Would you care to introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Joanne, a qualified Counsellor specialising in Gestalt Therapy and Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I provide a non-judgmental, confidential, and safe space for both
young people and adults to explore their emotions and challenges.
My passion lies in working with young people aged 11-21, an area where I have focused my
expertise over the past three years. I have had the privilege of supporting this age group in a
variety of settings, including schools, community centres, and online platforms. Whether
you're facing personal struggles, emotional issues, or simply need someone to talk to, I am here to offer support and understanding.
Why or what made you want to be a counsellor?
I’ve always been drawn to people and helping others is something that comes naturally to
me. My journey into counselling began with a deep desire to support people, and after my
first placement during training, working with young people quickly became a passion.
Having worked in a variety of settings, I’ve seen how powerful the right kind of support can
be in helping individuals gain insight and build resilience.
Becoming a counsellor allows me to combine my passion for understanding human
behaviour with my commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel heard
and empowered to make positive changes.
What made you want to work with The Empathy Project?
I was drawn to The Empathy Project because of its commitment to creating safe,
understanding spaces where individuals can explore their emotions and experiences –
values which are important to me as a counsellor. The work that The Empathy Project does
aligns closely with my own values and passion for providing compassionate support
What is your approach to counselling? How would you describe it?
My approach is integrative, combining the practical, solution-focused aspects of CBT with
Gestalt therapy which is a modality of talking therapy. I work collaboratively with you,
whether you're an individual facing personal challenges or a young person navigating the unique hurdles of growing up.
My goal is to help you gain insight, develop effective coping strategies, and build a foundation of self-awareness that empowers you to make lasting, positive changes.
What has shaped your therapeutic practice the most?
What has shaped my therapeutic practice the most is a combination of my professional
training, personal experiences, and the ongoing learning I do through working with clients.
Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful it can be when individuals are given the opportunity
to explore their feelings in a safe, non-judgmental space.
What does successful therapy look like?
In my view, success is when a client feels more empowered and confident in navigating their
own challenges, whether that’s through improved emotional regulation, healthier thought
patterns, or better interpersonal relationships. It’s also about creating a space where clients
feel heard, validated, and accepted, so they can explore their feelings and experiences
without fear of judgment.
Jo Saunders MBACP is a qualified counsellor specialising in working with children & young people aged 10 or over. The Empathy Project is a non-profit community mental health service providing counselling and psychotherapy in Southampton.
If you'd like to speak to one of our team, we offer a free 20 minute consultation over the phone. To get started, please complete our confidential referral form here:
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