Jo Westwood

Welcome and Hello, I'm Jo.

Lots of profiles aren’t there? 

I believe we all deserve to be seen and accepted as we are, not just the parts we show to the world, but the whole of us.  I’ll support you in exploring what’s going on beneath the surface, whether that means looking back at what’s shaped you, making sense of the present, or thinking ahead to what you want for the future, or possibly all three.

I offer a calm, reflective and confidential space where you can explore what feels difficult, confusing or overwhelming. My approach is relational and thoughtful, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to be honest, both with yourself and with me. I work at a pace that feels manageable, while gently supporting you to deepen your understanding and move towards the changes you want to make.

I have a particular interest in inner child healing and attachment theory. Inner child work can be deeply restorative, helping us to meet wounded parts of ourselves with compassion, releasing feelings of shame and guilt, and rediscovering joy. Exploring your attachment styles can bring insight into how you relate to others and offers new ways of feeling more secure in relationships and within ourselves.

A key part of effective therapy is consistency. The rhythm of our sessions plays an important role in building trust, maintaining emotional continuity and allowing the work to develop with depth. While biweekly sessions can suit some situations, counselling is most effective when it takes place weekly, particularly at the beginning of the process. When sessions are spaced two weeks apart, it can slow the momentum of the work and often means we spend valuable time revisiting rather than progressing. Weekly sessions create a steady and containing structure, providing the strongest foundation for meaningful and lasting therapeutic change.

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I know how daunting it can feel to reach out for therapy. It takes courage, especially if you are feeling unsure or are carrying a lot. You do not need to have the right words or a clear idea of where to begin. We can start exactly where you are, work it out together,  and move at a pace that feels right for you. Therapy is not about a set formula, it is about us finding what works for you.

For me, it is more than simply sharing the load. It is about being alongside you, bearing witness to your experiences, and meeting you with genuine heartfelt empathy. What matters most is that you feel truly seen, heard and understood as you move towards change and growth.

I am aware it can be hard to look for the right help at the right time.  Maybe you've  previously seen a counsellor and felt it was not as successful as you had hoped. That's okay, sometimes it takes the right time, with the counsellor that is the best 'fit' for you. 

Change and choice can be challenging and deciding to enter into counselling can be one of the most difficult steps we ever take.

I engage in regular continuing professional development to ensure my knowledge and skills remain current, relevant, and grounded in best practice. This includes ongoing training, reading, reflective practice, and professional learning opportunities that support  my clinical work

(deep breath.....)

Maybe you are managing to function, but struggling to cope?

It can help to talk freely and confidentially with someone whose life and relationships are separate from yours. With impartial help and support, to express yourself and review your beliefs and decisions, you will be able to clarify your thoughts and feelings. It can then become easier to make sense of what is happening. I offer a warm, non-judgemental and empathetic space to support you on your journey of deeper understanding with compassion for whatever has brought you here. 

Learning to recognise and understand our thoughts and feelings can enable us to understand ourselves and our behaviour better. I tailor therapy to suit each individual client -offering a very unique and personal approach along with helping you develop healthier coping strategies in a non -judgemental style that is both relational, warm and engaging. I consider myself open and welcoming. 

Part of your counselling process will also include starting to notice deep, often unmet needs and gradually learning to meet them with understanding and compassion. Should you choose, we will take time to explore and reflect on your past experiences, noticing how these may have affected and continue to affect the present. 

It is from this place of greater self-awareness that you can be supported in making changes that align with what is important to you and that honour the unique person that you are.

We all have differing ways and means by which we process and communicate more easily. In our sessions  we can gently expand your awareness and the world around you, bringing with it the potential for change.

I do not have any severe issues... Will I still benefit from counselling?

You do not need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit from counselling. You may want to explore where you are in life, increase your self-awareness and engage in personal growth. Counselling can provide the opportunity to help you come to terms with and accept what can’t be changed, gain a clearer perspective on life or work through a difficult choice. The safe space is yours to bring as much or as little as you need. 

What might be my next step?

Choosing a counsellor that you feel at ease with is a really important part of the counselling process. If you have read this far and are wondering if we may be a good fit to work together, I would be delighted to have an informal 20-minute free phone call with you to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively pop me an email. 

Please note: I am able to provide counselling from age 16. 

Sessions are 60 minutes. 

Langham, Colchester

If you require support when I have no availability please send me an email as I can refer you to my colleague Carolyn Bowden. Carolyn can also be found on this platform so alternatively contact her directly. I highly recommend her. 

• Toilet facilities. 
• Free Parking on Site (directly outside my office door) 
• Filtered water