Joanna Topley

I do currently have space for new clients, face to face and online. My main working days are Mondays and Thursdays but I can be flexible and am happy to chat about when works best. 

Hi I'm Jo, and I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times. When everything builds up, it can be hard to keep going, and past or present experiences can begin to take over your thoughts.

Balancing family, work, relationships, and your own wellbeing isn’t easy—especially when you’re facing challenges others may not fully understand. Sometimes, what’s needed most is a safe space where you don’t have to pretend everything is okay, and where you can feel truly heard and thats where I can help. 

As an adoptive mum of three for over 20 years, alongside being a busy working parent and navigating international moves, I understand how life’s layers can build up.

I offer a safe, calm space to explore how you’re feeling and find a way forward at your own pace. Our work together will be gentle and honest—I’ll support you while also offering thoughtful challenge, helping you focus on what matters most.

As a relational integrative counsellor, the relationship we build is at the heart of the work. I draw on a range of approaches to meet you as an individual, rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. Together, we’ll explore how past and present relationships may be shaping your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

My aim is to create a trusting, collaborative space where you feel heard, understood, and able to make meaningful, lasting change.

I work face to face in Romsey, near Southampton in Hampshire or Online. I have experience supporting people affected by trauma, including sexual and domestic abuse. I also work with adoptive parents as they move beyond the early stages of adoption into everyday family life, and later, when children are older—whether still at home or having left—creating space to reflect on the impact this journey has had on you. 

You can expect to feel safe and welcome as we create a space together where you can truly be yourself. 

In our first session together I want you to feel comfortable and safe, we don't need to dive straight into anything (unless you want to!).  We will have a conversation which is based on  'getting to know you', where we talk a bit about you and your family / background/ things you like to do/ what makes you happy or unhappy /coping strategies and if there are any ways I can help you feel more comfortable in therapy or any adjustments you would like me to make and to find out a bit more about what you would like to get out of our time together.  This gives us an opportunity to start to build a relationship and for you to get a feel for how our sessions will be.