Joanna Woods

MY APPROACH

I understand that everyone is unique, and everyone has their own experiences and understanding of the world we live in, our relationships and the things that have happened to us.

My humanistic training emphasises our capacity for autonomy, growth, and the freedom to shape and give meaning to our lives. Whilst not working with specific techniques or methods, my approach is person-centred and influenced by theoretical teachings such as Gestalt, Focusing, Existential Psychotherapy, Transactional Analysis and Systemics (family dynamics).  My counselling is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ+ identities, and gender, sexual and relationship diversity.

You would be free to choose how you use your counselling sessions and whether you want short or longer term counselling. I will be alongside you as you explore and make sense of your thoughts, feelings and experiences in any area of your life, and I aim to express compassion, acceptance, attentiveness and honesty in working with you.

HOW COUNSELLING CAN HELP

Realising that you might need to talk to someone is the toughest, and also bravest first step.  Counselling can provide some calm and space in our busy lives and fast-changing world, and your counsellor will be on your side as you navigate through the issues you want to explore.  

You might want to use this space to navigate through a difficult time, seek emotional healing, set yourself goals, or simply see what comes up. You might want to find new ways to manage trauma and distress, increase self-compassion, or replace old patterns of behaviour and relationship dynamics that are no longer working for you.  

Counselling can also help you to recognise or re-discover your beliefs, strengths, resilience, and sources of healing, support and joy. 

EXPERIENCE

I have been a counsellor in Brighton and Lewes since 2017.  In addition to my private practice I am a counsellor in a local secondary school.  I have previously worked for three years as an honorary counsellor for a local LGBTQ mental health charity, a counsellor with Lewes Low-cost Counselling Service, and for Brighton & Hove Switchboard helpline.  

I have worked and volunteered in the health and social care sector since 1994 in a range of support and managerial roles supporting adults and young people around their mental health, disabilities, homelessness, LGBTQ identities, etc.   

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I am fully insured and a registered member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and subscribe to their Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.

I am a member of Rampion Counselling & Psychotherapy, Sussex Counselling & Psychotherapy, and am a verified therapist with Psychology Today. 

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​Other professional development and training:

• ​Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity 

• Existential Psychotherapy and Focusing

• Psychosis and Hearing Voices

• Working with Self Harm and Suicide

• Trans awareness

• ADHD

• Addiction dependencies

• Symbolic Sand Tray Work