Orchard Cottage Counselling

Counselling and Psychotherapy in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

About

Hi, I’m Joanna,

I am an accredited qualified Psychodynamic Therapist. Please don’t be put off by that title, it simply means I am a qualified counsellor who can help you through talking therapies. My practice, Orchard Cottage Counselling, is based in my welcoming home in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. For my couples counselling I work from an office near Bishop’s Stortford Train Station.

You might be feeling anxious or depressed, overwhelmed by life, or have some specific feelings or things which have happened to you that you want to understand or overcome. I can help you explore how you feel and why you feel that way. Together in counselling we can get you on a path to feeling more content and better able to cope with the challenges life throws at you.

The hardest step in dealing with difficult thoughts, emotions or events is seeking help. I am here to help you make that step.

I am happy to hold sessions online via telephone or video conference.

My Qualifications and Training

Based in Bishop’s Stortford I am accredited qualified, DBS checked psychotherapist and hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling, awarded by The Counselling Foundation, and Accredited by British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). My BACP accredited registration number is 377247.

I have undertaken further training in the following areas: Couples and Relationship, Domestic Abuse, Child and Young People, Person-Centred Experiential NHS Counselling for Depression, Mindfulness, Insomnia and Sibling Rivalry.

Services

How I can help

I offer both Individuals one-to-one therapy and Couples/Relationship therapy, both face-to-face and online (via telephone or video conference) short-term and long-term counselling and psychotherapy. I can help you with a wide range of thoughts, emotions and experiences including: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Overwhelmingness, Bereavement, Relationships, Marital Issues, Family Dynamics, Social Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Confidence and Self Esteem.

I will provide you with a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and welcoming space to explore how you feel. When we first meet we will explore your feelings and talk through what you want to achieve and the best approach for your needs. Together we will develop a therapeutic relationship which is based on trust and through which we can explore your emotions and experiences.

Orchard Cottage Counselling is based in Bishop’s Stortford, and I work with clients from the surrounding areas including, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, The Hadhams, Puckeridge, Standon, Harlow and Hertford. But if you’re further afield or abroad I do offer online sessions too.

Short-Term Counselling and Long-Term Counselling

Short-Term Counselling can help with immediate issues like stress at work, a specific relationship difficulty, bereavement or traumatic event. It is suitable for people who otherwise feel content and untroubled but are experiencing something which is affecting how they feel and that they would like to address.

Long-Term Counselling is best suited to people who are struggling with more deep seated feelings of anxiety, depression or difficult emotions which have stayed with them for a longer period of time. Counselling will enable you to explore these feelings in more depth, including examining past experiences and how they impact on how you feel and live your life today.

By looking at issues from the past we will be able to understand how and why they affect you and work through your feelings.

Couples and Relationship Counselling

Through Couples and Relationship Counselling we can explore past and current issues in your relationship and, with my support work through these issues. We can look at identifying patterns of behaviour and reactions; how you communicate with each other; how you can develop new perspectives; and alternative ways of responding which can strengthen your relationship.

Aspects that we might look at include – What’s going on around you; What’s going on between you; How you listen to one another; How you express your feelings to each other; and how you interact with each other.

All communications outside of our sessions will be with both of you by email or a WhatsApp group so that you both feel engaged and included in the process.

Some couples may find that 50 minute sessions are not long enough and we can discuss longer session if that is what you feel you need to be able to explore your difficulties or areas you would like to work on.

Fees & FAQs

Your sessions with me

I offer open-ended counselling – which basically means you can have as few or as many sessions as you need. Through the relationship that we build together you will know when our work is complete. I’m very happy to talk through my approach with you over the phone or via video conference before we meet in person to address any questions you may have below.

Is the first session different to others?

Yes the first counselling session will last for around 1hr and will be an assessment session where we will discuss your history, any counselling you may have had previously, and work out the main reasons that brings you to counselling.

How long are the sessions?

Counselling sessions last for 50 minutes and are held at the same day and time each week, if you work shifts we can factor this in.

For Couples and Relationship sessions some people may find that 50 minute sessions are not long enough and we can discuss longer session times.

How much and how do I pay?

Individual Counselling: I charge £65 a session, or I do a block discount if you book six sessions in advance for £360.

Couples and Relationship Counselling: I charge £100 a session.

All sessions are 50 minutes and you can pay by cash, cheque or electronically

How many sessions will I have?

You may stay in counselling for as long as you wish or need to.

How do I end my counselling?

While not all endings can be planned for, ideally it is best to work towards an ending over a few weeks. This is something we can consider and agree together.

Do I work with Insurance Companies?

Currently I’m authorised to work with the following Insurance Companies:

* Bupa

* Aviva

* WPA

* Vitality Health

* AXA

Drop me an email or give me a call and we can talk through your needs and see if I’m right for you.

Contact me here

testimonials

What my clients say

“I have worked with Joanna now for a while, and she is helping me develop good and positive relationships. I haven’t been able to in the past due to trauma I experienced when I was young. I’m very thankful for our work together.”

Mr C

“I truly loved my experience with Joanna, she listened without ever passing judgement, truly helped me to see the other side of issues and helped me work through them simply and effectively. Highly recommended.”

Mrs R

“When I started working with Jo, my thoughts were in a complete jumble following several major life changing moments. I found my sessions with Jo to be calming, relaxing and positive and they helped me clear my head. With her guidance my life is getting back on track.”

Miss A

Contact

Drop me a line or call for a chat

Orchard Cottage Counselling is based in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, and I work with clients from the surrounding areas including, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, The Hadhams, Puckeridge, Standon, Harlow and Hertford.

If you would like to talk to me about how I can help, or for an introductory chat, get in touch using the form below, give me a call on:

07941 256036, or email [email protected]

Joanna Papadopoulos MBACP,
Accredited, DBS checked psychotherapist and counsellor, serving Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, including Bishop's Stortford, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, Standon, The Hadhams, Harlow and Hertford. Joanna is Accredited by the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP).