Joanne Paton

I currently offer counselling appointments on Fridays and Saturdays, between 9am and 7pm.

My appointments can be face to face or online.

I understand that finding time for counselling can sometimes feel like another thing to fit into an already busy week, so I aim to offer a range of appointment times where possible, including daytime and later appointments.

My availability is updated regularly, and I will always do my best to find a time that works for you. If you are looking for support for your child or young person, I am also happy to discuss appointment times that fit around school and family commitments.

If you would like to enquire about my current availability, please get in touch and we can find a suitable time to arrange an initial conversation.

Hello, I’m Joanne, a BACP-registered integrative counsellor. I offer a warm, welcoming and non-judgemental space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, talk openly and feel truly heard.

I believe that counselling is not about telling you what you should do or trying to fit you into a particular box. It is about building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel safe enough to explore whatever may be going on for you, at your own pace.

As an integrative counsellor, I draw on different therapeutic approaches and adapt the way I work to suit you as an individual. Everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. I therefore take the time to understand you, your experiences and what you would like from counselling.

I work with adults and young people aged 6+, and I have a particular interest in supporting children and young people. I understand that asking for help can feel daunting, especially when you are a young person or a parent looking for support for your child. My aim is to make that first step feel as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

You don't need to know exactly what you want to talk about, and you certainly don't need to have everything figured out before coming to counselling. Sometimes simply having someone outside of your usual circle who will listen without judgement can make a real difference.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low confidence, relationships, life changes, difficult emotions or simply feeling that things have become overwhelming, I am here to listen and work alongside you.

My approach is gentle, collaborative and person-centred. You remain in control of your journey, and together we can explore what feels right for you.

My counselling practice is a calm, comfortable and welcoming space where you can take a step away from the pressures of everyday life and have some time that is just for you.

I offer face-to-face counselling for adults and young people aged 11+. My aim is to create an environment where you feel safe, respected and accepted for who you are, without judgement.

I work integratively, which means I can draw from different therapeutic approaches depending on your individual needs. Rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach, I believe therapy should be shaped around the person sitting in front of me.

For some people, counselling may be about making sense of difficult emotions or experiences. For others, it may be about building confidence, understanding patterns in their lives, navigating relationships or finding ways to cope when things feel overwhelming. Sometimes you may not even know exactly what is wrong — you simply know that things don't feel quite right. That's okay too.

I have a particular interest in working with children and young people and understand that they may express themselves differently from adults. Building trust and allowing them to feel heard and understood is an important part of my work.

For parents and carers, reaching out for counselling for your child can feel like a big step. I aim to make the process as clear, supportive and reassuring as possible while keeping the young person's wellbeing and therapeutic relationship at the heart of the work.

My practice is built around the belief that you don't have to face everything alone. Counselling can provide a space to pause, reflect, understand yourself a little better and begin to find a way forward.

Your first counselling session is an opportunity for us to meet, get to know each other and begin to understand what has brought you to counselling.

I know that starting therapy can feel daunting. You might feel nervous about what to say, worried about being judged, or unsure whether counselling is right for you. You don't need to prepare a speech or know exactly where to begin. There is no expectation that you arrive with everything figured out.

We will talk about what you would like support with and what you hope counselling might offer you. I will explain how I work, answer any questions you have and make sure you understand what you can expect from our sessions.

Most importantly, it is a chance for you to get a sense of who I am and whether you feel comfortable talking to me. The relationship between counsellor and client is really important, and I believe you should feel that counselling is a safe space where you can be yourself.

If you are seeking counselling for your child or young person, I understand that you may have questions or concerns too. We can talk about these and discuss how I work with young people, including confidentiality and the role of parents and carers.

There is no pressure to share anything you are not ready to talk about. We can take things at your pace.

My hope is that you leave your first session feeling listened to, respected and perhaps a little clearer about what you would like from counselling. From there, we can work together to decide how you would like your counselling journey to continue.