jo lapthorn

Hello again, I am Jo!

My vision to develop Semper Amore as a holistic, nurturing space was driven by the desire to build a calm, nurturing and non-clinical environment for clients and practitioners. In the delivery of our services, much care and consideration is given to providing a multi-sensory approach to calm the body and mind.

We also know from neuroscience and our own experiences, a calming environment can decrease feelings of anxiety, increase feelings of safety, and enhance cortical blood flow in the brain, which means both clients and therapists are more likely to engage effectively in the counselling process. 

 

Firstly, the meaning behind the name. Loosely translated from Latin, Semper Amore means Always with Love. The inspiration behind the name was firstly, to acknowledge my dearly loved, kind and intelligent late father who had a prolific love of words, which included knowledge of the latin language. 

Secondly, as a therapist, I am aware of the huge impact we can have on people, those in their world and ultimately the wider community. So as a practitioner, it is a responsibility that intentions come from a place of love. This ensures client-focussed practice and allows for a nurturing and safe space to be fostered to support people to heal.

“People will forget what you said,
People will forget what you did,
But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

Practice Values

collaboration

Collaboration

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Compassion

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Connection

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Learning

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Sustainability

Hello, my name is Jo (my pronouns are she/her).

My journey to becoming a counsellor started from a young age. For as long as I can remember I have always felt empathic, sensitive and compassionate to the needs of those around me. I am sure these attributes were enhanced from being part of a very large family where love and connection was plentiful, but was not immune to the challenges, heartbreak and significant stressors that occur in life. Upon reflection, this created an appreciation and curiosity in me of how people cope and work through adversity. I have also witnessed how the power of relationship and connection is essential to work through challenging times. But having ‘natural helping’ skills is not sufficient within the therapeutic relationship, so I commenced formal studies in counselling in my mid 20s.

therapeutic resources for retail

What I also bring to the counselling room, in addition to the qualities mentioned above, is a position of open-mindedness and flexibility. As a therapist, being flexible is essential to respond to a client’s unique needs and preferences. Not only does this relate to my internal position as a counsellor, but results in me drawing from various theoretical approaches and using a variety of techniques and skills from a large therapeutic toolbox to bring about change.

I truly believe in the value of counselling as it allows your inner thoughts and experiences to come to the surface. I never fail to recognise the privilege it is to work with someone to help understand their story and rewrite it to their preferred one. I value the time, money and energy you commit to engaging in therapy. 

My commitment to you is to show up, authentically every time we interact. I am also committed to providing therapy in line with current research on wellness and neuroscience, aided through ongoing peer and clinical supervision and attending regular workshops and conferences.

To balance the link between theory and practice, I teach at university as a sessional academic. I see this as another way to stay current and an effective counsellor. Additionally, I adhere to the motto of “Well-being Leads to Well-doing” – for me this means my own self-care and well-being is paramount to ensuring high quality care to you – I practice what I preach and engage regularly in self-reflection, mindfulness and other wellness practices. 

‘We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that I know.’

– Carl Rogers

parenting couple therapist woodford

 

MY APPROACH:

Each mental health professional has a preferred theoretical approach in which they draw on in their work with clients. It provides a lens on how we view problems and a suite of techniques, skills and processes to aide in therapeutic change.

As I noted previously, training enhances natural counselling skills and through my studies, I was able to engage with approaches that complemented my personality and worldview. However, like many counsellors, I draw on several different counselling frameworks- often described as an integrative approach. I have provided more details below. As each person is unique, an integrative approach allows models to be combined in collaborative and creative ways which allows for drawing on a large toolbox to seamlessly adapt and respond to each clients’ needs.

The core principles of person-centred therapy are widely accepted to be the core components of a variety of therapeutic approaches. It is about establishing the right conditions where humans can achieve their full potential. The core principles are empathy, congruence (the therapist presents as genuine, consistent and as a whole person) and unconditional positive regard (the therapist honours where the client is at, without judgement). For me to be authentic in practice and life, it is essential I bring the real me into each client interaction. I occupy many varied roles in my life, and while I may present slightly differently in each role, my values, beliefs, relationship with myself and others remain the same. Through training and reflective practice, I have a solid understanding of what parts of me are beneficial in the counsellor/therapist relationship, and the other parts are not concealed, but used only when and if appropriate to bring about good outcomes for you as the client.

Through post-graduate studies, I was able to delve deeper into working from a social constructionist approach – to consistently practice in a collaborative, curious, reflective and transparent way. I truly believe moving away from a pathologizing approach to therapy creates the opportunity for more person-centred and authentic practice, creating a human-to-human connection which is empowering for clients. Whilst a qualified counsellor can be considered as ‘experts’ in the processes of therapy, you are the expert in your life and through support, my aim is to help you realise your strengths, resiliencies and full capacity.

Overall, I am committed to:

  • Treating each client as a whole person, as opposed to a diagnosis
  • Provide a calming and nurturing space for people to work towards wellness 
  • Creating meaningful and purposeful therapeutic relationships, and
  • Maintaining my humanness and authenticity in the counselling process

Attachment & Trauma Informed

At the core of my practice, I am guided by attachment theory. For me, this is a commitment to practicing from a nurturing framework for clients to experience connection, safety and collaborative relationships. Within supportive, caring relationships we feel heard, understood, reassured, validated and seen. Without this, we cannot ground our body, nor open our heart to share our inner experiences.

Attachment theory not only describes the need for physical safety, but the invisible strings that binds us with important others, providing emotional safety to evolve. Attachment needs, of connection, soothing and care are biologically embedded into all of us, along with the neurological underpinning to protect from danger. 

Whilst I am drawn to future-oriented approaches, I am also interested in exploring how the past impacts on the present (based on the client preferences). Attachment theory helps to understand how significant relationships of the past may continue to influence who we are now and who we are in adult relationships. Furthermore, we have ample research available on the impacts of trauma on the brain and body, and how this not only influences our internal view – known as the internal working model, but ultimately how we see the relationships and the world around us. This approach also significantly supports my work with caregivers and young people, as well as adults seeking to make sense of and work through their experiences. In all trauma-informed practices I am guided by the widely accepted principles of providing the client with consistent experiences of safety, choice and control and relationship – ‘Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation’ Judith Hermann, author Trauma and Recovery.

Specific training and application includes:

  • Theraplay (Levels 1 & 2; Practicum)
  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
  • Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy

 

Collaborative Competency-Based Models

I have a natural affinity to be drawn to competency-based models, such as solution focussed brief therapy, narrative therapy and strength-based perspectives. I have continued to be drawn to these theories of change when choosing to engage in further studies and professional development. My university studies and other training has enabled me to explore these approaches at a deeper level, allowing me to deepen my theoretical understanding, skills and strategies which translate into the work I do with clients.

Person-centred, social constructionist and competency-based models all have a similar view of the role of a counsellor. The counsellor is seen merely as a facilitator, listening with non-judgment and empathy, allowing the client to find solutions to their issues. As noted above, the client is consistently viewed as the expert in their lives, and the counsellor can be seen as the ‘expert’ in the process.

Self-Compassion & Mindfulness

Research indicates developing skills in and practicing self-compassion (rather than self-esteem) results in a more stable, long-term sense of wellbeing. However, it is not a skill we are encouraged to develop and there are many myths of why it is not helpful. I am passionate about working with clients to develop this skill. This work can be weaved intermittently throughout sessions, or with a more intense focus by engaging in psycho-educational and creative activities. I also like to support clients through practical applications such as developing meditation and mindfulness practices steeped in self-compassion. These practices help us to slow down and be in the present. 

Whether there is an intentional focus, or a by-product of counselling, building a client’s skills in self-compassion remains a focus of mine given my understanding of the research and lived experience of the positive effects. 

Specific training and application includes:

  • Yoga 200 hours teacher training
  • Self-practice

 

Neuroscience / Brain-Body Connection

The development within the area of neuroscience over recent decades and dissemination of much easier to understand information has provided us with the opportunity to know the brain in much more detail and the relationship with our nervous system. I truly believe this is invaluable to all of us. As such, I am focussed on sharing this knowledge with clients – tailoring the information to meet the client’s needs and level of understanding.

For example, when we understand the connection between the brain and anxiety, we are more aware of why and how it presents for us, which then returns the power to develop strategies to minimise the impact on our lives. Research in this area has also provided us with understanding of the impacts of trauma, grief, chronic stress and anxiety on the developing brain and the impacts on our bodily systems.

With growing recognition, the impacts are understood to be more of a bodily, physiological response, not just a cognitive and conscious response. It is understood, opportunities to change the narrative, or re-tell our experiences is one of the best ways of changing brain chemistry. And with this, we know genuine, attuned relationships are essential for healing.

Whilst most clients understand change takes time, understandably there is a desire for symptom relief as soon as possible. Understanding the mind/body connection also allows us to consider concrete, practical tools to help ease distress, drawing from mindfulness, meditation and yogic philosophy. Weaving these practices into talk therapy, creates the space within to explore the underlying patterns and history that contributed to the symptoms arising. 

Specific training and application includes:

  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
  • Trauma-informed trainings, such as using creative means to work with trauma
  • Emotional freedom technique
  • Yoga 200 hours teacher training

“Connection –

The energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”

Brene Brown