About Friendly Therapist
Hi, I'm Jo
I’m a qualified counsellor and meditation teacher.
I originally became interested in counselling because I wanted to understand people better and learn how to help them. What I didn’t expect was just how much I’d learn about myself along the way.
My counselling training sparked a journey of personal development that has continued long after qualifying. Through developing my own self-awareness, I’ve gained confidence, built my self-worth and self-esteem, and changed the way I see myself.
Perhaps one of the most valuable things I’ve learned is how to recognise patterns in my own behaviour, understand why they developed and realise when they’re no longer serving me. Sometimes the ways we’ve learned to cope or protect ourselves can become the very things holding us back. Understanding that has helped me let go of patterns I no longer need.
Meditation is another important part of my life. It offers something different but equally valuable: a chance to slow down, find some calm and become more aware of our thoughts and feelings. I love how meditation and self-reflection can complement each other, helping us develop a deeper connection with ourselves.
Away from counselling and meditation, I’m a friendly, calm and easy-going person who enjoys a good laugh, spending time with family and friends, listening to music and being out in nature. I particularly love canals and boats!
I was brought up to make the best of what you have, and that’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my life. I believe we all have the ability to grow, develop and make positive changes, although sometimes we need a little guidance to help us along the way.
Why I Created Friendly Therapist
I didn’t create Friendly Therapist to add more advice to an already crowded internet. I created it because I believe self-help should offer something more.
Understanding ourselves is important, but understanding alone doesn’t always lead to change. We need to know how to use what we’ve discovered, develop new skills and find ways to apply them in our everyday lives.
I wanted to bring the depth of counselling-informed approaches together with the accessibility of self-help, creating resources that people can work through independently, in their own space and time.
Every resource I create has a purpose. Whether it’s a workbook, a guided exercise or a meditation, I want it to offer more than information or temporary inspiration. I want people to gain something they can genuinely use, whether that’s a new understanding, a practical technique or a different way of approaching a familiar challenge.
I don’t believe in quick fixes or promises of instant transformation. Meaningful personal development takes time, patience and a willingness to explore ourselves.
Because real self-help shouldn’t stop at telling you what could change. It should help you understand how to make that change happen.
My Background and Qualifications
Alongside my experience working directly with clients as a counsellor, I’ve continued to develop my knowledge through further training and study.
My interests extend beyond traditional counselling into meditation, personal development and holistic wellbeing. I’ve explored different approaches over the years, building on my professional training and expanding my understanding of the ways we can support our own wellbeing.
My qualifications and training include:
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Meditation Diploma
- Crystal Healing Diploma
- Inner Child Healing Diploma
- Shadow Work Practitioner
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me and Friendly Therapist.
If you’d like to explore further, have a look through my free self-help articles or discover the guided resources I’ve created. I hope you find something that interests you and helps you take another step on your own journey.
