About Me
Jo Aubrey
Trauma-Informed | BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist in Derby
Why I do this work
I've always been fascinated by how our experiences shape the way we think, feel, and relate to ourselves. What I love most about this work is helping people make sense of patterns that once felt confusing, so they can move away from self-criticism and towards self-understanding.
Time and time again, I've seen the difference it makes when someone stops asking, "what's wrong with me?" and starts asking, "what makes sense about this?"
One of the ways I support this is by making psychological ideas feel easier to understand and connect with. I often use metaphors, real-life examples, and even references from pop culture or your own interests to bring therapy concepts to life. Rather than feeling abstract or full of jargon, the aim is to make sense of your experiences in a way that feels meaningful, relevant, and memorable.
For me, therapy isn't about having all the answers. It's about creating a space where we can get curious together, make sense of your experiences with compassion, and help you build a different relationship with yourself. Because when we understand ourselves differently, we're often able to respond to ourselves differently too - and that's where meaningful, lasting change begins.
It's a privilege to be part of that process.
Looking beyond the label
Labels can be helpful, but they rarely tell the whole story. Whatever brings you to therapy, I'm interested in understanding you - not just treating your symptoms. Together, we'll make sense of what's keeping you stuck, what's maintaining those patterns, and what will help you move forward. I don't believe there's something "wrong" with you. More often than not, the patterns we struggle with today once served a purpose. They helped us cope, protected us, or got us through difficult experiences. But over time, those same patterns can begin to leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected from ourselves, or stuck in ways of thinking and responding that no longer feel helpful.
My approach
My approach is grounded in curiosity rather than criticism. While trauma-informed CBT is the foundation of my work, I don't believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all. I draw on ideas from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), allowing me to tailor therapy to you rather than expecting you to fit a particular model.
Therapy that makes sense
Therapy should make sense. One of the things clients often tell me is that therapy with me makes things finally "click." I don't believe therapy should feel full of jargon or complicated theories. Instead, I use everyday language, metaphors, visual explanations, and examples from your own life and interests to make psychology relatable and meaningful. Because when something makes sense, change becomes much easier. Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted. A space where you can understand and relate to yourself differently, creating meaningful, lasting change.
Creating a Safe, Inclusive Space
I welcome clients from all backgrounds, identities and life experiences. I strive to provide a therapeutic space where you feel accepted, respected and able to be yourself without fear of judgement.
I am committed to offering LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and recognise that everyone's experiences, relationships and identities are unique. Whether the difficulties you're experiencing are connected to your identity or are completely unrelated, therapy is a space where all parts of you are welcome.
Areas I Work With Most Often
Self Relationship
Self-Esteem & Confidence
Understanding patterns of self-doubt, harsh self-judgement, people-pleasing, or feeling “not good enough”, and building a more balanced relationship with yourself.
Perfectionism & High Expectations
Understanding the pressure to achieve, fear of making mistakes, and learning to balance ambition with self-compassion.
People-Pleasing & Boundaries
Exploring patterns of prioritising others’ needs, difficulty saying no, and creating healthier boundaries without guilt.
Physical Health & Emotional Wellbeing
The Mind–Body Connection
Exploring the relationship between physical and psychological wellbeing, including how stress, emotions, behaviours, and life experiences can influence our overall health and quality of life.
Living with Physical Health Conditions
Understanding how physical health and emotional wellbeing can influence one another, and developing ways to cope with symptoms, uncertainty, changes in routine, and the wider impact on relationships, work, and daily life.
Trauma, PTSD & Life Experiences
Support for working through the lasting impact of difficult experiences, including trauma responses and the ways these continue to affect emotions, relationships, and day-to-day life.
Stress, Burnout & Pressure
Support with persistent worry, racing thoughts, and the impact of ongoing pressure or burnout. Together, we can explore sustainable ways of coping and reconnecting with what matters to you.