Jo Goodwin-Worton
Counsellor in Stafford

After a bereavement it is common to experience varying complex and overwhelming emotions. Counselling can help you navigate and explore those emotions.

Over time, bereavement, grief and loss counselling allows you to talk about the person who has died or the loss you have experienced, helping you to explore the feelings you may be having and to understand the impact of the loss as you move forwards. In sessions, I will work with you to understand your own unique grieving process and provide support to help you develop coping strategies to use in the present and into the future.

As a grief, bereavement and loss counsellor I offer a safe space to express and process your grief/loss, helping you find your own personal and meaningful understanding as you move forwards. The goal in counselling is not to ‘move on' or ‘get over' grief, but to find a way through the grief or loss, helping you to move forward with a sense of strength and clarity.

If you are struggling after a loss or bereavement, you may benefit from talking to a counsellor. You may also find it beneficial to talk to someone who is outside of your immediate circle of family and friends.

Grief is a personal journey and whilst there are common signs that we share in our experiences, every person is different. Your feelings of loss and grief are unique to you!

Counselling can provide a safe place to explore these feelings and gain a better understanding of the grieving process.

What happens in bereavement counselling?

Firstly, I place a great emphasis on ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe in sessions, ensuring that you have the opportunity to talk in your own time. There is no time limit to the amount of sessions offered, they are arranged on a session-by-session basis, this way you can be assured that you do not feel rushed to speak about your grief or loss in just a few sessions.

In our sessions I will work with you to help you identify any unresolved emotions or feelings around the bereavement or loss, offering practical and sustainable coping strategies. You may feel it helpful to talk about how the loss has impacted your life, but also how other areas in your life have been impacted too.

Throughout our sessions, I will provide you with tools to manage your grief, focusing on your own health and wellbeing and developing your own ‘new-normal'.

How do you arrange some counselling?

I always offer a 30-minute free consultation to all my clients. I will explain about Seeds in Time, the important aspect of confidentiality and how sessions are arranged. I will also ask about the nature of your loss or bereavement so I can ensure that this type of counselling would be beneficial. It is also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about counselling.

We will discuss your needs with regards to the frequency of sessions and arranging them on a date and time which works around your current commitments. I will also discuss the session fees.


When to start counselling?

Everyone experiences a loss or bereavement differently, there is certainly, a ‘no size fits all' approach. Some people may wish to seek support straight after a loss, whilst others may need an undefined period of time. Whether it is a few weeks or a few years, there is no time frame for seeking support. It is important to listen to your own emotional needs and make contact when you feel ready.

To ensure timely access to support, I strive to maintain short waiting lists. Appointments are typically scheduled within 10 working days following the initial free consultation.
Appointments can be held face to face (Stafford), online or via telephone.

I can help you with: (not exhaustive)

Grief/Bereavement support (recent or past)
Loss associated with relationships
Loss of personal health & wellbeing
Staff support (for employees or employers)
Pet Loss
End of Life Support (for patients and families)
Long-term Illness support (individuals and families)

Background & Counselling Qualifications

Grief, loss and bereavement support

My qualifications include:
BSC (Open) Degree - studies in Psychology and Counselling
Advanced Diploma in Bereavement Counselling & Thanatology
University Certificate of Higher Education in Psychology
University Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Child Psychology
Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and CBT
Level 3 Diploma in Bereavement & Grief Counselling
BSc (open) Degree (Specialising in Health & Social Care)

CPD Accredited Training: Trauma Informed Counselling

My Specialisms

I can help you with (not exhaustive):

Grief/Bereavement support (recent or past)
Loss after change
Staff support (for employees or employers)
Pet Loss
End of Life Support
Anticipatory Grief
Long-term Illness support (loved ones and carers)

Approach to Counselling & How I Work

I offer a safe, confidential and compassionate space to talk and to develop coping strategies to help you understand your grief.

Having experienced a close bereavement myself, I can often relate to the overwhelming and often complex feelings associated with grief.

Throughout sessions, we can work together, allowing you the time and support you need to find take meaningful steps forward.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Counselling	Online/Telephone	£35 per 60 minutes

Additional Rate Information

Concessions are available (Terms and conditions apply)