A plant growing with new leaves

Therapy

How it works

I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, working together towards change you want.

Contact me

Send me an email or fill out a form.

Book an initial consultation

Let’s discuss how I can help.

Make therapy goals

I work online with clients all over the world. All you need to do is put aside 50 minutes a week for your session.

Types of therapy

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is based on the concept that thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and actions are interconnected and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. This approach helps you cope with overwhelming problems by breaking them down into manageable parts. You will gain an understanding of how your mood is impacted by your thoughts and vision and how the actions you take impact both of these. Then you will be supported in taking action to change this cycle. This approach is very helpful for anxiety, low mood, and other conditions. Recent versions of CBT include work on compassion and mindfulness, which support shifting the relationship between you and your emotions and thoughts and supporting different actions to be possible.

Systemic family therapy

Family therapy is a type of psychotherapy that can help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. Family therapy involves meeting with a therapist and members of your family or network to explore topics which would be beneficial to have external support. The therapist can explore cycles or patterns that might be occurring in the family and go beyond the repeating patterns of interaction we get stuck in. A therapist can support difficult conversations and move conflict-based dialogue to resolution-based dialogue.

It can help families listen to each other, find new meaning in each other’s dialogue, and increase understanding and warmth.The therapist will use techniques to support listening and enable different perspectives to be gained. They might suggest different strategies that can be used as a family and support communication building.

Cognitive behavioural family and couples therapy

This is where we would explore interactional cycles between family members, look at the thoughts and feelings that each member holds, and explore how often we are responding to a person’s behaviors and making assumptions about thoughts that may not be accurate or based on old information. Exploring these cycles can enable the opportunity for new understandings and shifting perspectives on actions, which can lead to different feelings and behaviors.

Social constructionist systemic family therapy: This is the idea that the stories we tell ourselves about our families impact how we feel about them, how we act, and, in turn, how we see ourselves. Exploring the system around a person, the family history and narratives in the family, and the community and context in which the family lives can support new understandings and support change through creating space for reflection. Creative techniques such as using figures to explore different relationships and drawing a family shield can help involve younger members and support new perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Take a look at the FAQ's.

Have a different question in mind? Get In Touch.

  • Do you have a waiting list?

    I hold a short list of people who I contact when I have availability coming up.

  • Do I have the same time each week? Can I come fortnightly rather than weekly?

    Yes once someone has booked in a time slot that is their time every week. Occasionally it is possible to move times as a one off but I endeavour to keep the same time.

  • Do I have to come weekly?

    I have some fortnightly slots for those needing space in-between sessions or for financial reasons. I try not to have longer than fortnightly between sessions for session continuity and focus on forward progress. However at the end of our work we might have catch up sessions to support embedding the work in your every day life and manage the process of change after therapy. We can think carefully about the right frequency for you.

  • Do you have any availability in the evenings?

    Yes, I have some limited availability in the evenings - however please get in touch to see the availability.

  • Are you seeing people online?

    Yes, much of my private practice is currently online. I have found since CoViD this is most people’s preferred way of working. It isn’t for everyone but sometimes the convenience and distance created on line can support meaningful change without the hassle of going into a new environment.

  • How do you get the most out of online therapy?

    When having therapy online it is important to make sure you have good internet connection and your device is able to be positioned so you can be clearly seen on the camera without the need for you to hold the device. It is important to find a space which is private and you will not be disturbed. I would also suggest you have a little time either side of the therapy to reflect and compose yourself before going back into any other environment.

  • Do you work with children?

    Yes, I have trained to work with children as a clinical psychologist and family psychotherapist so would be happy to work with children. However my preferred way of working with those under 18 is in collaboration with their parents knowing they are able to support changes in the longer term.

  • Do you work with parents without children present?

    I find it can be really helpful to work with parents without their children present as well as with them present. Being a parent is such a challenging role and it can be helpful to discuss strategies and ways of supporting your children without them.

  • Do you work with adult children families?

    Yes, I have extensive experience working with families where the children are now adults. It can be a really helpful time to reflect on relationships and changing roles. This can be soon after leaving home or even when you are in your 40s or 50s.

  • How much do you charge?

    I charge £170 for a 50 minute consultation.

  • How long do I need therapy for?

    How long is a piece of string. Some people come for a one off consultation and some stay for years. It is up to you and something we can discuss in our initial consultaiton. There are no rights or wrongs. There are guidelines for minimum session length for certain conditions. I also suggest regular reviews where we can discuss progress and set goals.

  • Do you want to meet us separately or all together as a family first?

    For family therapy I suggest coming as a family at first and then seeing everyone individually to support conversations that might be harder to have together and think about each persons individual support. However I would also be happy to meet with someone who is thinking about bringing their family but would like an initial consultation to consider best ways forward.

  • Do you do follow up sessions?

    Yes, I always offer follow ups and I will find time in my diary to accommodate these.

  • When should I pay?

    Please pay prior to each session

British Psychological Society Logo
UK Council of Psychotherapy
Association of Family Therapy Logo

Contact me for an initial online consultation.





    Subscribe for some space and compassion in your mailbox.

    Subscribe to my Newsletter. No spam – just regular updates to help your keep your mental health in check.



      Read our Terms & Conditions before signing up.

      My Timings

      Mon & Thur: (8 am to 9 pm) GMT

      Via Zoom, Skype or Teams

      Let’s Talk

      Phone: +44 0208 191 8676
      Email: hello@joallen.co.uk

      Contact me

      Skip to content