Joe Amos PgDip/MBACP
Counsellor and Psychotherapist
I’m an online counsellor specialising in supporting people struggling with pornography, substance misuse, compulsive behaviours, addiction, and patterns that feel difficult to control. These behaviours often develop as a way of coping with stress, numbness, or emotional pain, even if they end up causing more harm than relief.
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Habitual patterns can be deeply isolating and are often accompanied by shame, anxiety, low self-worth, or difficulties in relationships. My approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in both lived experience and professional training. I provide a confidential, non-judgemental space to explore what’s happening and begin the process of change.
Alongside addiction, I also work with a range of related issues including anxiety, stress, burnout, depression, grief, and life transitions. If any of this resonates with you, I’d be very happy to offer an initial conversation so you can see whether working together feels right.
Background
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist. I hold a Post Graduate Qualification in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Cumbria University, an approved provider of training programmes. Prior to establishing my private practice, I worked as a counsellor in colleges and recovery centres. I currently offer counselling to Red Rose Recovery, Kendal college and Physicians Anonymous — a peer-support network for doctors facing burnout, stress, and related challenges. (https://physiciansanonymous.org/coaches-and-mentors/)
In addition to my counselling work, I have teaching experience, both in the UK and abroad, having spent several years living and working in Italy.
Why counselling?
People come to therapy for many reasons—sometimes feeling sad or lonely without knowing why, or struggling with stress and anxiety. Many of us face grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life changes that can seem overwhelming. I believe it takes real courage to seek help, especially when it involves opening up about feelings that might never have been shared before.​
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Repetitive patterns can be infuriating and sometimes deeply destructive, as we may do the same thing again and again, expecting different results. It is safe to say that our substance of choice is but a symptom of something deeper. Of course, abstinence or setting limits is important; however, what I would like to offer is a place where you are able to take a deeper dive into the underlying emotions and thinking that drive your responses to life's ups and downs.
Change is not a straight path. Change is difficult. There are things our chosen substance and behaviours give us—comfort, ease, relief—and we can’t ignore that. Nevertheless, in our sessions we can work together—at your own pace—to bridge the gap between where you are now and where you would like to be.
Qualifications and Training
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PESI The Complete Foundational Training for Treating PTSD and Complex Trauma
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PESI Working With Experiences of Domestic Abuse: Master the Research- Backed DAC Model
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Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy (level 7)
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Certificate in Counselling Skills
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Working with shame: the unshaming way
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TA101 official preliminaries to Transactional Analysis
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CGL Suicidal behaviours and awareness trainng
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CGL Understanding drug and alcohol misuse
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BACP counselling in NHS talking therapies PCE-CfD
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Advanced Counselling Skills Certificate course in understanding human psychology and emotional intelligence
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Post Graduate Certificate of Education
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BA hons Theology and Comparative Religion
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Certificate in teaching English to speakers of foreign languages
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