Jo Walmsley

My name is Jo Walmsley and I am a fully qualified Relationship Therapist and I hold professional Accreditation with NCS (National Counselling Society) and a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association of Counsellors & Psychotherapists)

If you are considering us working together, sharing your thoughts and emotions with me, it feels only right to share a little of myself with you first.  I’m a pretty “normal” kind of person with a genuine interest in people, who loves to laugh, and guilty of having a sarcastic and sometimes dark sense of humour. I’m as human and imperfect as everyone else and I’ve had my own struggles over the years resulting in a few battle scars. However, I got through them with a smile and a few expletives! #counsellorwhoswears. My own experiences give me the passion to help you through your difficult times.

I’m a fully qualified ‘Integrative Counsellor’ and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years’ experience working with individuals, couples, and young people. I have a down to earth and friendly approach and have vast experience in couple counselling. I will provide support to help you rebuild, repair and rebond your relationship. Or sometimes, if required, I will help you to facilitate the end of a relationship as amicably as possible.

What is an Integrative Therapist?

Being an Integrative Therapist means building a trusting, equal and mutual relationship upon which I draw upon a range of different “tools” from specific therapies depending upon your individual/relationship needs. I don’t believe that one single approach can treat each person or situation, so I will tailor your therapy so it’s personal to your specific goals and personalities. 

Extensive experience, knowledge and understanding has highlighted the importance of effective communication. Often difficulties within relationships are rooted in poor communication or misunderstandings, meaning we often have the same disagreement over and over again. This is often where change is needed. 

To achieve this, it’s helpful to learn a little about each other’s history to better understand how past events and experiences may be responsible for current beliefs and behaviours. We may not always be aware, but sometimes our beliefs become unhealthy or may even be incorrect. This can lead to unhealthy behaviours filtering into the relationship. We are all influenced by our early years and the people around us. Therefore, it can be helpful to understand our partner’s history as well as understanding our own. Then, together we can begin to challenge old habits and begin new communication strategies. So, this is where our work together begins. We will then explore the skills or “tools” that will be most effective in helping you to move forward.

Common Relationship Problems

The types of issues I work with are endless because every relationship is different. However, I can assist with understanding the impact problems such as sexual desire or dysfunction, long term health conditions, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, stress or anger can have on relationships. I have seen and heard most things, so I’m not easily shocked or embarrassed, so there is nothing taboo, if you need to talk about it, then I’m here to listen.