Joanna is a sought after and experienced professional counsellor accredited with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) specialising in the area of mental health, bereavement, grief and loss.
Joanna’s is a graduate of Ulster University in Business Studies. She worked in the area of business and finance for many years, primarily in public sector government organizations and still does on a part-time basis
At the age of 26, difficult life circumstances arose, resulting in a mental health crisis that changed life priorities. Joanna underwent intensive therapy and went through a process of personal transformation and change, both within herself and throughout all areas of her life.
One such change was that of her career. In pursuit of a more rewarding and fulfilling career, Joanna went back to school and after 4 years of study, qualified as a professional therapist.
In 2018 Joanna achieved accreditation status with the BACP and successfully set up her own private counselling practice providing one to one counselling to adults aged 18 and over dealing with a variety of issues to include, stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, thoughts of life not worth living, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, bereavement, recovery from domestic abuse and much more
Throughout her counselling career, Joanna worked 3.5 years as a Samaritans volunteer supporting individuals in distress and despair. She is a fully trained and qualified bereavement counsellor with Cruse bereavement services NI and worked at Cruse Bereavement Services NI for 6.5 years.
Joanna also worked 1 year at Southern Area Hospice Services providing counselling to individuals and their families affected by cancer. 1 year at Women’s Aid counselling women dealing with the mental and emotional impact of domestic abuse and violence. She also served 2 years as a counsellor with PIP’s Hope and Support counselling individuals with mental health issues and those bereaved through suicide.
Joanna is also a qualified professional life and workplace coach. She is a mindset, career change, personal development, self-care, spiritual life and spiritual awakening coach. Having gone through the process of change, Joanna uses her knowledge, wisdom and experience to assist others through the process of change.
Professional Qualifications:
University of Ulster Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Studies (FDsc) (Humanistic Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Counselling, Psycho-dynamic Counselling)
University of Ulster Certificate in Counselling Studies
Diploma in Life and workplace Coaching IMPC & M
Certificate in Life and workplace Coaching IMPC& M
University of Ulster Diploma in Business Studies
Other Professional Qualifications:
BACP Accreditation – obtained 2018
BACP Certificate of proficiency
BACP Primer course in online therapy
Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Level 4
Psychological trauma – WAVE Institute – OCN – Level 4
Diploma in Solvent & Alcohol Abuse Counselling – Level 3
Diploma in Hypnotherapy – Level 3
Diploma in psychology -Level 2
Diploma in Depression Management – Level 2
Diploma in Spirituality – Level 2
Certificate in Awareness in Bereavement Care – Level 2
Certificate in Drug & Alcohol Awareness – Level 2
Advanced Diploma in Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Level 1
Diploma in Anger and Aggression Management – Level 1
Continued professional development:
I have also completed training courses and attended workshops in:
· Child Protection· Domestic Abuse & Violence – Womens Aid Newry
· Asist suicide prevention training – PIP’s Newry & Mourne
· Mental Health first aid training – PIP’s Newry & Mourne
· Safe talk suicide training -PIP’s Newry & Mourne
· Drug & Alcohol Awareness training – REACT Banbridge
· Eating Disorder Awareness training -Adapt NI
. Working with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse – Nexus NI