Welcome to the Brighterside

Transform your life with a smile -

Therapy that's caring, compassionate and kind

Online and telephone therapy services

Counselling adults in Stanford le Hope, Corringham, Thurrock, Essex, South East England and across the UK

Hello, I'm Joanne and I specialise in helping people who no longer feel like themselves or are not a version of themselves they wish to be. I'm available to listen to what is going on for you and talk about how I can help.

There can be lots of reasons for losing a sense of who you are. We experience many different transitions in life and some of these can be difficult to adjust to - even if they are positive changes. Changing jobs, becoming a parent or stepparent, moving, reaching a milestone birthday etc can all change how you view yourself, your place in life and cause relationship problems or family issues. External factors and difficult life transitions such as separation or divorce, redundancy or retirement, bereavement, becoming ill or developing chronic pain can lead to loneliness and you may find yourself feeling sad, lost, anxious and scared without any idea of how to get back to your 'old' self again.

If there are parts of yourself you dislike, anger or behaviour problems, guilt, shame or regret you are unlikely to have a positive relationship with yourself, which can make it difficult to have positive relationships with others. If you lack confidence or are a people pleaser this can be an indication of low self-worth and a lack of self-esteem, which can affect many other areas of your life, such as making decisions, social anxiety or being over critical of yourself. Trying to keep these parts hidden so others don't think less of you can be exhausting!

I can help you reconnect with yourself and the person you aspire to be

  • Online Counselling: Convenient and secure virtual sessions that prioritise your comfort and privacy.
  • Telephone Counselling: Accessible and confidential counselling sessions over the phone for your convenience.


My therapeutic technique is designed to empower you to overcome obstacles and regain a sense of balance and wellbeing. Together we'll explore your story and understand the beliefs that shape your thoughts, decisions and behaviours. We will improve areas that are holding you back and lessen any burden you are under. I am here to help you take that first step towards a happier and more fulfilling life.

How I can help

I help anyone who is feeling lost, anxious or disconnected from their true selves. You may have a lot of mental noise or a constant internal monologue, repetitive thoughts, rumination, catastrophising, stress and anxiety. Left unchecked, these ongoing feelings can affect your sleep and your physical health, leading the way to depression, overwhelm and burnout.

Talking to someone outside of your personal circle gives you the opportunity to share all of your thoughts and feelings from your own perspective, allowing you to gain some peace and clarity, alongside an understanding of yourself and your circumstances.

I have successfully helped many people find a way past these feelings and quieten their minds. I can help you too. How different would your life look if you were to have more energy, focus and enthusiasm for the things you enjoy? Together we will find out what will benefit you the most to help you achieve this.

Sense of self

Your sense of self is your inner understanding of who you are. It includes your unique experiences as well as your thoughts, feelings and beliefs about yourself - everything that makes you, you. It's how you value your own worth, affects how you see and relate to yourself and the world around you and determines how you navigate life's challenges.

You may feel that you have never really had a positive sense of self or you may have experienced life events which have altered how you feel about yourself. Sometimes life experiences can make this sense of self stronger, but they can also shake it, making you feel unsure or disconnected from who you truly are.

Our work will help you develop a clear and positive sense of self, make decisions that feel right for you and build healthier relationships with others, allowing you to feel more confident and at peace with yourself.

My training and experience

I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling and through volunteering with a local mental health charity (www.mind.org.uk) and my private practice I have experience working with an extensive range of issues, helping to improve the emotional wellbeing and quality of life of many individuals.

My personal lived experience includes childhood trauma, suicide, divorce, menopause chronic pain and fatigue. These experiences have influenced the additional areas of knowledge I have, as well as my ongoing training - for example, I recently completed a program focusing on overcoming chronic pain and will be studying somatic trauma therapy during the remainder of 2024.

Until 2022 I worked in residential care for over 65's, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by those dealing with Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as supporting their families. I continue supporting these areas, as well as care workers, through my counselling work.

Sessions & fees

Sessions

I provide therapy sessions that can be tailored to your specific needs, whether you prefer open-ended sessions, short term therapy for a set number of weeks, ad-hoc when required or would like to work online or over the phone.

These sessions are subject to periodic review to ensure that we are making progress toward your therapeutic goals. Each session typically lasts for approximately 50 minutes, although alternative durations can be arranged upon mutual agreement.

Fees

My sessions are competitively priced, starting at £50 for daytime (weekday) appointments, up to £65 for evenings (5pm onwards) and weekends, with flexible time slots to accommodate varying commitments such as childcare or changing work schedules.

If you are interested in working with me please contact me to arrange a complimentary 10/15-minute call to discuss the issues you're having, answer any questions you have and help you decide if I am the counsellor for you.

Concessionary Rates

In an effort to make my services accessible to all, I offer a limited number of sessions at a concessionary rate. Due to high demand these may be restricted to a pre agreed number of sessions, which can be reviewed upon request. I maintain a waiting list for these sessions when applicable. Please let me know at the time of enquiry if you would like to discuss your individual requirements or to check availability of these sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Counselling typically focuses on specific issues and aims to help clients address immediate concerns. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, delves deeper into the root causes of emotional difficulties and behavioural patterns, aiming for long-term emotional healing and personal growth.

How do I know if counselling or psychotherapy is right for me?

If you are seeking support for specific challenges and want to develop practical strategies to address them, counselling may be a suitable option. If you feel the need to explore deeper emotional issues and patterns of behaviour, psychotherapy might be more beneficial. I offer a combination of counselling and psychotherapy techniques depending on your specific needs.

What can I expect in a counselling session?

In a counselling session, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your concerns confidentially and work collaboratively with the therapist to develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage your specific challenges. During the first session, we'll discuss your goals and concerns, establish a comfortable and trusting dialogue, and outline a plan for moving forward based on your specific needs and preferences.

How long does therapy usually last?

The duration of therapy varies depending on the individual's needs and goals. Some clients may find that short-term counselling is sufficient to address their concerns, while others may benefit from longer-term psychotherapy to achieve more profound and lasting emotional changes.

How often should I attend therapy sessions?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on the nature of your challenges. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly at first, with the option to have their frequency adjusted after establishing your progress and evolving needs.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is strictly confidential. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and therapists adhere to professional ethical guidelines to ensure that all personal information and discussions remain confidential.

What is pluralistic therapy, and how does it differ from other forms of therapy?

Pluralistic therapy acknowledges that different clients have different needs, and it adapts to those needs rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

What types of mental health issues do you work with?

I specialise in addressing a wide range of mental health challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief (including anticipatory grief), trauma, and stress-related issues. I also work with clients who are going through the menopause, living with chronic pain or are affected by neurodegenerative disorders.

How can therapy help individuals dealing with menopause-related mental health challenges?

I can provide valuable support for managing the emotional and psychological effects of menopause. I do this by helping you to develop coping strategies and promote overall well-being during this transitional phase in life. At the end of therapy, clients often express to feeling as if they understand themselves again, and that having someone to talk to about how they are feeling has helped them to no longer feel as if they are ‘going mad!’.

What approaches do you use to support individuals struggling with chronic pain?

I incorporate a combination of therapeutic techniques, including empathic listening, acceptance, commitment approaches and mindfulness which can help you cope with and alleviate the effects that chronic pain can have on all areas of your life and in your relationships. Living with chronic pain can be extremely challenging, and as an often ‘unseen’ disability, it can also feel as though others do not always understand. I offer a space for you to share the impact this has on your life, where you can feel heard, supported and understood.

How can therapy benefit families and caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson’s?

Therapy can provide you with the necessary tools and emotional support to navigate the challenges these conditions create, whilst also promoting well-being and resilience. For those receiving a diagnosis there can be many fears and feelings which you do not want to burden your loved ones with, and I can offer you the confidential space to express these privately in a caring, safe and non-judgemental environment. For the loved ones of someone receiving or living with a diagnosis of these conditions I aim to provide respect and empathy while assisting you as you try to make sense of the difficulties, questions and challenges that exist after someone you love is diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder.

What should I do if I am still uncertain therapy is for me?

Feeling uncertain about whether therapy is the right choice for you is completely normal. I want to assure you that I understand your hesitations and am here to provide the guidance and information you need to make an informed decision. If you have any questions or need more detailed information about the services I offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I provide a complimentary 15-minute consultation to address your concerns, after which you are under no obligation to proceed further. Whether you choose to send me an email or give me a call, I am committed to working with you to determine the best approach for your emotional wellbeing.

Get in touch

Contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.


You can also call me on 07938 638967 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.


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