Joanna Louise Watts

Practice Hours

My usual practice hours are 

Wednesday 2:00pm - 7:00pm

Thursday 10:00am - 7:00pm 

Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm

Therapy to suit you

I have a person-centred ethos which places you and your individual needs and experiences at the very heart of your therapy. I am able to work with you on a short-term or long-term basis, whatever you feel will be most helpful.

Supporting you towards self-growth

My approach is to guide and support you, but ultimately you are in control of your therapy. You decide what you wish to talk about and you make your commitment to each session. In this way, it is like learning to drive. You are in the driving seat and I am by your side, guiding and navigating you on your journey.

Although my approach is mostly "talk therapy", I draw on many elements of counselling and psychotherapy practice depending on what may help and support you most. This may include CBT approaches (based on the link between thoughts, actions and behaviours) as well as other interactive types of intervention such as writing, drawing, and elements of roleplay. You will always be consulted about each approach to your therapy. It is important that you are comfortable and that you are able to work in a way that is helpful to you.

Creative Approaches

As my experience has developed, I have gained more training, knowledge and interest in creative counselling methods. These include using artwork, sand tray work and other visual resources such as flashcards to help explore feelings. I believe in the power of visual and creative approaches which can sometimes go beyond what words can say. These types of approaches can be really helpful to access feelings and explore experiences/events which are not in conscious awareness, and to help prompt or expand on verbal discussion. If you are interested in finding out more about these approaches, just ask and I will be happy to discuss these with you to help you explore your options. 

Online

I offer online therapy, allowing you to access counselling at home, from your electronic device.

Online therapy is not only convenient, but can also give you a greater sense of privacy and security, particularly if you experience anxiety about meeting face-to-face. 

Sessions will be conducted on Zoom. To ensure security and confidentiality, sessions will:

• ​be end-to-end encrypted.
• each have their own link and passcode, which will be emailed to you before the session.
• only begin when I have let you into the session from the "waiting room."

Further guidance on accessing online therapy on Zoom will be emailed to you once you have arranged your first session.

Face-to-Face

My therapy room offers a private and peaceful setting for your therapy. It is located near South Park, Lincoln, just a short walk from the station and bus station. Please get in touch for further details.​

Face-to-face therapy will take place according to current Covid-19 guidelines.

Children, Young People and Adults

I offer counselling and psychotherapy for all ages. My background in the education sector means that I have extensive experience of working with children, young people and adults. Sessions for adults and young people are 50 minutes long. For children, a standard session is 45-50 minutes long, but the duration can be shortened if you feel a shorter session would be more appropriate for your child's individual needs. 

When working with children, please note that my role differs from a psychologist or psychiatrist. As a therapist, I can help your child explore their emotions and assist them with strategies to manage their mental health and wellbeing. This may include talk therapy, play, art and craft activities, stories and games relevant to their needs. 

Arranging the first session and what to expect

If you are interested in working with me, please get in touch. 

After you get in touch, we will arrange an individual telephone assessment, free of charge.

​If you wish to proceed, we will schedule an initial therapy session, where we can begin our work together.

In the first session, we will explore what has brought you to therapy. ​If you wish to set a goal for your therapy, we will work together to set the goals and begin your work towards these. We will regularly review your progress and may adapt or change the goals as you feel necessary. If you prefer not to set a goal, that is also fine as I'm happy to work in the way that suits you best. We can discuss whatever you wish to bring to each session.

A therapeutic partnership

Our therapy work is a partnership which will benefit from a feeling of trust between myself as the counsellor, and you as the client. This may take time to grow and develop, the length of time varying for each person. I usually recommend that you attend the first session to get a "feel" for how it will be working together. You can then decide whether to proceed with further sessions and can book more in a block, or week by week. It is usually recommended, as far as possible, to commit to a regular slot at the same time each week.