Jen Stoodley - Counsellor, MBACP

Hi, I’m Jen.

Perhaps you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck. You might be struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, the impact of trauma, relationship difficulties, intrusive thoughts, or simply feel that life has become harder to manage than it once was. You may have spent years putting everyone else first, masking how you’re really feeling, or wondering why things seem to affect you more deeply than those around you.

Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, whether it’s your first experience of counselling or you’re returning after previous therapy. My aim is to offer a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood and accepted, while also helping you make sense of what’s happening and move towards meaningful, lasting change.

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How I work
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I’m an integrative counsellor, which means I tailor therapy to the individual rather than expecting everyone to fit into one particular approach. Every person brings their own experiences, strengths and challenges, so I believe therapy should reflect that.

Some clients come to therapy wanting the space to process difficult experiences and better understand themselves. Others find it helpful to develop practical strategies alongside reflection. Together, we’ll find an approach that feels right for you, combining compassion, curiosity and gentle challenge at a pace that feels manageable.

My work draws from Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Where appropriate, we may incorporate practical skills to help you manage overwhelming emotions, anxiety or distress outside of sessions, alongside exploring the deeper patterns that may be contributing to your difficulties.

My practice is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and holistic, recognising that our experiences, relationships, environment and nervous system all play a part in our wellbeing.

I believe that understanding yourself is just as important as reducing symptoms. Rather than trying to “fix” you, our work together focuses on making sense of your experiences, recognising patterns, and helping you build a life that feels more manageable and authentic.

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Online and in-person therapy
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I offer online counselling to clients across the UK, providing flexibility and accessibility wherever you’re based. If you prefer to meet in person, I also offer face-to-face counselling from a beautiful, welcoming therapy room in the heart of Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, providing a calm and comfortable space where you can step away from the demands of everyday life and focus on yourself.

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Areas I can help with
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I work with adults and young people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including:

Anxiety and panic
Autism and ADHD
Abuse and neglect
Depression and low mood
Disability and long-term health conditions
Emotional regulation
Grief and loss
Identity and self-understanding
Intrusive thoughts
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Relationship and family difficulties
Stress and burnout
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences

Whether you’re facing a specific difficulty or simply have a sense that something doesn’t feel quite right, therapy can provide the opportunity to better understand yourself and create lasting change.

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Neurodivergent-affirming therapy
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Supporting neurodivergent clients is a particular passion of mine.

I work with autistic and ADHD clients, whether diagnosed, self-identifying or exploring whether neurodivergence may be part of their experience. Therapy is adapted to suit your individual needs rather than expecting you to adapt to a traditional therapeutic model.

As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I understand how exhausting it can be to feel misunderstood, to mask who you are, or to wonder why life seems more difficult than it appears for others. Whilst every person’s experience is unique, I know how powerful it can be to work with someone who recognises those experiences without judgement or the need to explain every detail.

Being neuro-affirming means recognising that neurodivergence is a natural variation in how people experience and interact with the world. Rather than focusing on changing who you are, our work together aims to help you better understand yourself, build self-acceptance, strengthen self-esteem and develop ways of living that feel authentic to you.

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An inclusive space
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I’m committed to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive and gender-affirming practice where LGBTQIA+ clients feel respected, welcomed and supported. Whoever you are, you deserve a therapeutic space where you can be yourself without fear of judgement.

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Your first session
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The first session is simply an opportunity for us to get to know one another. Some people arrive with a clear idea of what they’d like to talk about, while others aren’t sure where to begin. Both are completely okay.

I’ll ask some gentle questions to understand what has brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to gain from our work together, and any information needed to ensure we can work safely. Most importantly, there’s no expectation to tell me everything straight away. We’ll work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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Client feedback
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“Jenna is fantastic! It is such a pleasure to talk with someone who has such a deep understanding of disability. She listens with huge empathy and makes helpful connections between different things I express during our sessions. She generously shares her expertise, is very reflective and compassionate in her practice, and consistently ensures my needs and goals in therapy are met.”

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What next?
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Finding the right therapist is important.

I offer a free 15-minute introductory telephone call where you can ask any questions, tell me a little about what you’re looking for, and decide whether I feel like the right fit for you.

If you’d like to arrange a consultation, you’re very welcome to get in touch by phone, text or email. I’d be happy to hear from you.

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Training, qualifications & experience
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I am a fully qualified Integrative therapeutic counsellor, I utilise aspects of the Person-centred approach, CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy), TA (Transactional analysis) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy).

I have previously worked in the charity sector as a befriending co-ordinator for a disabled persons organisation (DPO), and also as a mental health peer mentor.
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Qualifications
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CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
APT Level 2 accreditation in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
British Isles DBT Foundation Training

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)