Jo Read

Jo Read is a counsellor who helps people dealing with grief, stress and anxiety. She also supports those facing depression, relationship strain, addiction issues, bereavement and hospice and end-of-life concerns. People come to her for help with self-esteem, identity and life changes. She works with adults and young people and speaks English.

Jo qualified in 2016 with a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling from the Counselling and Psychotherapy Awarding Body, completed placement hours with Sweet Track Agency, and is a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). She also has a background as a social worker and more than 20 years’ experience in youth and community work, education, mental health and social care.

Her approach is person-centred, centred on empathy, honesty and respect for the client’s own goals. In sessions she uses open questions, reflection and summarising to help people make sense of their feelings and identify what they want to change. Therapy is framed as a shared process where the client’s agenda comes first.

Practical matters are covered early on. The first meeting includes an assessment and a counselling agreement so both parties know what to expect. This agreement is reviewed as work progresses and questions are welcome at any time.

Jo meets monthly supervision requirements, maintains professional insurance and has a current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate for work involving young people under 16. She also continues her own counselling as part of professional development.

How Jo's approaches translate to online work

Jo uses person-centred methods that put the client's concerns first. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises empathy and acceptance, helping people find their own direction when facing grief, anxiety or life transitions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on understanding and processing strong emotions in relationships and personal loss, which can help when coping with bereavement or intimacy issues. Existential Therapy invites reflection on meaning, choice and values, useful for people questioning life purpose or facing end-of-life decisions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Jo collaborates with each person to decide which methods feel most helpful. That choice is shaped by your goals, current needs and personal preferences, and it can change as therapy progresses.

If you are considering online therapy, check the session options before booking since specific formats were not listed in the original biography. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also help people who live further away or who prefer to meet from their own local area. Registered or accredited professionals can explain available formats and help arrange sessions that suit your routine.