Jo-Anna Andree

My fee varies depending on the type of therapy required and clients financial capacity. One-to-One therapy costs £45 and couples therapy is £80 per 50 minute session longer sessions are available pro rata...

As an Integrative Couple and Individual Psychotherapeutic Counsellor my contemporary working model evolved from overlapping and interlocking concepts from specific schools of therapy, blended with new insights from neuroscience, mindfulness and trauma based research. Some approaches in my repertoire are;

Transactional Analysis, a psychoanalytic method based on personality and relationships whereby social interaction and interpersonal communication are studied to determine the ego state of the communicator as a basis for understanding and modifying communication styles and behavioural patterns. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, helps clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts through collaboration and active participation. This goal orientated and solution focused practice helps clients develop coping skills to change and better manage their problematic thinking, behaviour and emotions. 

Psycho-drama uses role play exercises to help clients communicate with others and develop strategies and skills to deal with social situations they dread or avoid. Clients overcome anxieties and fears and build confidence to achieve their goals.

The psycho-dynamic approach promotes an understanding of emotions and unconscious patterns of behaviour by focusing on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Clients develop self-awareness and make more useful life choices.    

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy techniques build skill sets to help manage painful or distressing emotions and decrease relational conflict. Clients learn emotional regulation and how to validate themselves and others.    

Systems theory and the Gottman method underpin my couple therapy model.       

A culturally sensitive therapeutic practice is essential for complex society, establishing trust, building rapport and creating a context for understanding families, couples and individuals. The process accommodates each clients unique personality and circumstances to achieve individual desires and aspirations for change.

The qualities of caring, acceptance and respect create the emotional connection and safe context necessary for stories to unfold. The powerful elements of my own humility, curiosity and genuine interest enhance the process. I assume a non-expert stance as I listen and respond in a way that focuses on ideas of meanings rather than content alone. 

I am an accepting down to earth person, a professional who doesn't use 'jargon' or complex terminology. The techniques I employ are tried and tested and I believe my integrative working model affords me the capacity to help a more diverse range of clients and needs.

My client base are couples who need help with a wide range of relationship issues and individuals needing support with family of origin issues, emotional/conflict management, how to live a non violent lifestyle, depression, anxiety, assertiveness training, personality disorders or bereavement. 

Sometimes clients need support during a  challenging season or event in their life or through a time when decision making or change are required. Other clients come to increase their level of confidence or to enhance self awareness/esteem or gain a deeper understanding of themselves.

I have undertaken extensive and robust post qualifying training in couple therapy at, The Centre for Systemic Studies. The key influences are: systemic in orientation with psycho-dynamic, dialectical behaviour therapy and the Gottman method techniques.

The first couples therapy session lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes, subsequent weekly sessions last between 50 - 60 minutes. Longer sessions are available pro-rata.

When we have booked an appointment I will email my intake form and contract to you.

These documents need to be printed, completed and signed (by both parties) and brought to the first session with your payment which will be taken as part of the 'housekeeping' process before any therapy can begin.

A brief welcome is followed by a time for any queries regarding the therapy.

The remainder of the session includes information gathering, discussing the content from the intake form and your ideas and thoughts regarding the changes you wish to make in the relationship.

Individual counselling sessions last 50 minutes and extended sessions are available pro-rata. When we make an appointment I will email my intake form and contract to you. The documents need to be printed, completed and brought with you to the first session with your payment, which must be taken before any therapy commences.

A brief welcome followed by 'housekeeping'  procedures takes place then I invite clients to complete a short tick box assessment sheet to highlight potential areas causing difficulty. 

Then I invite clients to tell me why they have come for therapy and how they think I can best help them. 

Please note: 'housekeeping' procedures and payments MUST take place at the beginning of each session before therapy commences.

I lead clients through each session, guiding and supporting them whilst keeping them safe and Informed at all times!