JOANNA BELL COUNSELLING
Face-to-face counselling in Surbiton and online
How can counselling help?
Sometimes life’s challenges can feel overwhelming. Even if you’ve coped in the past, you might find yourself feeling anxious, low or stuck, unsure where to turn or how to move forward. Talking to a counsellor offers you the chance to speak freely when it feels too difficult to share what's going on for you with family and friends.
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I offer a caring, confidential space where you can talk openly and feel understood. My approach is gentle, respectful and collaborative, guided by what feels most helpful for you. Together, we explore what is happening in your life, notice unhelpful patterns and support you to move towards greater calm, self-trust and kindness towards yourself.
"I am not what happened to me, I
am what I choose to become."
Carl Jung
About me
​Coming to counselling and choosing a therapist can feel daunting. So here are a few things you might like to know about me.
First of all, I am a qualified integrative counsellor. This means that I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and I draw on these in sessions depending on your needs. For me the therapeutic relationship we build is central to our work together, as feeling genuinely heard and understood can open the way for change.
My background is in media and photography and I think this has helped me learn how to build trust and put people at ease quickly.​ I started my counsellor training when facing the prospect of an empty nest and volunteering for the charities Mind and Cruse Bereavement. I have been supporting adults (18+) within a busy NHS GP counselling practice for a number of years and currently, alongside this and seeing clients in private practice, I am studying for a Level 5 in Psychotherapeutic Counselling that focuses on anti-oppressive practice.​
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I have experienced firsthand the power of counselling and of having consistent, caring support in the most challenging of circumstances.
How I work
You are the expert on your life, so rather than giving advice I offer a space where we can explore things together. I will remain alongside you in a supportive and collaborative way, helping you to tell your story, make sense of what's going on, recognise patterns and move towards meaningful, positive change.
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I work in a mainly Person-Centred way which means that our work together is shaped around you and your needs. I am also trained in a range of therapeutic approaches and I draw on these, alongside CBT-informed tools, where they feel helpful and appropriate.
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Face-to-face counselling sessions in Surbiton are in a comfortable, private garden room and online therapy sessions are via Zoom.
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SESSIONS
What I offer
Face-to-face sessions
These take place in a calm, welcoming space on the Kingston upon Thames/Surbiton border. Our first session, like subsequent sessions, will last 50 minutes. I will ask some questions to understand more about you, to learn what has brought you to counselling, and to check that what I offer feels safe and appropriate for your needs. It's a chance for you to ask questions and to see if working with me feels right for you. If you decide to book further sessions we will find a time that works for both of us and would usually meet at the same time each week.
Online sessions
Online sessions last 50 minutes and held via Zoom. As with face-to-face therapy, the first session will give us both the chance to ask questions and to ensure that what I offer is suitable for your needs. If you decide to book further sessions we will find a time that works for us both which would usually be at the same time each week. I will send you a link to join the meeting. Online sessions also take place in my counselling space to ensure confidentiality and it is important that you have somewhere you can speak freely and confidentially during our sessions.
Who I work with
You might be coming to counselling because you’re experiencing:​
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anxiety or constant worry
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panic attacks
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health anxiety
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low mood or depression
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a sense of overwhelm
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relationship or family difficulties
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stress, burnout or work-related pressure
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loss, grief or experiences of bereavement
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a sense of lost identity or purpose
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low self-esteem or a critical inner voice
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trauma or difficult past experiences
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guilt or shame
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a lack of direction or motivation
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life transitions such as redundancy or children leaving home
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women’s health concerns, including the impact of menopause
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ADHD, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed
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patterns of people-pleasing that are starting to impact you
If what you’re going through isn’t listed here please get in touch so we can explore whether counselling with me might feel helpful for you.
How much does it cost?
I offer 50-minute face-to-face sessions in person in Surbiton that cost £60.
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I also offer online sessions nationwide via Zoom with the aim of offering more flexibility. These also cost £60 for a 50-minute session.
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I am able to offer a limited number of slots at a concessionary rate.
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