Joanna Benbow
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello and welcome! I'm Joanna, a dedicated and qualified counsellor. Thank you for visiting my profile. I know finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, so I’m here to make things easier; no jargon, just honest, down-to-earth support.
I aim to create a relaxed, easy-going space where you feel seen as a whole person, not just the issues you're dealing with. Whether you’re feeling off-balance or navigating a difficult chapter in life, I’m here to listen and help you find your way.
I believe that human experience is rich and complex, often surpassing the boundaries of any single theory. My approach is centred around you and your unique needs, prioritising empathy and understanding. As an Integrative Counsellor, I use different techniques from various therapies since no single modal fits everyone. I also like to bring creativity into the way we work together. I'm down-to-earth, warm and compassionate, yet unafraid to gently challenge, journeying wherever you need to go.
Together, we’ll explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a pace that feels right for you. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, grow, and move through whatever is weighing you down.
It’s important to feel comfortable with your therapist, so I offer a free 20-minute chat to see if we’re a good fit. Reach out, and let’s take the first step together.
Tailored Support for Your Journey
Life is full of transitions, and some stages can feel especially challenging. Whether it’s transitioning from teenage years to adulthood, navigating relationship difficulties, the emotional shifts of menopause or andropause, facing redundancy or retirement, or coping with loss, these moments can often bring feelings of anxiety or depression. I’m here to support you through these changes, helping you find clarity, strength, and resilience as you move forward.
The Therapeutic Relationship
I believe that the foundation of effective counselling lies in the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Building a genuine connection and fostering trust between counsellor and client are paramount to achieving meaningful outcomes. Finding the right counsellor is a personal journey, and it's essential to choose someone who feels like the right fit for you. The counsellor with the most impressive credentials may not always be the one who resonates with you the most. What truly matters is the quality of the connection you feel.
In our sessions, you can expect a relationship characterised by:
- Trust: I am committed to providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment where you can be your true, unique self.
- Empathy: I strive to deeply understand your experiences and emotions from your perspective.
- Respect: Your experiences, feelings, and thoughts are valid, and I will honour your unique journey.
- Collaboration: We will work together, with you leading the way toward your goals.
I am an individual member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) working to their professional standards and ethical framework: http://www.bacp.co.uk/ethical_framework/.
I hold an enhanced DBS check and I am fully insured with Holistic Insurance, certificate available upon request.
Training, qualifications & experience
Although recently qualified I have over 120 client hours. With up-to-date training in the latest techniques and theories, I offer modern, flexible support. I'm highly motivated, bringing fresh energy and a non-judgemental, open-minded approach to therapy.
- TA101 Certificate - September 2024
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling – 2022 to 2024
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies - 2020
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills – 2019
- Counselling MindEd – Counselling for children, young people and young adults – 2023
- Future Learn - Safeguarding Adults: Level 3 Training course - 2024
- Living Without Abuse - Understanding Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence 2023
Professional Experience
Burton & South Derbyshire College 2023 to 2024
Worked with 16-22 year old students, addressing a range of presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, bereavement, sexuality, gender identity, and low self-worth.
St Martins Counselling & Psychotherapy 2024 - Present
Provided counselling for adults dealing with a variety of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, abuse, and bereavement.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
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Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
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Further information
My counselling room is a purpose-built, private space attached to my home in Staffordshire. With modern decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it's designed to help you feel at ease from the moment you arrive. For your privacy and convenience, the room has a separate side entrance and dedicated parking.
I work with individuals aged 16 and over, with two session formats to suit your needs:
Face-to-Face Sessions: Held in my Staffordshire counselling room.
Remote Sessions: Available via video link or telephone, for added flexibility.
Sessions last 50 minutes, and I offer both short-term and long-term support based on your unique situation.
