Counselling for Trauma, Abuse and Emotional Overwhelm
A calm, supportive space to help you make sense of what you've been through and begin to feel more like yourself again.
Trauma-Informed integrative counselling
In person at the Devon Clinic, Paignton and online across the UK
£60 - 50 Minutes
Book a Free 20-minute introductory call
Call 07958230128
MNCPS Acc
FDSC Counselling and Psychology
Hello, I’m Joanna
I’m Joanna Johnson-Laird, an integrative and trauma-informed counsellor.
I support people who have experienced trauma, abuse, difficult relationships and emotional overwhelm, as well as those who simply feel stuck, anxious, disconnected or exhausted from holding everything together.
I know how difficult it can be to reach out for support, particularly if you’ve spent years putting other people’s needs before your own.
My aim is to offer a calm, safe and non-judgemental space where you don’t have to rush, explain everything at once, or talk about anything you’re not ready for.
We work together at your pace, helping you understand what you’ve experienced, how it may still be affecting you today, and what you need to begin moving forward.
What You Can Expect from Me
I won’t judge or rush you.
I’ll meet you with empathy, honesty, and calm.
I’ll support you in making sense of your experience — and help you reconnect with the parts of you that were never broken, just hurt.
You don’t have to go through this alone anymore. Together, we can begin to gently shift from surviving to healing.
I currently offer individual counselling for adults.
Who I Can Support
You don’t need to have experienced trauma or abuse to come to counselling with me. I’m happy to work with whatever is bringing you to therapy.
I do, however, have particular experience supporting people affected by:
Emotional, physical or sexual abuse
Childhood trauma, neglect or abandonment
Coercive or controlling relationships
Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Low self-worth, shame and self-doubt
People-pleasing and difficult relationship patterns
Feeling numb, disconnected or stuck
You don’t need to know exactly what you want to talk about or where to begin. We can work that out together.
Im happy to work with whatever you bring into the session. Most of my experience is working with those that have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
Coercive or controlling relationships, childhood trauma, neglect, or abandonment
Chronic shame, self-doubt, or people-pleasing patterns
You don’t have to have all the answers — or even know where to start. Just bring yourself, and we’ll take it from there.
How I work
My approach is warm, relational, and trauma-informed. We work together at a pace that feels safe for you — with no pressure to explain everything all at once.
I draw on:
Gestalt therapy, which supports self-awareness and expression
Inner child and chairwork, to explore parts of yourself that need care and voice
Nervous system regulation, to help you feel more at home in your body
Creative tools and imagery, especially helpful when words are hard to find
Above all, I work at your pace. There is no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to. Your story, your healing, your timing. I aim to create a calm, grounded space where you feel genuinely supported.
What to Expect
A calm, confidential space (online or in-person in Totnes or Paignton)
A warm, non-clinical approach
Respect for your boundaries and your timing
Gentle support through difficult memories, feelings, or relationship patterns
Guidance toward feeling safer, more present, and more in control of your life
Ready to Talk?
It’s okay if you’re nervous.
I offer a free 20-minute intro call so you can see if I’m the right fit. There’s no pressure — just a gentle first step.
I believe that each person is unique, and it is important that we work together to find what resonates most with you. My goal is to listen carefully, to provide you with the encouragement and understanding that you deserve. Ensuring that you are supported, and empowered. Helping you to gain deeper insights into yourself, to heal and move forward at your own pace.
Qualifications
Level 3 Diploma in Counselling
FDSC Counselling and Psychology
CPD Trauma informed Practice
CPD Sexual abuse
MNCPS (Acc)
Howden insurance
Services
60 British pounds