Individual and Couple Therapy
Face-to-face based in Sidcup, Bexley
Online Worldwide
Mental Health | Trauma | Sex & Relationships
Hello!
My name is Jo, and I am an Integrative Counsellor, EMDR Trauma Therapist, and Clinical Sexologist, also known as a Psychosexual therapist or Sex and Relationship Therapist.
I am also a Clinical Supervisor helping therapists enhance their skills, ensure ethical practice, and maintain professional growth.
Are you feeling overwhelmed or burnout? Do you find yourself struggling to cope with anxiety and depression or life after a traumatic event? Is life going the way you want it to? Maybe you're searching for a safe space to be heard and gain a different perspective. Maybe there has been a betrayal in your relationship, or you do not have the sex and connections that you want, and your relationships are suffering.
I'm here to help.
Beginning therapy can be a daunting step, and it's completely normal to have ambivalent emotions about it, particularly if it's a new experience. Judgement had no place here; every issue, big or small, is valid. The key thing to remember is that everyone is entitled to support, no matter their challenges.
"We tend to talk about sexual problems. We don't often focus on how clever we can be in turning our problems into sexual solutions."
Esther Perel
I offer general therapy, and other specialisms such as trauma therapy, relationship counselling and sex therapy tailored to you to address these struggles and more. I believe in the power of connection and collaboration, providing a supportive environment where you can freely express yourself and gain valuable insights. I am dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life overcome obstacles and achieve lasting positive change.
To find out more, have a free telephone consultation or book an appointment, get in touch here.
What is Therapy?
Therapy provides a space to explore and address the issues in your life that are causing distress. Through therapy, you can better understand yourself, your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour patterns, giving you the insight to make the necessary changes to improve your life.
It offers the opportunity to rewire your brain, release trauma from your body, and break free from grips of anxiety and depression.
Therapy equips you with adaptive coping skills and enables you establish healthy boundaries with yourself and others. It can guide you in working through childhood trauma, processing difficult experiences, and finding healing from pain and loss. Moreover, therapy empowers you to unlearn harmful cycles, fostering personal growth and well-being.
What is Sex Therapy & Relationship Counselling?
Sex & Relationship Therapy is a type of talking therapy that helps couples and individuals address biological, psychological, or social issues that may be impacting sexual function and sexual satisfaction.
The goal of sex therapy is to help people move past physical and emotional challenges to have satisfying relationships and a pleasurable sex life. Likewise, relationship therapy can help you to navigate issues such as infidelity, lack of communication, separation/divorce and feeling disconnected.
It's common to experience changes in sexual desire and satisfaction throughout life, but these changes can be distressing, and we often don't know where to go to get help. This is where I come in.
I provide a safe and supportive space to work things through together. I'm not here to judge, and sex and relationships are approached positively. There's no such thing as too much information, and the work includes education, therapeutic interventions, and guidance, which help you understand yourself and your relationship more intimately.
Anxiety & Panic
Overwhelmed by worry and fear? Not sure why your heart is racing, your breathing is out of sync, and you have an urge to leave places that used to feel safe?
Anxiety is a natural response to threats, which is helpful when we are in danger as it keeps us safe. We may feel worried or nervous about an event that is coming up, and a little anxiety can help us prepare for stressful situations.
However, our brain doesn't know the difference between actual or perceived threats, and this higher level of anxiety can negatively impact daily life.
If you're struggling and would like help or to learn more, I can provide effective strategies to manage anxiety, helping you regain control of your life and find peace amidst the chaos.
Some of the symptoms of anxiety include
- Unease
- Avoiding places/situations
- Constantly scanning body, thoughts, and feelings for signs of danger
- Googling symptoms
- Feeling dizzy
- Feeling jittery or on edge
Depression
Are you feeling trapped in a cycle of sadness? I offer support and guidance to help you navigate depression, rediscover joy, and build resilience for a brighter future.
Therapy can help to identify the underlying causes or triggers of your depressive symptoms. This may involve exploring past experiences, current stressors, and patterns of thinking that contribute to your distress. Going to therapy gives you a space to be heard, to be you as you are, and a place to be emotionally held.
This helps you understand yourself and your emotions, facilitating growth, alleviating emotional distress, and building coping strategies.
Trauma
Is unresolved trauma holding you back? As a trauma-informed therapist, I provide a safe and healing space, guiding you toward processing and integrating past experiences and fostering traumatic growth and empowerment.
Some of the effects of trauma include
- Panic Attacks
- PTSD/C-PTSD
- Dissociation
- Numb/Detached
- Avoidance
- Hyperarousal/Anxiety
- Looking out for danger
- Alcohol/Substance use
- Flashbacks
Sex and Relationships
Are you struggling with intimacy or relationship challenges? Maybe you're a couple who need help navigating a betrayal.
I specialise in sex, identity and relationship therapy, offering a non-judgmental environment to explore and enhance your connections, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships. I run a sex-positive practice and can help with issues such as;
- Erection Problems
- Premature/Early Ejaculation
- Delayed Ejaculation
- Low Desire
- Pain & Penetration Problems
- Vaginismus
- Anxiety around sex & intimacy
- Sexuality and orientation
- Communication differences
- Opening/Ending relationships
- Difficulty with orgasms
- Ethical non-monogamy
- Polyamory
- Post-affair recovery
- Betrayal
For support with any of the issues above, or anything else you may be struggling with, contact Sidcup and South East Counselling today.
Get in Touch
I have a range of daytime, evening, and weekend appointments available. To arrange an appointment, please email me using the form below to negotiate a mutually agreeable time.
I may be with a client when you call, so please leave me a message, and I will return your call as soon as possible. I aim to reply within 48 hours unless it’s the weekend.
Please note this is not an emergency number. Should you require immediate help, please call Samaritans at 116123, NHS Direct at 111, or visit your local Accident and Emergency.
My location
Sidcup and South East London Counselling Service is a private counselling and therapy practice based in Sidcup. It is within easy reach of Bexley, Greenwich, Bromley, Dartford, New Eltham, Welling, Bexleyheath, Plumstead and Eltham in South East London and Kent. Located on the B13, 286 and 51 bus route and with easy access to the A2 and A20.
The nearest train stations are New Eltham and Sidcup.
Fees & availability
Individual sessions are £75
Couples/ Multi-partnered (Max 2 people) £110
Limited availability.
You may not know it, but you’ve already taken the first step...
It can be scary and confusing making the decision to contact a counsellor or therapist, but in my experience people will struggle with a mental health issue, a personal crisis or problems with a relationship for much longer than is healthy. Sometimes a friend has proved a source of comfort, but this help can only go so far. Realising that resolving a problem requires something more means you have actually already taken the first step towards improving your life.