About Jo Elsmore | Babbling Brook Therapy counselling service

Why me? Why now?

Healing Through Connection

In 2015 I unexpectedly found myself visiting a retreat in Thailand. To my enormous surprise it was transformative. It opened my eyes and my heart to possibility and personal growth. This led me to examine my life, seek change, and ultimately find a way to be more true to self.

After 25 years as an enthusiastic teacher and sports coach it was time to change.

I have always been passionate about helping people overcome challenges, so it seemed a natural progression to train as a therapist. This has given me a wonderful insight into the joys and distress of turning one's life upside down and reaching for your dreams.

By combining my teaching, coaching and counselling skills my aim is to:

Engage and integrate body and mind to heal safely through connection
Process the difficult stuff that is holding you back
Rediscover your own inner resources
Teach skills to maintain lasting growth and change
Prioritise safety, compassion, wholeness and creativity.

Qualifications

I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such I adhere to their strict ethical code. This includes engaging in Continuing Professional Development (CPD courses), and attending supervision with a Therapist who is qualified to advise and support me in my work.

I have an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Humanistic Counselling and Psychotherapy. I studied with the Dartmoor Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy. This was a course rich in practical and creative experience.

Humanistic Person Centred Counselling puts the relationship of the client and therapist at the core of therapeutic work. Integrative means I have learnt about and experienced many different ways to approach therapy, and allows me to choose to use the modalities that speak to me and I believe will serve each individual client best.

My Pledge

I will give you the safety, space and time to express your emotions and explore your possibilities without judgement.

I want to hear your voice.

I will take this journey with you as a supportive, reassuring, calming presence.

As your story unfolds, I will imagine how it is to walk in your shoes, to help me see the world through your eyes.

I find it hard to tolerate unkindness in any guise; especially when directed at self.

I will gently bring to awareness destructive thoughts and behaviours, then encourage you to talk back to yourself with courage, kindness and self-love.