Jo Lester
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression? Is self-esteem or low confidence taking its toll? Maybe you are feeling stuck at a crossroads and not knowing which way to turn? Whatever difficulties you are facing, you do not need to feel alone.
Hi, I’m Jo. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
I am a qualified Humanistic Counsellor, working predominantly from a Person-Centred approach, but will always aim to identify the working style that best suits your unique needs.
As a Humanistic Counsellor, I believe the key to getting the best results from therapy is to develop a genuine, trusting, and empathic relationship with my clients. I do not see myself as the expert with all the answers. I believe you are the expert on yourself as no one else knows what it is like to be you.
I trust in you and your ability to make changes in your life and see my role as more of a companion to walk alongside you on your journey as you explore your thoughts and feelings. Doing therapy with you, not to you.
Face to Face counselling
I can provide a safe and confidential space for you to talk about whatever is on your mind, which will be free from judgement or opinions. My practice is in Middleton on Sea, in a private room in my garden and is accessed via a gate at the back of the house.
Walk and Talk therapy
I can offer various locations, depending on where you live.
A change of scenery can often lead to a change in mindset and can feel less intense then sitting in a room. Walk and talk therapy can introduce clients to a natural kind of self-care that they can access at anytime.
I also offer online and telephone sessions.
People reach out for support for many reasons. Regardless of what your reason may be, I would like to invite you to get in touch for a free 30-minute telephone consultation to discuss the potential of us working together.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BA (Hons) Humanistic Counselling (First Class)
- Diploma Humanistic Counselling
- Counselling for Children & Young People BACP Course Stage 1: Children aged 11-18 years
- CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
- CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Walk and Talk Therapy - endorsed by CPCAB
All of my training was completed with a recognised and an accredited training provider, which means I have completed many years of therapy myself. Throughout this process, I have gained insights into how I relate to others and the world, which not only influenced my training, but also informs my work and private practice.
I have completed various short courses, including work with sand trays and creative arts and continue to receive regular training for my professional development.
I have 15 years of experience working with young people in secondary schools and youth clubs, and have an in depth understanding of the issues young people are faced with. Although I was not trained in counselling at the time of my work, the experience informed my training as a counsellor.
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.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I offer concessionary rates for keyworkers and for those who are on low income or unemployed.
When I work
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My working hours are as follows:
Monday - Wednesday 8am - 7pm, however if you are looking for a different day, please do ask as I might be able to accommodate.
Further information
As well as having my own private practice, I have worked within the NHS offering short term therapy to staff and have previously volunteered for Carers Support West Sussex.
I am fully insured and am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical framework.
Testimonials
"This has been my first counselling experience and understandably I didn't really know how I would deal with it, or where it would take me. I'm (happily) crying as I write this as I have been bowled over by the compassion, patience and kindness of Jo. She has let me do what I need to do in terms of emotional outlet, and has let me have a kind of emotional nomadic wandering as I have rambled on in our sessions. I don't even feel they have been 'sessions', that's far too formal! It's been a bizarre pleasure to have been able to speak so openly and frankly about all my 'problems' with the luxury of knowing I am not being judged and no detrimental repercussions will come of anything I say or how many times I bawl my eyes out!" (S)
"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the time you have given me, as well as the comfort that you brought me at the start of the sessions, with regards to confidentiality and the creation of a safe space to talk. As previously discussed, starting these sessions felt like a huge step for me and sat very uncomfortably in my mind. By the end of our 5 sessions together, I have finished feeling like a weight has been lifted and that I now have a clearer mind, and understanding, of how to move forwards in a way that is healthier and more positive." (K)
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for all the support you gave me during my counselling. There are not really words to fully express my gratitude, it has made such a difference to me so thank you once again." (A)
