Jo Read , BACP

Jo Read trained in therapeutic counselling, earning a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling in 2016 from Sweet Track Counselling in Glastonbury, a qualification accredited by the Counselling and Psychotherapy Awarding Body (CPCAB). She is also a qualified Social Worker and holds an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate for work with young people under 16 years. In addition to formal qualifications, Jo brings more than 20 years of experience working with young people and adults across youth and community work, education, mental health and social care.

Jo maintains regular professional supervision and attends personal counselling to support her ongoing development. She carries relevant professional insurance and is a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), the national professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Her practice is informed by the BACP ethical framework, its values, principles and moral qualities.

Jo primarily works within a person-centred approach, drawing on the core conditions of unconditional positive regard, empathy and congruence to build a clear, negotiated therapeutic relationship. She uses open questions and attentive listening skills such as reflection, summarising and immediacy to enable clients to explore their feelings and identify their own goals. For Jo, counselling is a collaborative and boundaried space where clients can focus inward, surface what matters to them and work toward repairing relationships with themselves and others. Initial sessions include an assessment and a counselling contract to agree aims and boundaries, and this agreement is reviewed as work progresses.

Person-centred and Online Therapeutic Approaches

Jo Read integrates client-centred practice with complementary approaches that help people understand and work through emotional difficulties. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgemental relationship in which the client’s own perspective guides change; it is useful for issues such as low self-esteem, life transitions and relationship concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people identify and reorganise emotional responses and patterns in relationships, and can be helpful for couples work and intimacy-related difficulties. Mindfulness Therapy offers practical ways to become more aware of thoughts and bodily sensations, supporting people coping with anxiety, stress and mood challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Jo Read works collaboratively with each person to explore their needs, goals and preferences and to decide which methods fit best, adapting the work as progress unfolds. This shared decision-making helps ensure the therapy aligns with the client’s values and circumstances.

Online therapy with Jo Read offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit counselling around work, caregiving responsibilities or travel. These options support access from different locations and allow clients to continue therapy in ways that suit their routines and comfort levels.