Jo Read

Jo Read is a counsellor with eight years working directly in therapeutic roles. She uses a person-centred way of working that prioritises listening, respect and honest feedback. Jo aims to help people who are feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn.

Jo trained in therapeutic counselling and also has a background in social work. She brings over two decades of experience from youth and community work, education, mental health and social care into her sessions. She is a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and holds relevant insurance.

In sessions Jo uses open questions and reflective listening to help someone identify what matters most to them. She focuses on creating clear boundaries and a working agreement, then explores feelings, thoughts and behaviours together. The aim is to help each person find their own answers rather than prescribing solutions.

The first meeting is used to agree whether to work together and to complete an initial assessment and counselling contract. This gives space to set goals and to raise any questions about the process. Jo reviews the agreement as work progresses so the plan can change if needed.

Her practice supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma-related concerns, eating and body-image struggles, and questions about identity and life purpose. She also offers coaching-style work when that fits the person’s needs and goals.

How Jo’s approaches translate to online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on empathic listening and a non-judgemental stance so people can lead the conversation and discover their own answers; it is useful for mood, self-esteem and relationship concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps address patterns in close relationships by naming emotions and working to shift unhelpful interaction cycles; this can help with intimacy-related issues and attachment worries. Existential Therapy looks at meaning, choice and responsibility and can support those facing life transitions, grief or questions about purpose.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Jo will discuss options with each person and together they decide what feels most useful. That collaborative process means the style can change as needs evolve and the focus stays on the client’s goals and preferences.

Please confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, reduce travel time and allow people to join from a quieter space with fewer interruptions. It can also let someone choose shorter check-ins when needed or avoid being on camera if that feels better. Registered or accredited professionals, including therapists, can help plan how to make online sessions practical and productive for everyday life.