Empathy at the Core
Jo Bright Counselling is dedicated to providing a gentle, supportive space where individuals can feel heard and understood during the often complex, emotional experiences of trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers
My Approach
At the heart of my practice is a Person-Centred approach, which means our work is guided by your individual needs and experiences. I may also draw upon techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transactional Analysis (TA) to support your understanding, wellbeing and personal development.
Person Centred Therapy (PCT)
Person-Centred Therapy (PCT) is a compassionate and non-directive approach that places you at the centre of the therapeutic process. Developed by Carl Rogers, it is based on the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, self-understanding and positive change when provided with the right conditions.
As your counsellor, I offer a safe, accepting and non-judgemental space where you can explore you thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace. Through empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard, Person-Centred Therapy helps you develop greater self-awareness, confidence and trust in yourself.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a practical and evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Sometimes unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to emotional distress and difficulties in daily life. CBT helps you identify these patterns, understand how they affect you, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding.
By learning new coping strategies and practical skills, CBT can help you manage challenges such as anxiety, stress, low mood, self-esteem issues and many other concerns.
Transactional Analysis (TA)
Transactional Analysis (TA) is a therapeutic approach that helps us understand how we relate to ourselves and others. It explores patterns of communication, behaviour and relationships, often tracing them back to experiences and messages received earlier in life. TA uses concepts such as Parent, Adult and Child ego states to help make sense of our reactions, emotions and interactions.
By increasing awareness of these patterns, TA can help you make more conscious choices, improve relationships, strengthen self-esteem and create lasting personal change.
Counselling for Families, Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
The journey to parenthood can be one of life’s most meaningful experiences, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, emotions, and pressures.
Whether you are thinking about starting a family, trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, adjusting to life with a new baby, or supporting your growing family, counselling can provide a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Many people experience anxiety, low mood, stress, overwhelm, loss of confidence, relationship challenges, or feelings they did not expect during this stage of life. These experiences can affect mothers, fathers, partners, and the wider family, and you do not have to face them alone.
Counselling offers an opportunity to slow down, be heard without judgement, and make sense of what you are experiencing. Together, we can explore the challenges you are facing, strengthen your emotional wellbeing, and help you move forward with greater confidence and self-understanding.
Support Through Every Stage
I offer counselling for:
• Pre-pregnancy and fertility-related challenges
•Pregnancy and antenatal wellbeing
• Birth-related experiences and trauma
• Perinatal mental health difficulties, including anxiety and depression
• Adjustment to parenthood
• Maternal mental health
• Paternal mental health
• Relationship and family challenges following the arrival of a baby
• Emotional wellbeing during the early years of parenting
• Loss, grief, and difficult experiences relating to pregnancy or parenthood
A Space for Mothers and Fathers
Parenthood affects everyone differently. While much attention is understandably focused on mothers, fathers and partners can also experience emotional challenges before and after the birth of a child. I can support mothers, fathers, and families through the emotional
complexities of pregnancy, early parenthood, and family life.
