Jo Clarke MBACP (She/Her/Hers)
I am a qualified and registered therapeutic counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Within counselling sessions with me, you will be offered a confidential, non-judgemental space to talk. I will work with you to better understand any life experiences you have had. These may be from the past, in the present, or worries about the future that are causing you emotional distress.
When we work together, I work with you as an individual, to better understand your experiences, thoughts and emotions. Clients tell me that one of the benefits of us working together, is that they understand how and why they are feeling a particular way. With my support, clients learn how to express those feelings.
If you have experienced abuse; physical, psychological, emotional or financial, the trauma can be deep-rooted. Your emotions are valid and I will work collaboratively with you through the discomfort and difficulties. It can take time to process how you are feeling now about what happened to you. Please bear this in mind when you are starting counselling as this can be long-term work and there are no quick fixes.
My work as a counsellor is non-pathologising, which means that I don’t diagnose or label and I challenge the medical model of pathologising emotional and psychological distress and trauma.
Counselling / Talking therapy
I offer short and long-term talking therapy, depending on your wants and needs for therapy. You will be offered a confidential space of support. Secondly, you be able to navigate your way through any difficulties, obstacles and trauma at your own pace. You may be experiencing these difficulties now or, have experienced them in the past. During the sessions, you decide what it is you would like to work through and I will actively work with you.
Within counselling, one of the most important elements is the professional therapeutic relationship between counsellor and client. It is important that you find the right person for you. If you would like to make an initial appointment, please contact me.
Mindfulness meditation
Before training as a counsellor, I taught and led secular mindfulness courses to individuals and within groups for seven years. My approach to mindfulness, counselling and most other things in life is practical. Mindfulness meditation can be a useful strategy when we are feeling overwhelmed, distressed or out of control of our emotions. It can be pretty scary if we don’t know what’s happening and why!
Mindfulness isn’t therapy but it can be therapeutic. It can support you to become more aware of yourself and your reactions. The mindfulness meditation practices can be used to self-regulate the emotional responses in the mind and body when we experience distress.
Counselling isn’t always an easy process. Mindfulness can be a useful strategy to support you through your therapeutic journey.
In 2024, I am hoping to re-introduce my practical mindfulness stress reduction courses to groups, which can teach you how to self-support and self-manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Who do I work with?
I work with people who are experiencing all kinds of challenges in life. Within counselling sessions, I will support you to work through any past, present or future concerns:
- Bereavement/loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Bullying/Abuse
- Workplace Stress
- Trauma
- Lack of confidence / Low self-esteem
- Retirement
- Relationship issues / break-ups
- Pandemic experiences
- You feel confused and don’t know why you are thinking, feeling or behaving the way that you are
Counselling Practices
My counselling practice is in Norwich City Centre where you can visit in-person, by appointment.
The room is set up to provide you with a safe and comfortable space. Take some time out for yourself and look after your mental health and well-being.
If you are unable to get to my practice, I also offer online counselling using Zoom. It is important that during online counselling sessions you have a private space where you are able to speak freely and not be overheard.
Qualifications
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Person-centred)
I regularly attend CPD courses for counselling. To deepen and broaden my mindfulness practice and to enrich my life, I have a regular mindfulness meditation practice. I have a professional supervisor, who supports my practice as a counsellor (Registered Member of the BACP) and I am fully insured.
If you would like to know more, please contact me
The first step is always the hardest. You deserve to feel empowered, safe and confident.
