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Jo Dobson Barker Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor Highbury London N5

Jo Dobson Barker:

Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor (BACP)

I’m Jo, a psychotherapeutic counsellor specialising in Gestalt psychotherapy. Taking the first step into therapy can feel scary and complicated, but I believe that simply being met and heard by another person can be the beginning of bigger changes in your life.

I will accompany you in whatever is going on in your life, whether that’s everyday experiences of feeling stuck, low or worthless or bigger life transitions and moments of change. I specialise in working with neurodiversity, queerness and masculinity and have worked with a diverse range of people as a therapist in community organisations and mental health for the NHS.

In therapy sessions, I will support you to:

– Deepen your understanding of your experience in the moment

– Explore your hopes and fears

– Notice the messages your body might be sending

– Help build support in your world

– Experiment with new ways of acting, thinking and feeling

The aim of therapy with you will be to build a feeling of choicefulness about how you and your relationships might be different in the future.

More about my approach:
My approach is based on scientific studies that show the relationship is the most important factor in a successful course of therapy. I believe that change comes from learning about how we are in relationships and learning about ourselves through relationships. My approach examines the ways we have each been made to feel a certain way about ourselves based on the relationships we have had in our lives, and I work with people to understand how they carry those relationships with them in the present.

I also believe the place we occupy in the world is crucial to understanding our inner lives and our suffering. Class, race and gender are topics I believe have been underappreciated in the past, but which deserve attention in how they show up in our everyday experience. I will meet you from a place of respect, equality and empathy, acknowledging that the ways that we are different and similar will impact how we work together.

I decided to train as a therapist after researching and teaching philosophy. I trained and qualified at the Metanoia Institute and am continually learning and developing as a therapist.

The initial session:
I offer either a 15-minute call or a 50-minute in-person, complementary introductory session for us to get a sense of how it might be working together.

Fees:
I offer weekly therapy that can be short or long-term.

My fees range from £50 – £80 per 50-minute session, depending on your financial situation.

 

***If you require more information and guidance about therapy, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.***

Jo Dobson Barker  – Working Hours

Thursday – 12:00 – 17:00 (although only 14:00 – 17:00 until October)

Contact Details

Jo Dobson Barker, Gestalt Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, can be reached using the following:
Email: [email protected]
Web: jodobsonbarkertherapy.com

Clients Jo Dobson Barker Works With

Client Issues Jo Deals With

Life Transitions thumb

Life Transitions

Dealing with important changes or adjustments in your life that impact you.

Codependency thumb

Codependency

Overcome control issues, low self-esteem, poor boundaries & ‘saviour’ mentality.

Disabilities and Learning Difficulties thumb

Learning Difficulties & Disabilities

Helping people manage the psychological impact of these & other issues

LGBTQIA+ Therapy & Counselling thumb

Sexual Orientation (LGBTQIA+)

Helping you support your gender, romantic or sexual identity issues.

Chronic Pain and Illness thumb

Chronic Pain & Illness

Preventing a detriment to the physical & psychological well-being of the sufferer

Relationship therapy and counselling thumb

Relationships

Exploring feelings about current & past relationships, or relationships in general.

Cultural Issues of Identity and Belonging thumb

Cultural Issues of Identity & Belonging

Helping cultural identity & diversity issues.

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Self-Harm

Helping people work on expressing their feelings in a more positive way.

Attachment Issues thumb

Attachment-Based Issues

Identifying past attachment patterns & developing new healthier attachment skills.

Lack of Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence thumb

Low Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence

Explore the roots of your low self-esteem issues & address your current symptoms.

Panic Attacks, Anxiety and Depression thumb

Stress, Panic Attacks, Anxiety & Depression

Help wellbeing & day-to-day functioning.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD thumb

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Helping you to rebuild a sense of safety.

Sexuality & Sexual Health thumb

Sexuality & Sexual Health

Helping you deal with the psychological aspects of sexual health & wellbeing.

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Loneliness

Explores the emotional & psychological issues that might lead to isolation.

Trauma thumb

Trauma

Helping you to talk openly & receive support about your traumatic experience.

Anger Management thumb

Anger Management

Managing the symptoms of your anger issues & controlling your reactions.

Gender & Identity Issues thumb

Gender Identity Issues

Giving you a safe space to explore & express your feelings without judgement.

Autism thumb

Autism

Finding ways to manage your life in a way that is healthy for you.

Motivational Therapy thumb

Motivation

Helping you set and achieve the goals that are important to you.

Body Image Issues thumb

Body Image Issues

A negative or unhealthy body image can be distressing in your daily life.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD thumb

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Helping overcome behavioural patterns.

Childhood Trauma and PTSD thumb

Childhood Trauma & PTSD

Helping overcome ongoing adverse events experienced as a child.

Therapy Modalities Jo uses With Clients

Jo Dobson Barker : Training and Qualifications

– Metanoia Institute, Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
– Pennsylvania State University, PhD in Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Seek Therapy?

Many people, new to this type of help, believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious “psychological problems”, or be in crisis in order for therapy and counselling to be appropriate for them. This is a common misconception; anyone can benefit from therapy when it comes to helping you deal with your personal feelings and problems, make positive changes in your life, and understand yourself better.

So what is therapy and counselling? If you’re new to this world then the first steps can sometimes be the most difficult. Therapy can be a very effective treatment for a whole range of personal problems covering areas from physical and emotional problems, different types of behavioural disorders, through to human sexuality issues and a host of wellbeing and complementary therapy techniques.

Any problem you have that is causing you concern, anxiety or distress is a valid and appropriate reason to reach out and find a therapist and talk to them about it. Far from something to be ashamed of, acknowledging your vulnerability and asking for help is a sign of maturity and strength.

If you feel that you have a desire and are committed to making changes in your life in order to overcome your current problems and achieve more long-term satisfaction, psychological wellbeing and personal fulfilment, then you are ready to seek therapy. We are here to help you work through a wide range of therapy issues that might be troubling you.

Will Information About Me Be Safe & Secure?

It is quite normal to be hesitant when it comes to sharing private and intimate information about yourself with a stranger. You may fear that you will receive judgment from your therapist, or that your therapist will share your details with others.

HQ Therapy Rooms takes your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Our therapists are required to keep everything said in therapy sessions between you, just like your doctor is required to keep your records private.

For therapy to be effective, there must be unconditional trust built between you and your therapist, and this relies on a shared understanding of confidentiality. It applies to the outside world as well: it is standard practice for therapists not to acknowledge their clients if they run into them outside of the therapy rooms in order to help protect their client’s confidentiality. Read our full privacy policy for more information.

Can I Contact You For Advice About Getting Therapy?

Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a supportive therapist can often make you feel better and help you face your problems. It feels good to be listened to and to know that someone cares about you and wants to help. It is important that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build a trusting relationship to help you make positive changes in your life.

But how do you know what type of therapy is right for you? Taking the first steps in finding the right therapist can be the biggest hurdle for newcomers, so we have made it easy. Simply fill out the form below in confidence, and one of our fully qualified referral therapists can work with you to make sure you connect with the right practitioner and receive the correct therapy and counselling services you require.

Our practitioners deal with a wide range of therapy issues using different types of therapy modalities tailored for the types of clients we work with. We also cater for people who are beset with financial difficulties, offering them services ranging from low-cost therapy and reduced rate therapy, to working with seasoned, qualified and accredited talking therapists.