Jo Augustus

My name is Jo, I am a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) and began my career in mental health over 20 years ago, when I started working for the NHS. Here, I quickly learnt the value of taking a person-centred approach in order to meet the needs of individuals I assessed. For me this meant recognising the importance of a variety of a counselling approaches to support the individual on their recovery journey. Undertaking a Master's Degree in Therapeutic Counselling, although specialising in CBT, gave me an academic grounding in integrative approaches to working with a variety of presenting problems. For example, working with grief, loss and change, sexuality, developing healthy relationships through understanding early attachment. I really enjoy discussing these approaches with my students, especially linking theory to practice.

I have also worked as a Manager in a psychiatric hospital, working as part of a multidisciplinary team, often supporting those with complex needs. During this time, I began additional training in what's known as 'third wave therapies', which is movement away from a cognitive focus and towards how we relate to thoughts and emotions. This includes Acceptance Commitment Therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Over the years, I have delivered evidence-based interventions to individuals and in group settings. I have also specialised in delivering trauma-based interventions, in particular working with active service personnel and veterans. I am now in my 8th year of working as a University Principle Lecturer, where I lecture on a variety of courses. I also have a part time private practice as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.

I love to write and have written 2 books, one was out in January 2022 aimed at introducing paramedics to the concepts surrounding mental health. I have also written a paper on the impact of Covid19 on women working in higher education. I hope that you will consider publishing in the future.