CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne

 

My name is Jo Walmsley and I’m a fully qualified ‘Integrative Counsellor’ and Clinical Supervisor based at CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne. I am registered member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Alongside holding professional accreditation with NCS (National Counselling Society). I provide CBT and counselling for both adults and children age 7+ years.

Being an integrative counsellor is at the heart of my work. This means, once the relationship is in place I draw upon a range of different “tools” from specific therapies. Depending on your individual needs.  I will tailor your therapy so it’s personal to your specific goal and personality. I don’t believe that one single approach can treat each person in all situations.

Experience

I have gained counselling experience in many different fields over the last decade. Alongside my own private practice I also worked within the NHS for 6 years. Providing short term counselling and CBT therapy on the IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service. At Step 2, Step 3 and Step 3a High Intensity levels.

In addition to this, my work with a domestic abuse agency, led me to develop a real passion for helping survivors of abuse reclaim their lives and take back control. I am also the sole counsellor providing treatment to children in the Swale area for ‘Mind’.

How I can help

At CBT and Counselling Sittingbourne, I aim to provide a safe, warm and confidential space for you to explore your difficulties. I understand that reaching out for help might feel quite daunting. However, I will strive to put you at ease and make your counselling experience as positive and effective as possible.

I have a down to earth, friendly approach and believe that someone completely neutral is a great help  investigating your needs are and what’s required in order to achieve them.

Just taking the time to talk things through can be eye-opening experience, because it’s very easy to get “stuck” inside our own head. Let’s face it, sometimes we are not our own best friend and our brains can be incredibly unkind to us. Therefore, we will start by getting any unhelpful thoughts in order, so you are able to think more rationally in order to achieve the life you want.

The person we grow up to become has been heavily influenced by our “care givers” and our early life experiences. Therefore, this sometimes means it has left us with thoughts processes and patterns of behaviour which are possibly unhealthy or unhelpful.

By helping you understand why you are the person you are it allows you to choose which “bits” you would like to keep and which you would like to change. This is where our work together begins. We will explore the skills or “tools” that will be most effective in helping you to move forward.

Counselling for children

When working with children or young people, therapy is offered in a very different way, depending on the age of your child. I aim to build a friendship with them at first. Then, where relevant I may use a playful approach to begin counselling. Prior to meeting with your child, I will request a short phone call with you to understand the background of your child’s difficulties.

Ethical standards

I have an advanced DBS, indemnity insurance and abide by the code of ethics set out by the BACP and NCS. I’m in regular clinical supervision and ensure that learning is an ongoing process through training and continuing professional development.

I am experienced in problems such as phobias, intrusive thoughts, OCD/OCT, anxiety, depression, anger, jealousy or relationship problems.

If you would like to make an appointment with Jo for face to face sessions at CBT and Sittingbourne Practice. Or for an online session. Then then please contact her via CBT and Counselling Kent today. Request to see Jo