JO OLIVER
COUNSELLOR
After spending many years in the pressurised corporate world, a ‘gap year for grown-ups’ 10 years ago allowed me some much-needed time to reflect and finally have the courage to follow through with my passion – helping others to make positive changes to their lives.
On my return, I embarked on an intensive counselling course as well as qualifying as a Samaritan, where I subsequently spent a number of years in the Manchester branch. This included mentoring as well as becoming a member of the prison team at Strangeways, where we visited twice per week.
Having been on my own individual journey of self-awareness and change, I know how valuable counselling can be in allowing ourselves time to explore difficult feelings, and become empowered to make positive life changing transformations.
My counsellor was pivotal in enabling me to gain insight and make those changes for myself.
I have a passion for the person-centred approach to counselling, because put simply, you are not seen as a ‘patient’ being treated by an ‘expert.’ Instead you are a client and we are viewed as equal.
I believe you already know deep inside what the answers are, and it is my role to help you find them. Rather than me tell you what to do, I will empower you to take control of your own decisions.
Read more about person-centred therapy here >>>
I am a mum and step mum, and understand first-hand the struggles of starting a family as well as the pressures that family life can sometimes bring.
When I’m not with clients you’ll find me with my family. I love the outdoors and get out running when I can. I’m a keen traveller and love experiencing different countries, cultures and cuisine.
Most of all I love making memories.
Oh… and I love butterflies! They hold huge significance to me personally – embodying the possibility and power of change and transformation, much like the counselling process.


“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. Without change there would be no butterflies” Anonymous
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
- Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (BACP Accredited)
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Concepts
- ABNLP Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
- ABNLP Certified Practitioner of Time Line Therapy
- ABNLP Certified Practitioner of Hypnotherapy
I am a registered member of by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and adhere to its ethical framework, which includes maintaining my counselling standards by reporting to a BACP accredited supervisor every month and regularly completing continual professional development (CPD).
I also undertake regular training to enhance my practice and comply with BACP CPD requirements. Most recent training courses I have attended are as follows:
- Working with Trauma and Recovery
- Working with Endings in Counselling
- Working with suicidal clients
- Group Facilitation in counselling
- Working creatively with children
FEES & LOCATION
Sessions last for 55 minutes and cost £50 per session
I see my counselling clients in Didsbury and Chorlton. For map see the Contact page.