Already having a wealth of life experience and knowing she wanted to work specifically counselling individuals, Jo completed a Bachelor of Counselling from Notre Dame University in her 20’s. Jo soon realised that while talking therapy is the basis of the therapeutic relationship, it is slow going in creating change for people and it could only achieve so much. Since then, Jo has trained in many high efficacy modalities within counselling to support her clients to achieve the life changes they would like in a more efficient way. These include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotion Freedom Technique (EFT), Meditation, Mindfulness, Hypnosis, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Vagus Nerve Stimulation.

Jo’s passion for working with children was evident from early in her career. Young minds and hearts are more easily hurt, but also more easily healed, The idea of having more future adults with effective coping strategies and less wounds is exciting to Jo. She has trained in many different modalities to be able to support children in a holistic way. This has further extended to specialising in supporting Neurodivergent children in a child-centered way that they can engage with. Some of the modalities Jo has trained in to support children are Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sand Tray Therapy, Theraplay, and Creative Therapies.

Jo also holds a wealth of education and leadership experience in her field. In her career she has worked in group counselling settings, created and facilitated her own workshops, led community discussions, participated as a panellist in discussions, presented at conferences, been called upon as a topic specialist for radio and media, trained organisational volunteers and taught at a university and community level. Jo is also a qualified Clinical Counselling Supervisor. Being a leader and facilitator in her field is something that not only sits comfortably for her; it is an exciting way to reach more people with new ideas. 

Jo is a proud neurodivergent woman. Her journey to self-awareness and diagnosis was led by her children being diagnosed and realising that her apples didn’t fall very far from her tree! Navigating life as a late diagnosed Autistic person has been a challenging but highly worthwhile journey for Jo. It has informed her understanding of both being different and being ok. Something that is vital in each neurodivergent persons journey. She now personally understands disabilities including invisible disabilities, and what is required to be an affirming advocate. This all plays a positive role in her work with individuals, and when offering consultations and training.

Jo values autonomy and self-determination. She believes that every individual, no matter their experiences, personality, disability or any other challenge, has strengths within them. Jo will work to help identify these strengths to build your confidence and self-belief, while using her skills to help you overcome the blocks that have been in the way of your success.

In short, Jo values people and is passionate about legitimate change - in the lives of clients, in the lives of families, and for communities. What this change looks like is your choice! You are the expert of your life.

Jo uses all her skills and passion to support you to decide the goals you have and work towards them.

In her personal life Jo is a family-centred person who loves to see her children reach new milestones and thrive. She also enjoys dancing, cooking, painting and mediation, and is committed to holistic health for herself. Personal growth is something she values a lot and so is often saying “yes” to trying new things. There is never enough time for all of wonderful things that life has to offer!