Joanne

BACP Registered Counsellor & Clinical Supervisor

joanne@theclearing.org.uk

I specialise in bereavement, life transitions and supportive counselling, offering a calm, compassionate and practical therapeutic approach.

Area of focus

Bereavement & loss
Life transitions & menopause
Relationship difficulties
Children & young people
End of life support

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Session length

60 mins

Format

Online
Telephone
In person

Costs

£60 - Individuals
£75 - Couples
£85 - Family
£85 - Supervision (90 mins)

Availability

Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun

Located in South Shields
In person sessions available Mon - Fri 9.30am - 2pm
Tuesday evenings from 6pm
Flexible availability on request

Are we a good fit?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to make sense of a loss or major life change, I may be a good fit for you.

Perhaps you’re grieving someone or something important, adjusting to a new stage of life, or feeling emotionally drained and unsure how to move forward. You might not have the words yet, or feel clear about what you need — and that’s absolutely okay.

My way of working suits people who value a warm, steady and non-judgemental space, where they can talk openly, at their own pace, and feel genuinely supported while they find their footing again.

How I work

I work integratively, drawing on person-centred, CBT, psychodynamic and creative approaches to shape therapy around you and what you need.

I believe you are the expert in your own life. My role is to walk alongside you — offering support, understanding and gentle guidance as we explore what’s brought you here and what might help you move forward.

Therapy with me is never rushed or forced. We work collaboratively, creating a safe and confidential space where you can feel heard, accepted and supported.

What are sessions like

Sessions are calm, grounded and supportive. We’ll take time to understand what’s happening for you, exploring your experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable.

I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, where difficult feelings can be expressed without pressure or judgement. Therapy isn’t about being pushed — it’s about feeling supported, understood and empowered as you find your own way forward.

Qualifications & professional membership

BA (Hons) Counselling – Teesside University
Diploma in Counselling Skills
Diploma in Counselling Supervision
Diploma in Grief & Bereavement Counselling
BACP Registered Counsellor
Silver Member – International Alliance of Holistic Therapists
Additional professional training includes CBT, mindfulness, suicide prevention and trauma-informed therapy.

My approach

Integrative counselling combining tools from the schools of person-centred, psychodynamic & cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy.

Areas I can support with

You don’t need to fit neatly into one category – many of these experiences overlap.

Bereavement & loss

Support through grief, including complex, long-term or life-changing loss.
Life transitions & menopause

Support during periods of change, including menopause, caring roles, identity shifts or changes in family or work life.
Relationship difficulties

Support with communication issues, relationship stress and navigating change within families or partnerships.
Children & young people

Therapeutic support for children and young people (from age 4+) experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties.
End of life support

Compassionate support around end of life, anticipatory grief and complex emotional responses.

“Therapy is like a journey — you remain in control of the direction and pace. I’ll travel alongside you, offering support, understanding and a safe space to explore what you need in order to move forward.”

Book a session with Joanne

If you feel ready, you can book a session below. If you’re unsure whether this approach is right for you, we can explore that together in an initial session.

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We are here for you

Whether you know what you need or are still figuring things out, we’ll take things at your pace. To help you decide whether it’s right for you, we offer 50% off your first session, giving you a gentle, low-pressure way to begin your journey toward feeling better.

Get in touch with Joanne