About me

Joy Thomson Brown

Counselling services

I am an Integrative Counsellor offering a range of approaches to best suit the needs of each individual client. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and this is noticeable in my experience which covers an age range from 7 to beyond retirement. I support clients with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, loss, bereavement, low self-confidence, low self-esteem, family issues, relationship issues, work-related issues.

My clientele includes a diverse range of individuals from very different backgrounds.

I have specific training and experience in Bereavement counselling (working with bereaved children, young persons and adults) and also in working with children generally (mainly in schools) where I use play materials to help my young clients express feelings they may otherwise find difficult to put into words.

 

In life, we can sometimes find ourselves feeling unsettled, dissatisfied, stuck. We may not understand the reason for feeling the way we do i.e. what is holding us back or preventing us from reaching our potential. Seeking help from a qualified therapist is a good start but for some, the idea of sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem quite overwhelming.  I understand that because I’ve been there. Before training to become a Counsellor, I had therapy. I remember, quite clearly, my feelings prior to that first session with my Counsellor. I almost didn’t go! What convinced me to give it a try?  –  The quote by Martin Luther King Jnr.  That first step led to the second and so began my counselling journey.

Finding a Counsellor who is a good fit for you is crucial.

Start talking, book an appointment with Joy

If you would like to arrange an assessment with Joy, please book an appointment. 

Make Appointment

What can I offer you?

I am a Member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists and abide by their code of practice. My aim is for us to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, honesty and mutual respect. I can offer you a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space where we can work together to explore issues that are causing you difficulty. You decide what and how much you wish to share with me. I will follow your lead and go with you at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Our life experiences help shape who we are today. We cannot change the past but with help, we can question our thought processes and let go of disruptive patterns of behaviour. Improving our overall emotional and physical wellbeing starts with talking about our issues.

I am able to offer telephone, online or face-to-face counselling and sessions can be short term, i.e. 6-8 sessions or longer term depending on individual needs.

Online Counselling

Online counselling differs from in-person counselling in that we are working remotely from different locations. You can have therapy anywhere that is convenient for you. You may find that you are more comfortable online, or that it is easier to talk. Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, however, it is not suitable for everyone. I will always conduct an assessment in order to ascertain whether online therapy is the best option for you. 

Training, Qualifications and Experience

  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. 
  • Certificate in Bereavement Counselling – CRUSE Bereavement Care. 
  • Certificate in Working with Children and Young Person Elective – CRUSE Bereavement Care.
  • Level 2 Award in Understanding Substance Misuse. 
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills and Studies (CPCAB Levels 2 & 3) 
  • ABC Award Level 2 in Counselling Concepts.
  • Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling.