JLJ Counselling
Whether you've been struggling for a while, or if an unexpected life event has hit you hard, taking the time to talk, process and reflect can help with perspective, equipping you with the tools and mechanisms to make the changes that allow you to move forward.
All of us go through periods when things get on top of us, and our normal strategies for coping are not enough. It takes courage to seek help, but in doing so you are taking a first step towards change.
I work with individuals to make sense of their world, and couples to untangle the psychosexual and emotional issues which are threatening their relationship.
How I can help
Counselling can help with feelings of loneliness, unhappiness and hopelessness and if you are looking for more meaning in life. You may be wanting to relate to others more easily, dissatisfied with work, concerned about a family member, suffering from illness, facing a crisis or a significant change, or just looking for understanding and support.
I am a qualified humanistic counsellor, our sessions will start with us exploring what is going on for you right now, and how it is impacting on you and your relationships. We'll look at ways to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings, before going on to consider the experiences which lie beneath.
I can help with a range of issues which may present because of painful experiences from the past or difficulties in the present and fears about the future. Counselling can also help with psychosexual issues, including loss of desire, sex/porn addiction and adapting to change.
I also work with couples, it's within a safe, nurturing environment that as individuals we reach our fullest potential, but over time all relationships will be tested; through loss, infidelity, conflict - all of the messy stuff that life throws at us.
How it works
For individual therapy the first step is to arrange a cost-free no-commitment phone, online or F2F session typically lasting 15-30 minutes to enable you to share what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to achieve.
The process for couples (or poly) differs as each individual needs to feel equally engaged in the process. I invite you to come and meet with me for an initial hour during which I encourage you both to share the difficulties you're currently experiencing and to consider how you'd like your relationship to look in the future. At the end of this first session you can decide if you think working with me will be helpful.
I also offer a fixed term relationship MOT which is designed for relationships which feel stale or bruised from the stresses of life events, e.g starting a family, loss, mismatched desire, menopause etc. Content is tailored for each relationship and will run along the following lines - Session One will explore the relationship dynamics and history. Session Two will examine individuals background/current circumstances and how this impacts the relationship. The third session will focus on current stressors, e.g family dynamics, health concerns, sex. The final session will focus on the future. Sessions can be weekly or bi-weekly, and will likely include homework tasks.
I am registered by the BACP and abide by their ethical framework. I am also undergoing further, specialist training in psychosexual and relationship therapy. I am student member of COSRT.
NEW FOR AUTUMN 2022
Rising fuel costs and inflation is affecting us all this year, and the reality is that spending on our mental health is discretionary. In order to make it more affordable, I offer all clients the option to attend sessions bi-weekly.
I started seeing Jill when I felt my resilience was at an all time low. Due to relationship difficulties I was feeling incredibly anxious and negative about myself and the world around me. It was affecting all areas of my life.
Jill immediately put me at ease and I found a safe and kind space where I could slowly work to get to be the person I wanted to be. Your practical approach has changed the way I look at things and for that I am very grateful.
The time spent with Jill has improved the way I deal with my anxieties, and both my personal and professional relationships have improved as a result. Thank you!
Client J Nov 22
