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We are a team of qualified counsellors based in Cheadle Cheshire.
We also run courses and workshops for couple using. Imago relationship therapy

POPULAR couples Weekend Workshop

Joanna Groves

Joanna Groves Counsellor

Counselling, Couples Counselling and Psychotherapy

Joanna works with adult individuals and couples at her private psychotherapy practice at The Affinity Centre Cheadle . With a strong belief in the benefits of emotional resilience and wellbeing, Joanna uses Transactional Analysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy to provide short-term and longer term therapy and counselling.

 

My Philosophy

It’s all-too-easy to be sold on an idea of ‘happiness’ being a route to feeling ok with yourself and the world. I believe that meaningfulness and fulfilment are the route to contentment. This can include happiness of course, though not as a constant state and not at the cost of all the other feelings that help navigate the day-to-day.

Life often comes with expectations and an array of choices at every turn. Day-to-day living can be challenging when balancing relationships, family, work, and responsibilities so it’s understandable you support when things get too much. Couples have long and successful marriages only for things to fall apart when a crisis hits. This is normal.

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, sometimes because of a life event or difficulty and sometimes to gain more insight, self-awareness and to improve communication and connection with loved ones.

I believe each of us deserves to live freely with confidence, and that everything you need to bring about personal change and acceptance lies within you. Experiencing your problems with a trained therapist can deepen your understanding as you gain clarity around what you think and feel, and acknowledge and accept what you have been through.

My Approach

I mainly work using Transactional Analysis (TA) because it’s a therapy that aligns with my personal values and philosophy . TA offers easily accessible frameworks that enables you to make sense of how your past/childhood experiences and personality influence your present-day life.

That said, I also love Imago Relationship Therapy and use this with couples. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a very present-moment approach and I use this model with people of all ages.

Whilst these three models integrate well, what is paramount is the relationship between therapist and client.

The therapeutic relationship we build is unique and creates an empathetic, energising, and reflective environment which supports you in exploring your values, helps you decide what you want and which direction you want to take. I believe in a mind and body approach to therapy and encourage the awareness of this throughout my practice.

Therapy requires a willingness and commitment from both the client and therapist. It can be challenging, inspiring, hard work, emotional, humorous, and of course rewarding as you move towards your goal and to a place of peace and acceptance. It’s a journey we make together.

Who I Work With

I work with adult individuals with issues such as: stress and anxiety; childhood trauma and abuse; low self esteem; anger; self harming and limiting behaviours; depression; loss of motivation and sense of purpose; coping with change; growing up at any age; retirement and growing older.

I work with couples with issues such as: communication problems, managing conflict and difference, affairs, sex & intimacy, dealing with difficult life events, parenting problems, identity & change, boredom and stuckness, perimenopause & menopause.

My Motivation

Being a therapist is my motivation! I’m a curiosity geek and there’s no greater learning experience than exploring what it means to be human. I am creative, grounded and compassionate. As a therapist I get to be all of myself; to share and celebrate my strengths and limitations, and encourage and support clients to do the same. Being a therapist is humbling and hugely enjoyable.

Further Information

I have been practicing as a psychotherapist since 2011. I’m a Certified Transactional Analyst (EATA) and a Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP). I co-deliver the Getting The Love You Want and Finding & Keeping Love Imago Relationship Therapy workshops and have completed the Imago clinical training (awaiting certification).  As a member of the UK Association of Transactional Analysis (UKATA)  and UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), I abide by their code of ethics and professional practice. As such, I attend regular supervision which further enhances the safety and effectiveness of my practice. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate.