore the deepest, most vulnerable parts of yourself and understand who you really are.

I’m a warm and friendly person, and I believe that the compassion, kindness and hope I will bring to you, and the trusting relationship we'll form, are what will help you move towards a brighter, happier future for yourself.

How does counselling with me work?

I'm an integrative counsellor, which means I believe there is no 'one size fits all' approach, because every person is an individual with their own needs and wishes. So I take a flexible approach, using the techniques I am trained and skilled in to tailor your counselling experience. At the centre of every session is you – your thoughts, your feelings, your memories, your experiences, your pain. And as we explore these together, you'll begin to make sense of how you feel. I may gently challenge you to notice unhelpful patterns, and I will bear witness to the difficult things that have happened, whether that's loss, betrayal, trauma or abuse – there is nothing you can say that I'm not OK with hearing.

I work with adults, children and young people. As well as my private practice, I also work with young people and staff in a secondary school, and at Luton All Women’s Centre. I’m experienced in working with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, childhood trauma, bereavement, insomnia, identity, family dynamics, toxic relationships, self-harm, among many other issues. 

A bit about me:

Before training as a counsellor, I worked for many years in the publishing industry, and I understand well the pressures of juggling work and home life, and managing stress. I'm also a parent to a neurodivergent child, and I know the challenges that neurodivergent individuals can face in a neurotypical world. I'm a great listener, a curious person, and I love to meet new people. I’ve lived and worked in many different places, from Luton to London to Liverpool, and I learn something about other people, and myself, everywhere I go. 

Next steps:

It can be hard to reach out and taking that first step towards counselling can be daunting, which is why I offer a free 30-minute phone call in which we can get to know each other. I’ll answer any questions you have, and we can explore any worries, as well as your needs and expectations. If you think we’ll be a good fit, we can then agree our session times, etc. 

As well as face to face, online, telephone and home visit counselling, I offer walk and talk therapy in the following areas:

Harpenden, Wheathampstead, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Luton, and surrounding areas