Who am I?
Jo Bisseker Barr
I have worked with words for much of my life, and I try to write every day! With an Honours degree in English including Creative Writing, and 23 years’ experience working as a Counsellor, I’ve spent my life being caught up in the creative process of making meaning through words, both written and spoken.
My career has included working in Marketing and in Public Relations, as an Editor, a Copy-Writer and a Press Officer. I am also a qualified and experienced psychodynamic counsellor and supervisor, working with individuals in my private practice, as well as providing counselling skills training. I have worked as a therapist with many different individuals in various settings including GP surgeries and with a local charity. These combined experiences give me a unique understanding of how writing can be used as a valuable tool for understanding ourselves in new and enlightening ways, increasing self-awareness through accessing aspects of ourselves that may otherwise stay hidden.
I am a Senior Accredited member of BACP (the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy), Hampshire Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and Wessex Psychotherapy Society, as well as Lapidus, the Association for Literary Arts in Personal Development.
“If you have the words, there's always a chance that you'll find the way.”
Seamus Heaney
Writing for wellbeing is special because the writing activities I guide you through provide the means for exploration without telling you what you ought to think, feel, or experience. Like my counselling practice, it offers a non-judgemental and nurturing framework which allows you to find your own answers, release inner obstacles which are limiting you, open up to creative inspiration, and move towards the healthy growth and change you aspire to.
COUNSELLING
I have 23 years experience as a BACP Accredited counsellor and supervisor and run my private practice from Lyndhurst. For more information please go to my website:
http://www.newforesttherapy.co.uk
Future Workshops
Friday, 10th Sept, 2021
Writing for Wellbing workshop.
Join us at Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst. Workshops are from 10am - 4pm.
Booking essential.
See Contact page
"I knew there were stories inside me for which I needed to find a voice. Jo's writing workshop was a gentle, well structured and supportive introduction to finding a way into writing. It was a revelation to discover some of the unknown and unheard narratives inside me and the others with whom I shared the day. I recommend it highly..." - Sue
The Workshops
Committing to dedicated time to write in a group makes it easier to leave outside stresses and concerns behind, and focus on personal expression and exploration of self.
About Me
With an Honours degree in English including Creative Writing, I am a qualified and experienced psychodynamic counsellor, working within my private practice.
Enquire today
To book yourself a place at one of the writing workshops or to find out anything else you would like to know about the Write Your Mind workshops - please get in touch.