Joanne Freeman

Hello, I'm Joanne, I'm a registered, accredited counsellor, and am listed on a register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

My Counselling Service Can Help You To:

- Feel listened to with empathy by someone professional who will be impartial,      compassionate and remain non-judgemental.
- Feel safe enough to talk about what's troubling you.
- Know you are in a confidential, welcoming and safe space for you to talk and  make sense of things.

If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, over-thinking, stress, grief, loss or relationship difficulties, to name a few; my training and years of experience can help you to find a way to manage and get through your issues, to eventually reach a more relaxed state of mind. You'll learn very effective, science based strategies to significantly reduce worries, mind chatter and difficulties that are preventing you from feeling calm and content, take control of your mind and emotions and build self worth.

I've been working in stress management, family support and counselling since 2007. I also worked as a Health Improvement Practitioner for the NHS for 5 years.

I specialise in anxiety and depression and have a particular interest in these areas as I have struggled with both during my adult life and feel very equipped to help others. It was through counselling and the practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), that I was able to manage my anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness is a practice that can help you to live more in the present moment to counteract the overthinking, chatty mind and future focused worry. It can turn "what if" into "what is".  Put simply it means "paying attention to whatever you are doing, while you are doing it, with awareness, presence and non-judgement. It's a practice that has plenty of scientific, empirical evidence to prove its effectiveness and it is widely used by health professionals.

I can help you with a variety of issues including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's)
• Stress
• Burn-out
• Racing mind
• Intrusive thoughts
• Panic attacks
• Bereavement/Loss
• Relationship Difficulties
• Anger Management
• OCD
• Parenting issues/challenges
• Domestic Abuse
• Calming your Nervous System using the Polyvagal Theory

STRESS affects our minds and our bodies:

• Butterflies in the tummy
• Repetitious thoughts
• Feeling isolated
• Palpitations/heart flutters/tight chest
• Worry and fear - past and future
• Being on "high alert", dread
• Dry mouth
• sleep problems
• Lack of motivation and vitality
• Feeling dizzy
• Feeling like you're in a daze
• Jelly legs
• Tense shoulders
• Being on auto-pilot
• Irritable bowel etc..

The practice of Mindfulness together with counselling can help all of the above and more.

Understanding events from a different perspective and taking on board new strategies does not happen over-night, but with the right support the possibility of change and recovery is a very freeing and motivating experience and can lead to a more harmonious life improving your emotional equilibrium.

My Work Experience
- I have worked in stress management and counselling in the work place and with individuals since 2007.

- I worked for 5 years as a Health Improvement Practitioner for the NHS supporting families to adopt a healthier lifestyle using successful behaviour change models.

Thank You and Good luck With Your counselling.

Body Mind Connection, Mindfulness, Dream Analysis.

Counselling sessions (60 minute appointment)    £60


Couples counselling                                                        £80 per hour

I offer a price range from £45 to £60 per session, depending on your financial situation. Please enquire.

You may prefer to have a telephone conversation initially of which is available. I offer a 10 minute appointment with no charge.

I am a professional accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and the Accredited Voluntary Register (AVR). I am fully insured, DBS checked, and I adhere to the NCS Code of Ethics.

I have regular supervision, personal counselling and attend continuous professional development courses.

There are parking and transport links close by. I am within walking distance of Billericay mainline station and there is a bus service from the station that takes you to the top of my road,

There's plenty of parking outside my house and access for those with mobility issues.

I provide home visits, and I have counselled people in care homes too.

I work in Billericay and surrounding areas.

Video sessions available via Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp.