Joanne Cahill-Shaw

I am currently accepting new clients.

I offer sessions in St Albans, Milton Keynes, and online. Where appropriate, I also offer home visits, providing support in a familiar and comfortable setting.

My working hours are mainly weekdays, with some limited flexibility where possible.

About Me and My Therapy Practice

I am a qualified Gestalt counsellor who values relationship, presence, and careful listening as the foundation of therapeutic change. I work with an integrative approach, grounded in compassion and curiosity, supporting clients to develop greater awareness and more authentic ways of relating to themselves and others.

I offer a collaborative and non-judgemental space where adults can explore emotional distress, relationship difficulties, identity, and self-worth. I work at a pace that feels respectful and manageable, with attention to how past experiences may continue to shape present-day patterns.

I welcome clients from a wide range of cultural, social, theological, and economic backgrounds, and I am mindful of the impact that inequality, marginalisation, and life circumstances can have on mental health and identity.

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My practice offers a warm, confidential space for adults and older adults seeking counselling. I work with anxiety, depression, bereavement and loss, childhood trauma, OCD, eating disorders, abuse, and questions around gender or sexuality. I also have experience supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with ASD and ADHD.

I have particular experience and qualifications in supporting adults affected by adoption and offer specialist support for adult ex-boarders, exploring the lifelong emotional and relational impact of boarding school.

Sessions are collaborative and tailored to each individual. Some clients come with a specific difficulty they want to focus on, while others choose longer-term work to explore deeper patterns and experiences. My aim is to provide a steady, reflective space where clients feel heard, supported, and able to make meaningful change over time.

I offer a free 20-minute introductory call before starting counselling. This provides an opportunity for us to begin getting to know one another, to talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling, and for you to ask any initial questions. It also allows you to get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue after this call.

If we decide to go ahead, the first counselling session offers a safe, supportive space for you to share as much or as little as feels comfortable. I will usually ask some gentle questions to understand your current difficulties, relevant background, and what you are hoping for from counselling. We will also talk through practical details such as confidentiality, boundaries, and how we might work together.

There is no formal assessment and no preparation required. You are welcome to take your time and move at a pace that feels right for you.