Irene Johnston

Online or Face-to-face in Harwell

Many people know that they want to speak with a therapist but are afraid that their 'stuff' might shock or hurt them. PLEASE trust me - I do understand how awful life can be, how cruel some people can be, how we do things to survive that we wish we hadn't. Try me - you will find that I am not going to be shocked or hurt, and that I can listen with understanding and warmth without judgement, for as long as it takes for you to put demons to rest and move on with your life. 

Whatever life is throwing at you, rest assured, I can offer you a warm safe and confidential space for you to explore any thoughts or feelings, where you will feel genuinely listened to in a non judgmental way.

I offer long or short term counselling.  I use a person-centered approach and this means I am client led, the sessions are your sessions, directed by you but I am there to guide and walk a long side you. 

Sometimes our thoughts can be so muddled it can be difficult to make the right decisions, talking through these thoughts can help you process and see things more clearly and come to terms with any problems you maybe struggling with.

I have had the privilege of working extensively within Substance Misuse Services, supporting individuals battling addiction and their families. My experience in Bereavement and as a Cruse Trained professional has further enriched my journey in this field. Currently, I proudly serve as the Manager for a Counselling Service at a Homeless Charity, where I also provide direct client support.

Additionally, I offer my expertise as a sessional counsellor for Survivors of sexual violence, contributing to their healing process. My involvement in Criminal Justice as an Appropriate Adult has taught me the impact of decision-making and the potential for positive change. 

During the initial session, I focus on understanding the client's current challenges and the reasons behind seeking counseling. It's crucial to explore the client's background and their current life situation. I also delve into any past therapy experiences to identify effective strategies. If both parties agree to proceed with therapy, we schedule convenient session times and days for future meetings.