Hi, I'm Jo.

I'm a person-centred, neuroaffirming therapist offering counselling in the Tadcaster and Boston Spa area of North Yorkshire, as well as online across the UK. I have a particular interest in supporting people who have spent much of their lives feeling different or misunderstood.

Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling different, misunderstood, or as though they don't quite fit in. They may be questioning who they are, struggling with difficult emotions, carrying the impact of past experiences, or feeling exhausted from trying to meet other people's expectations. Often they struggle with relationships and the weight of expectation.

I offer a warm, accepting space where you can bring all parts of yourself without fear of judgement. Together, we can explore what is troubling you, make sense of your experiences, and help you move towards a life that feels more authentic, connected and fulfilling.

I’m a person-centred therapist, which means I believe you are the expert in your own life and that therapy works best when you have the space to explore your experiences at your own pace, without judgement. My approach is grounded in empathy, acceptance and genuine connection, and I draw on creative and body-based approaches where these feel helpful and appropriate for you. Rather than following a set formula, I’ll work alongside you to create a space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted, and where you can explore what matters to you and what you might want to change.

I have a particular interest in identity, belonging and the experience of feeling different. I am also passionate about helping people understand how early life and past experiences may continue to affect their relationships, self-esteem, emotions and sense of self today.

I sometimes use creative and body-based approaches within therapy, which can help when words or emotions are difficult to find or when exploring experiences in a different way feels helpful.

I'm AuDHD (autistic and ADHD) and work in a neuroaffirming way. Alongside professional training, I bring lived experience of neurodivergence and a good understanding of the challenges that can come from navigating a world that is not always designed with neurodivergent people in mind. 

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent more than 20 years working in the voluntary sector, supporting people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives. For over a decade, I have worked alongside people experiencing stress, emotional distress and mental health difficulties. I have also worked extensively with neurodivergent adults and currently co-run a support group for parent carers of neurodivergent children, as well as a youth group for neurodivergent children aged 6–11, as well as bring a parent with  experience of SEND, neurodivergence and aadoption 

Alongside my professional training, I bring personal insight into what it can feel like to live outside society's expectations. My own experiences have given me a deep appreciation of how powerful it can be to feel understood, accepted and able to be yourself.

Whoever you are, and whatever has brought you to therapy, my aim is to offer a compassionate, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace and discover what feels right for you.

Qualifications and Training

Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Certificate in Neuroaffirming Practice

Postgraduate Diploma in Attachment and Trauma (non-clinical)

Defining Gender, Sex and Relationship Diversity Therapy (GSRDT)

Level 2 Understanding Autism

Mindfulness Practitioner Course

I undertake regular continuing professional development including around areas such as: attachment, sexuality and gender, creative practices, anxiety and anti-oppressive practice.