Jo Westwood

Welcome, I'm Jo. Lots of profiles, aren't there?

I am a passionate person who believes we all have the right to be seen, heard and understood as unique individuals. As an experienced psychotherapist and counsellor I believe in working with the whole person both past, present and future to help identify your emotional needs. I work from a humanistic core, which means that I keep you at the centre of our work. However, I do not believe that therapy is a one-size-fits-all process. 

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.

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. 

Frequently asked questions: What might I expect from my sessions?

My training to degree level, is in integrative counselling which means I can use several different counselling approaches and theories. This makes it easier to be flexible, to work at a pace that suits you and to find the unique path that feels right for you.

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 along with talking therapy, we can use a variety of different creative techniques to help you explore, process and express your emotions and feelings. 

This helps to gently expand our awareness of ourselves and the world around us 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. 

Ardleigh, Colchester, CO7 7SY

• Private location 
• Toilet facilities. 
• Free Parking on Site