Jo Cole
Clinical Psychologist - telehealthJo is a clinical psychologist with nearly 30 years experience supporting people across a wide range of life stages and settings. She works with adults navigating stress, anxiety and depression, burnout and workplace challenges, parenting and caring roles, life transitions, and emotional regulation.
Jo has particular expertise in women’s health, chronic illness and functional neurological disorder (FND), gender-affirming care, grief (including the loss of companion animals), and adjustment to health treatments such as CPAP therapy. She is a verified provider with Size Inclusive Health Australia and takes a weight-neutral, respectful approach to health and wellbeing.
Jo brings a warm, collaborative and strengths-based style to her work, grounded in deep listening and genuine connection. She tailors therapy to each person, drawing on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Self-Compassion Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and expressive arts. She enjoys using creative and reflective methods to help clients explore emotions, build insight and move toward meaningful goals.
Jo has extensive experience providing therapy via Telehealth and is skilled at creating sessions that feel safe, connected and supportive online. Sessions are gentle, goal-focused and paced to suit what feels manageable for you.
She is also a clinical supervisor, supporting both early-career and experienced psychologists to build confidence, reflect deeply and sustain fulfilling clinical practice.
Outside of work, Jo enjoys swimming, being near water, and spending time adventuring—or relaxing on the couch with her two spaniels, Beanie and Chino.
Modalities
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy approach that helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change them. ACT focuses on embracing emotions, distancing from unhelpful thoughts, and being present in the moment. It also emphasises identifying personal values and committing to actions aligned with those values.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that emphasises processing and transforming emotions to improve mental health. It helps individuals become more aware of their emotions, understand their impact, and manage them constructively through techniques like role-playing and imagery.
Mindfulness is the practice of bringing focused awareness to the present moment with openness and non-judgment. It helps individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. In therapy, psychologists may incorporate mindfulness techniques such as breathing exercises, guided meditation, and body awareness to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall mental wellbeing. Mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for managing anxiety, depression, and chronic stress by fostering a greater sense of calm and self-awareness.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help people cultivate compassion for themselves and others, particularly when they struggle with shame, self-criticism, or harsh inner judgment. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience, CFT teaches skills for soothing the threat-focused emotional system and strengthening a sense of safety, warmth, and supportive self-relating. Through practices such as compassionate imagery, grounding, and developing a “compassionate self,” clients learn to respond to difficulties with understanding and courage rather than self-blame, ultimately improving emotional regulation and psychological wellbeing.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve emotional wellbeing. It involves identifying and challenging distorted thoughts, implementing strategies to alter harmful behaviours, and developing practical problem-solving skills.