Joanna Sumsion
BSc (Hons), DipHe, MBACP.
"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." -Albert Einstein
About Me & My Approach
In my practice I take a pluralistic approach to therapy. There isn’t a single ‘best’ method for everyone, different clients have different needs at different times. To provide the most effective support, I believe it’s essential to collaborate with you and understand what approaches work best for your unique situation.
I create a nurturing and accepting atmosphere for you to explore your challenges at your own pace. I foster genuine connections, offering a safe, judgment-free space for sharing experiences and emotions. While valuing traditional talk therapy, I also use innovative techniques like guided meditations and mindfulness to enhance self-awareness and create a relaxed atmosphere for our sessions.
I have a special interest in supporting individuals and couples through their fertility and infertility journeys. Whether you're undergoing artificial fertility treatments like IVF, considering them, or navigating your own path to parenthood, I am here to provide a compassionate and understanding space. The challenges and complexities associated with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) can be overwhelming, and I bring the expertise to help you navigate this emotional and personal journey with care and guidance.
As a BACP-registered therapist, I adhere to the highest ethical standards and engage in regular supervision. My pluralistic approach tailors’ sessions to your unique needs and preferences. I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and am committed to supporting each individual journey toward healing and growth with empathy and understanding.
With over a decade of experience as a midwife in the NHS and a subsequent transition to a senior executive role in the corporate world, I bring a profound understanding of life's transitions. I emphasise the importance of navigating change with sensitivity and empathy, providing a safe space for meaningful and challenging conversations.
In addition to managing my private practice, I volunteer with the Mind Mental Health charity, specialising in bereavement, loss, and grief counselling
I hold a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Counselling from the University of East London.
Additionally, I earned a Diploma of Higher Education in Midwifery from St. George's, University of London, where I also practiced.
Why Therapy?
Life can often become overwhelming, prompting the need for support when something feels off. Whether you're struggling with low mood, navigating transitions, or facing distressing situations, the pressures of modern life or past experiences may have led you to feel you must bear your burdens alone. However, it's perfectly okay to seek help when needed. Perhaps you've hoped your problems would resolve on their own, but they persist. Now is the time to explore new avenues and seek professional guidance.
Your Journey
Therapy provides a safe and confidential space to explore your emotions and experiences. Counselling and psychotherapy offer tools and support to help you gain a deeper understanding of your inner world. It's not just about addressing past traumas; it's about comprehending the complexities of your emotional life in it's entirety. Whether we are exploring your past, addressing present challenges, or envisioning your future goals, I believe therapy to be a valuable resource on your journey with yourself.
What Issues Can Therapy Help With?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through therapy:
Abuse
Addiction
ADHD
Anger management and difficulties dealing with or expressing anger
Anxiety
Bereavement, loss and grief
Complex family dynamics
Depression, low mood
Empowerment
Experiences of bullying or discrimination
Fertility
Identity
Infertility
Loss of meaning and purpose and lack of fulfilment
Miscarriage
Parenthood
Panic attacks
Pregnancy
Relationship difficulties
Self-harm
Stress
Trauma
"Going into therapy can be daunting. When I started sessions with Joanna, I was overwhelmed with grief from losing my son. Meeting people and facing the world felt unbearable. Despite my initial apprehension, each session with Joanna left me feeling calm, safe, and more stable. She provided gentle support, listened, and helped me navigate my emotions at my own pace. Joanna taught me to set boundaries, regain a sense of self, and find grounding techniques that reduced my anxiety. Her empathy, insight, and gentle challenges gave me the tools and confidence to move forward. I’m now on that journey, thanks to her. I highly recommend Joanna to anyone feeling stuck and in need of support. You won’t regret it."
Alison
"When I first started therapy with Joanna, I felt completely lost and without purpose after a series of personal setbacks. My sense of direction and motivation had vanished, leaving me feeling empty and hopeless. From our very first session, Joanna's compassionate and understanding approach made me feel heard and valued. She provided a safe space for me to explore my feelings and gradually helped me uncover the underlying issues affecting my sense of purpose. "
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"Through her guidance, I learned to set realistic goals, rediscover my passions, and build a stronger sense of self. Joanna’s insightful questions and supportive techniques allowed me to regain clarity and develop a renewed sense of direction in my life. Today, I feel more purposeful and motivated than ever before. Joanna’s empathy, and unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey towards rediscovering my purpose. I am incredibly grateful for her help and highly recommend her to anyone seeking to regain their sense of direction and purpose."
David
"Navigating a divorce and child custody was one of the toughest times in my life. I felt overwhelmed and anxious. Joanna provided a safe, non-judgmental space to express my fears and frustrations. Her empathetic and professional approach helped me manage my emotions and develop practical coping strategies. I improved communication with my ex-spouse and ensured my children's well-being. Joanna's support gave me the confidence and clarity to handle this challenging period and rebuild my life. I highly recommend Joanna for her expertise and compassion which were invaluable on my journey"
Marcel
My Location
I work from private offices located in Greenwich, London Bridge, Islington and Kings Cross.
- The Practice Rooms, 15A Nelson Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9JB
- The Practice Rooms, Union Street, London Bridge SE1 1SZ
- The Practice Rooms, 150 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9RD
Locations are easily accessible from Blackheath, Eltham, Lewisham, Leigh, Canary Wharf and Shoreditch.
In addition to providing face-to-face therapy, I also offer telephone and online sessions to people throughout the UK.
Bookings & Fees
My standard fee is £70 for face-to-face sessions and £60 for online sessions.
To begin, please contact me via email or phone to share a bit about your situation. This initial conversation will help determine if my approach is suitable for you. Next, we will schedule a 50-minute initial consultation to discuss your situation in more detail and get to know each other.
If we mutually decide to proceed, I recommend an initial series of six weekly sessions, each lasting 50 minutes.
Following these sessions, we will review your progress together and discuss whether further sessions would be beneficial. This could involve scheduling a specific number of additional sessions or moving to an open-ended arrangement, tailored to your ongoing needs.
Get in Touch
Feel free to get in touch using the contact form if you have any questions about how I work, or to arrange an initial conversation.
You can also call me on 07966 382 361 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first. I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have prior to arranging an initial appointment.
All contact is strictly confidential.