Joe Atkinson
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello & welcome.
I'm Joe Atkinson, a therapist dedicated to offering a unique, integrative approach to therapy that prioritises compassion, emotional validation, and personalised care.
My intention isn't to "fix" you – because you're not broken. Instead, I come alongside you, creating a safe space where we can explore your experiences together with curiosity and understanding.
Life can be a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and unexpected events. Perhaps you've found yourself lying awake at night, mind racing with unanswered questions. Or maybe you've noticed a persistent feeling that something's not quite right, even when everything seems fine on the surface.
Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, battling anxiety, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, you're not alone. Here, in this safe and nurturing space, we embark on a journey together - a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth.
As your guide and companion, I'm here to help you navigate the complexities of your inner world, uncover hidden strengths, and write the next chapter of your life story.
Send me an email and I’ll invite you for a free 15 minute consultation in which we can get to know each other a little better and you can ask any questions that you want to, get to know a bit more about me and my work. There is no obligation to enter into anything and I will happily assist in guiding you elsewhere if I can.
Training, qualifications & experience
My Background
When choosing a therapist, it's important to feel confident in their qualifications and experience. I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to my practice, ensuring that you receive high-quality, professional care.My qualifications
- BSc in Psychology, University of Reading (2005)
- PGCert in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, London Southbank University (2008)
- PGCert in Primary School Teaching, University of Roehampton (2009)
- Diploma in Play Therapy, Canterbury Christchurch University (2014)
- Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner (2020)
- EMDR basic training 2025
Addiction Counselling
I began my journey as an addiction counsellor in 2007, working in a homeless hostel with clients facing substance use challenges. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of addiction and recovery.
Education and Child Development
My transition into education allowed me to work closely with children, gaining a deep understanding of child development and the importance of early intervention. As a qualified play therapist, I've worked in numerous schools across London, supporting children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Compassionate Inquiry
In 2020, I became a Certified Compassionate Inquiry practitioner, trained in the approach developed by renowned physician Dr. Gabor Maté. This method forms a cornerstone of my current practice, allowing me to help clients reveal and transform the unconscious dynamics that underlie many of life's challenges.
Areas of Expertise
Throughout my career, I've worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, addressing a wide range of issues including:
- Adoption and attachment
- Substance use and behavioural addictions
- Anxiety disorders and OCD
- Depression and mood disorders
- ADHD, Autism, and other neurodevelopmental conditions
- Stress management
- Trauma recovery
- Relationship issues
- Life transitions and personal growth
Continuing Professional Development
I am committed to ongoing learning and professional development. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay current with the latest developments in therapeutic practices. This commitment ensures that my clients benefit from the most up-to-date and effective treatment approaches.
Professional Memberships
I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adhere to their ethical guidelines, ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct in my practice.
Why My Background Matters to You
My diverse educational background and extensive experience allow me to bring a unique, integrative approach to our work together. By combining insights from psychology, addiction counselling, play therapy, and Compassionate Inquiry, I can offer a holistic perspective on your challenges and growth opportunities.My experience working with children and families also informs my adult therapy work, providing valuable insights into early experiences and their impact on adult life. This comprehensive understanding allows me to tailor our sessions to your specific needs, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic tools and techniques.
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I encourage you to ask any questions you may have about my background or approach. I'm here to support you on your journey to healing and growth, and I look forward to the possibility of working together.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
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
Fees
£75.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
When I work
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Late morning/early afternoon and some evening slots available - please get in touch to check my current availability.
