Jo Cullen

I started my interest in mental health with a degree in psychology and, after training in Brief Intervention therapy and counselling, qualified as a Human Givens therapist in 2023.

Human Givens draws on existing good practice in psychology and psychotherapy, often developing and refining it. I have been drawn to it as it is evidence-based, pragmatic, and works!

In my therapeutic practice, I am always working with a person and never with ‘a condition’. There is no ‘one size fits all’; and just as every person is unique, what will help is always specific to each individual.

I hold by the idea that the relationship between therapist and client is at the heart of the healing and development process; and that psychoeducation – explaining in appropriate terms what is happening in the brain – is both empowering and essential to enable change.
My approach is solution-focused, working towards clients’ goals with suitable speed. It is the present and future that are most important. We never dwell on past problems and events for their own sake, but only in as much as they are impacting on someone’s ability to thrive in the present.

I work face-to-face as much as possible, but will also consult via zoom. I am fully licensed to work from home, where I have a consulting room as well as a private, peaceful outdoor space should clients wish to use it.

About 60% of my practice is with adults, and 40% with adolescents and children. Sessions with children are slightly shorter and will include a range of activities appropriate to their age and attention span. Every slight improvement is always celebrated! I have an enhanced DBS status, enabling me to work with young people.

In some instances – usually due to someone’s physical incapacity – I will travel to clients’ homes, either as a ‘one off’ or on a regular basis.