Joanna Williams

I can offer clients counselling or psychotherapy to help with a wide range of issues.  I work alongside you, exploring life through your lens with empathy, care, and respect. Together we collaborate to begin to make sense of your presenting issues, which may take the form of a specific problem or the most lengthy and extreme difficulties. 

My approach to therapy is Integrative, which means that I don’t try to fit clients into a particular style but instead I take my leadership from you, as the expert of yourself. Together we build a pathway to change, using my extended training within a range of therapeutic strategies and techniques. I may also involve the use of Hypnotherapy as a further intervention, if I feel it would be appropriate as part of your treatment. Everything is discussed, explained, and agreed, during your initial consultation, so you feel comfortable and happy with the plan.

Sometimes therapy may seem like we are just having a conversation, but actually a lot is going on during the process as clients begin to explore their thoughts and feelings within a safe environment. The nature of our relationship is often the most important aspect of therapy, with trust, dignity, and confidentiality at its roots. Many clients find that when they are able to experience feeling validated and understood within a space that is non-judgemental and harmonious, then a process of self-discovery can begin to unfold. Clients can start to make sense of their life experiences as a framework on which a widened understanding can develop. I aim to help my clients to identify what is blocking them and the pain connected with it so that they can start to process and resolve their emotional conflict whilst identifying unwanted behaviours. What then emerges is a strengthened sense of self, a more secure sense of connection with others and an attuned relationship with the world around them. As humans, we cannot heal alone, and a traumatised mind needs receptive, emotional connections and the interaction of others. In many cases, the only available attachment that clients may have, is with their therapist and in these cases, as with many others, the experience can be powerful and life changing. 

Psychotherapy or Counselling?

This question can be tricky to answer because it is debatable when counselling ends and psychotherapy starts, but most people agree with the following differences:

Counselling is used as a short to mid-term therapy to help with difficulties surrounding a current, specific problem and works to support clients in overcoming challenging life experiences that tend to be on a surface level.

Psychotherapy involves a deeper and often longer approach to therapy that aims to uncover the firmly rooted processes and thoughts that have become locked away in the hidden parts of the brain, that can heavily impact the way we feel about ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. Psychotherapy aims to help clients to identify and resolve negative beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that may have manifested from earlier developmental disruption or trauma.

What are the types of therapy that I use in my sessions?

Humanistic - Person Centred 

This approach to therapy is based on the belief that humans have a natural capacity for individual growth and drive to live their best version of life. With the right therapeutic conditions, centred on unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence, the therapy provides a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, often reaching their own conclusions through a journey of self-discovery. 

Humanistic - Gestault

A therapy focusing on the mind-body connection by exploring immediate thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to better understand the way a client relates to others and their environment. This widening awareness can enable clients to relate to themselves on a more intrinsic level and begin to take steps towards change.

Psychodynamic

A therapy that works to enable clients to build an awareness of the link between their past experiences and their presenting issues. It aims to explore deeper thoughts that have been accepted into the unconscious area of the brain enabling clients to make sense of their here and now, while clearing away hidden past emotions and disconnecting from unhelpful behaviour.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

A style of therapy that aims to help clients learn tools to develop cognitive flexibility in order to capture negative, irrational thoughts, challenge and replace them with more helpful alternatives. The therapy also involves creating behavioural experiments that work to increase exposure and provide evidence for the brain to rewire with more rational and positive neuronal pathways. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A third wave therapy to CBT that encourages cognitive flexibility by developing tools to enable clients to accept thoughts and feelings without judgement by making space for them and defusing using visualisation and mindfulness. It works to enhance a client’s understanding of ‘self as context’ with compassion and mindful healing at its core, alongside committing to a more ‘values focused’ approach to life. 

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy works by gently guiding clients into a deep state of relaxation enabling the conscious part of the brain to become quietened allowing the unconscious to become more accessible and open to suggestion. Because the unconscious is hidden from our awareness, the information that is accepted and stored here is deeply embedded and forms our belief system. It is our belief system that essentially governs how we think, feel, and ultimately behave. By gaining direct access to this powerful part of the brain, hypnotherapy can begin to shift thoughts, perspectives and habits that are invalid and unhelpful in order to achieve a desired outcome. Hypnotherapy can help with many issues including chronic pain, depression, smoking cessation, weight loss, confidence building, anxiety, insomnia, stress, fears, phobias, and panic attacks. 

Each treatment plan is individually created following a comprehensive, initial assessment and it is important to note that clients are in control at all times during therapy. 

How Long does therapy last?

Each session will last just under an hour, usually every week and the number of sessions varies a lot depending on client’s individual goals for therapy. I review regularly with you to see how much ground we have covered and further agree how best to continue.

Confidentiality

I am an accredited member of The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society and a member of the National Society of Hypnotherapy. I adhere to an ethical code of practice that is underpinned by confidentiality. For further details on my accreditation and the society’s ethical framework please go to: www.nationalcounsellingsociety.org.

The Health Suite, where my practice is based, offers an holistic approach to supporting clients aided by a multidisciplinary team, state of the art facilities and equipment, a highly responsive customer service team, short waiting times and CQC accreditation. 

Please do contact the reception team by phone, email or visit the website for more information about the services offered and to book in with me. 

The first session is always an initial consultation to discuss your presenting issues, confidentiality and treatment plan. This session will last for one hour and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions and understand more about my approach to therapy. 

I am more than happy to contact you for a quick chat if you wish, to discuss if counselling or psychotherapy can help.