Joanna Cottrell, BACP

Joanna Cottrell is a UK-based therapist with eight years of professional experience using counselling skills and a BACP credential, which stands for the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, motivation and self-esteem difficulties, as well as relationship and career challenges. Her practice supports those seeking to build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing and make meaningful changes in day-to-day life.

Joanna adopts a warm, nonjudgmental stance that encourages open expression of thoughts and feelings. She aims to create a respectful space where concerns can be explored honestly and at the client’s own pace. Seeking therapy can take courage, and Joanna focuses on offering practical support and personal empowerment as clients take the first steps toward greater wellbeing.

Throughout sessions she combines active listening with evidence-informed techniques tailored to each person’s needs, helping clients clarify goals and develop coping strategies. Joanna’s approach is collaborative and strengths-focused, guiding people through transitions, setbacks and periods of uncertainty while honoring their values and priorities.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Joanna draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with motivational interviewing to tailor work to each person. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, respect and active listening, helping people explore their feelings and build self-acceptance. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to manage anxiety, low mood and stress. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative method that helps people resolve ambivalence and find internal motivation to change, which can be especially useful for issues like motivation and addictive behaviours.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Joanna works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, needs and preferences, and she adjusts the approach as progress unfolds. This shared process helps ensure therapy feels relevant and manageable.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules and different comfort levels. Licensed professionals can meet clients where they are, making it easier to maintain continuity of care during life changes and to access support without added travel time.