Jo Lane
Gestalt Counsellor
I am a registered, accredited member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). I comply with their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I completed my training in London at Goldsmiths University and at the Gestalt Centre. I have a certificate in Humanistic and Psychodynamic Counselling and a BACP accredited Diploma in Gestalt Counselling.
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I understand that taking the first step to ask for help can be hard. I am able to offer a safe, non-judgemental space to explore and make sense of difficult feelings. I believe forming a therapeutic alliance between a counsellor and client is central to the work. By establishing a warm, honest, relationship I can support you to raise your self-awareness, helping you to gain a clearer understanding of your emotions and how you relate to others, possibly exploring areas which have previously been out of sight or inaccessible. I work collaboratively with whatever you bring to the sessions, as the therapy room is your space. I offer one to one sessions, on either a long-term basis or for a mutually agreed time period. To find out more or book an initial session please contact me via phone or email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
My main counselling approach is Gestalt therapy. This means I work relationally, as establishing an authentic, non-judgemental relationship is central to the approach. There is a strong focus on self-awareness and the 'here and now' experience, which I believe is key to encouraging personal growth. I will support you to explore your thoughts and feelings, helping you to develop an awareness around how you relate to others and how you engage with the people around you. In doing so, it is possible to identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, which can cause feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. I have worked with people experiencing difficulties within their relationships, anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Some have sought help after experiencing trauma, including childhood abuse or domestic violence, wanting support to explore and understand their experience and the impact it has on their life. Others struggle with feelings of fear and isolation due to their sexuality or gender identity; I provide a confidential and containing environment for clients to be with their feelings. Many have experienced bereavement, abandonment or other types of loss and need a space to process their feelings, whilst receiving care, empathy and understanding.
For the last 8 years I have worked in my own private practice in Southeast London. Prior to this, I worked for the student counselling service at Regents University, London. Additionally, I have worked as a counsellor at Metro, a charity based in London, supporting LGBTQIA+ young people and adults. Before training as a counsellor, I worked as a caseworker in the domestic violence sector for 15 years, supporting women who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse. This experience enabled me to develop an extensive understanding around how people can be impacted by trauma, both in their childhood and adult lives, particularly how this can affect future relationships and how people make contact with others. I have an interest in working with trauma and how this is held in the body. I can provide a safe, containing environment where traumatic experiences can be explored.
Brighton, Hove and London