About Jo

Hello, I am glad you’re here!

I live in Bristol, UK with my beautiful, super-spirited 7 year old daughter and gorgeous, bouncy dog ~ my faithful friend! I love the seaside, huge trees and bright flowers, musicals, hot tubs, salt and vinegar crisps, swimming, singing, playing the piano, comedy, gardening, the cool side of the pillow, dog walks, twinkly lights, log fires and all things hygge!

I moved to west to Cardiff, Bath and Bristol respectively at 18 after childhood years in the south east of England. I have definitely switched allegiance though, because the west country has my heart! I have fallen in love with open-minded, community-focussed, colourful Bristol; and I’m not far from the many gorgeous coastlines, which we try to get to whenever possible!

I really love my job and love being self-employed! I retrained to become a counsellor when I was 34 after starting my career in teaching and the world of music. Over that time I have become especially passionate about fostering women’s self-acceptance of their bodies, which is why I have designed a 1:1 coaching programme to do just that. Freeing women of the generational trauma of female body shame is truly life-freeing and therefore life-changing: it is a total honour and privilege to do this work, hear your stories and be alongside your liberation and life expansion!

CAREER BACKGROUND
I initially graduated with a degree in music from Cardiff in 1996, qualifying as a music teacher a year later. Teaching in a secondary school and then a Young Offenders Institute eventually led me to work for the Local Education Authority supporting families through difficult times which prevented their child from going to school. Later I took a management qualification and managed a few local authority services in the subsequent years: an Education Welfare Service; a Parent Support Advisor Service and a schools-based counselling service. The knowledge and connections from these roles still prove invaluable as a counsellor and coach when working with parents who are navigating the system for their children.

QUALIFICATIONS
ILM Accredited Life COACH, 2024
BACP Accreditation, 2016
PG Diploma in RELATIONAL SUPERVISION, 2015
MSc in Weight Stigma in Therapy 2012
NLP Diploma, 2011
PG Diploma in COUNSELLING, 2010
Diploma in Leadership & Management, 2009
PGCE in Secondary Music, 1997
BMus (Hons), 1996

    PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
    I am a Professional Member of the BACP, ILM and DfES, and a UKRCP Accredited Registered Independent Counsellor. I work within the BACP ethical framework for good practice, attend ongoing professional development and undertake regular supervision in order to maintain the professional standards required for this work. I will treat you and our work with respect and in confidence. I hold an up to date enhanced DBS disclosure and have full public liability insurance.

      Testimonials

      “Having had the privilege of just four sessions with Jo, my entire outlook has changed.”

      Coaching client

      “Working with Jo lifted those heavy things off me and gave me the chance to breathe in the cool air of self-acceptance. It felt like magic because after so long I feel so different.” 

      Diana, Coaching Client

      “You've changed my outlook and therefore my life. It sounds dramatic but it's true. It has been so powerful working with you. I cannot thank you enough for your time, your thoughts, your sound bites and above all your kindness.” 

      Coaching Client

      “Jo can help you to take back your power and teach you to champion yourself in a world that tries to dictate your worth.”

      Coaching Client

      “Magical, affirming, calming”

      Olivia, Coaching Client

      “I have loved every moment of working with you and I feel armed to start to tackle this on my own once and for all. Thank you so much for your compassion and empathy. I felt held throughout the whole process.” 

      Cath, Coaching Client

      “Jo made me feel much more empowered to accept and enjoy my body and my appearance. She was able to help me unpick beliefs I didn’t know I had. She is obviously experienced, knowledgeable and cares a great deal about what she does.” 

      Jess, Coaching Client

      “Jo helped me realise where some of my perceptions came from, and I left feeling like I can actually achieve body acceptance. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jo!”

      Sharon, Coaching Client

      “I think working with someone who is so strong in her message, and also is so knowledgeable on techniques and information which can really help break thought patterns, has been invaluable.” 

      Ollie, Coaching Client