Hello and welcome to Collective Care with Jo. I am Jo, and my journey has led me to create this practice.

After 17 years of enduring invalidation, uncertainty, and pain, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, advanced adenomyosis, and chronic pain, ultimately resulting in the loss of my only pregnancy and finally, my ability to have children. Whilst it is easy to list these experiences in a succinct sentence, the toll they took on me physically, mentally, and emotionally was extensive, I was shattered and have never felt more alone in my life. I lost the sense of who I was and what my life would now entail. The invalidation I found in the medical system was found in therapy. The professionals I worked with minimising the pain of my experiences. This has fueled my passion to create a safe space for other people facing distress, providing solace and support throughout their journey.

I am dedicated to supporting people living with unique challenges, particularly those who live in difficult bodies. I specialise in chronic health conditions such as endometriosis and adenomyosis, chronic pain, and trauma.

My practice offers a safe and empathetic space for people to navigate their experiences, explore their feelings, and find connection, healing, and empowerment.

Therapies that may be used in sessions include:

• Deep Brain Reorienting

• Internal family systems

• Mindfulness therapy

• Narrative therapy

• Grief and loss counselling

• Acceptance and Commitment therapy

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

My professional history includes 13 years as a high school teacher, providing me with extensive experience in working with individuals and their families. This role also taught me the power of collaboration in fostering the holistic development of the people I work with. My passion for education led me to train in a remote ashram in India, where I became a yoga instructor. Traditional yoga, distinct from its Western interpretation, has shown positive outcomes for trauma, as supported by numerous studies.

Transitioning from teaching, I completed a master's degree in social work with a focus on mental health. Since the completion of my studies, I have worked in a major hospital as an acute social worker in general medicine and have observed firsthand how systemic gender bias influences how women are viewed and treated within the medical system. I also developed a deeper understanding of the intersection of mental health and physical illness. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing clients during that time who encouraged me to start my practice. Since starting my practice I have focused on professional development to deepen my knowledge and application of a range of psychological theories (primarily listed above) and skills so that I can adapt to the needs of the people I work with. I am a level 1 certified Deep Brain Reorienting therapist and use this to support the healing of trauma.

I believe in a holistic approach to care, involving the individual, their family, friends, and other health practitioners to provide comprehensive support. By creating a supportive network, I aim to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of every person I work with, ensuring each individual feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward improved wellbeing.