About Me

"We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with true understanding and true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know." Carl Rogers

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.

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 he 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 one hour and cost £45 per session

I see my counselling clients in Didsbury, Chorlton or Manchester city centre. For map see the Contact page.

Arrange a FREE Meeting or Call

Complete the enquiry form on this page or call on 07780 932886 for a free initial face to face meeting or telephone call to find out if we are a good match for your counselling needs and to answer your questions.