Jo Hooper

I believe that talking helps, and being heard can make a powerful difference. In our sessions, I’ll listen with compassion and without judgement, creating a safe space where we can find a way out of the maze of your thoughts and feelings.

We can explore the hurts that have happened in your life, whether that's childhood trauma, abuse, relationship difficulties or bereavement. Perhaps you want to heal, or want to explore the deepest, most vulnerable parts of yourself and understand who you really are.

We can explore difficulties you are having in the present. Perhaps you’re feeling anxious or depressed, struggling with life changes or stress, or having issues in relationships. Perhaps you’re a parent and are worried about your child, whether it's about exam stress, social anxiety or challenging behaviours.  

Whatever you’re facing, I offer a safe, supportive space where we can explore together. 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 will form, are what can really bring about change. 

I’m also a curious person who’s interested in people. I love to listen, and there is nothing you can say that I’m not OK with hearing. I’ve lived and worked in many different places, from Luton to London to Liverpool to Sydney, Australia, and I learn something about other people, and myself, everywhere I go. 

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. If you’re struggling with anxiety, or are looking for strategies to manage stress or anger, or simply want to feel less overwhelmed, I can help.

I’m experienced in working with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, childhood trauma, bereavement, insomnia, identity, family dynamics, toxic relationships, among many other issues. 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 as a counsellor in Luton All Women’s Centre, working with women who have experienced abuse, domestic violence and coercive control.
 
Next steps:

Finding a counsellor can be overwhelming and it’s hard to reach out – how do you know if a counsellor is right for you? Will you feel comfortable? Can they actually help you? Taking that first step can be daunting, which is why I offer a free 15-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