01670 209319

Welcome To


JS Lake Counselling & Therapy

I’m Jonathan, a qualified Psychotherapist and Intergrative counsellor and former first responder with over thirty years' experience in the UKs blue light emergency services. As a trained family liaison specialist, I have supported people through trauma, bereavement, and sudden life changing events, experiences that shape my deep respect for resilience and the human capacity to heal, and inspired me to found Oldgate Therapy Centre, a calm non-clinical space where you can reflect, rebuild and restore balance, held in a safe non-judgemental atmosphere.

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30+ Years of Experience

Why Choose Us Why Choose Us

Why Choose JS Lake Counselling & Therapy?

Together we’ll find what works best for you - whether that’s talking therapy, guided CBT techniques, mindfulness, or simply a quiet space to pause and breathe. I offer sessions in person or online, so you can choose the setting that feels most comfortable.

I work with adults, teenagers, veterans and members of the emergency services, and I have experience supporting neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD and autism. My approach is tailored to fit how you experience the world, offering practical tools and small, achievable steps that meet you where you are.

I create a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you are seen and heard. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. If you’re ready to take a gentle first step, get in touch, and we’ll begin together.

When I’m not working, you’ll often find me wandering Northumberland’s coastline with a flask of tea and a camera — bringing that same calm presence into our sessions.

Why Choose Me
  • BACP Member
  • MNCPS (Acc.)
  • ICO Registered
  • DBS Checked
Blue Lamp Foundation Logo

Issues I Can Support You With

Bereavement

Bereavement

Have you recently lost someone and feel unsure how to move forward? I offer a steady, compassionate space where you can talk about what you’re carrying - memories, practical worries, or the small moments that catch you by surprise. We’ll work at a pace that suits you: listening, making sense of feelings, and learning simple coping strategies for sleep, routine or sudden overwhelm. If this resonates, get in touch for a short, informal conversation about how I can support you.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Is anxiety taking up too much of your day? Trouble sleeping, tightness in your body, or avoidance? In sessions we’ll gently map how anxiety shows up for you and practise short, practical tools you can use between sessions. I’ll guide you through simple CBT techniques, grounding exercises and mindfulness practices, always at your pace. We’ll build a plan that feels relevant to your life. If you want to try one practical step now, message me and we’ll arrange a brief call to discuss what might help first.

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

I support clients with ADHD and Autism to better understand themselves, recognise their strengths, and make sense of the challenges they may face in everyday life. Together, we will explore emotional regulation, relationships, self-esteem, overwhelm, and practical strategies that help you work with your unique way of experiencing the world, rather than against them.

Childhood Trauma

Childhood Trauma

Do early experiences still affect how you feel or relate now? In a safe, contained space, we’ll start with grounding, emotional regulation and practical supports - before gently exploring difficult memories when you feel ready. I’ll match the pace to you and offer ways of working that feel safe and manageable: telling your story, building coping strategies, and noticing patterns that no longer serve you. If you’re unsure where to begin, a short, informal chat might help us decide on a gentle first step together.

Our Counselling Services

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, loss, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move forward with clarity and confidence. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you build insight, resilience, and a life that feels more balanced and meaningful.

Bereavement Counselling

Bereavement Counselling


Individual Counselling

Individual Counselling


Couples Counselling

Emotional & Sensory Regulation Support - Neurodiversity - Affirming


Childhood Trauma

Young Persons Counselling


My Background

My Background

My background as a trained Family Liaison Specialist continues to shape how I practice today. I listen with care and empathy, and together we take steady, meaningful steps when life feels overwhelming. I bring experience, understanding, and compassion to every session, creating a calm and supportive space where you are seen, heard, valued, and supported to restore balance and move forward.

Support for Frontline & Emergency Service Professionals

Confidential Therapy for Blue Light Workers


Frontline work can be uniquely challenging, with emotional and psychological pressures that can take a toll over time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with the weight of your role, you're not alone. I offer a dedicated, confidential space to help process the experiences you face on the job, manage stress, and support your mental health and well-being.

I am proud to be an official sponsor of The Blue Lamp Foundation, supporting emergency workers and their families. Whether you're dealing with trauma, burnout, or the everyday stresses of emergency service work, my approach is designed to give you the support you need to navigate these challenges with resilience. My aim is to provide a safe, non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to heal.

I offer discounted rates for current and retired emergency service workers, their families, and Blue Light Card holders. Standard sessions are £60 for 50 minutes and with the Blue Light Card are £50 for 50 minutes, giving you the time and space to focus on your well-being and find strategies that work for you.

Qualifications & Professional Training

Core Counselling Qualifications

  • BA (Hons) First Class Honours
  • Level 5 Diploma in Integrative Counselling
  • Level 4 Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Clinical Risk & Safeguarding

  • PAPYRUS Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
  • Certificate in Safeguarding Children & Adults
  • PREVENT Trained

Therapeutic Approaches & Models

  • Certificate in Pluralism in Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Certificate in Attachment Theory
  • Certificate in Shadow Work - supporting awareness of unspoken or unconscious aspects of self.

Neurodiversity & Sensory Awareness

  • Certificate in Understanding & Thriving in ADHD
  • Certificate in Understanding Sensory Processing
Qualifications & Professional Training
expertise Counselling

Our Areas of Expertise

When I retired after three decades in the emergency services, it felt a natural next step to train as a counsellor — continuing to support people, but in a quieter, more personal way.

Experienced Professionals

I’ve experienced trauma through my work and understand how deeply it can affect life. I also know it doesn’t have to define who you are.

Safe & Confidential

Over the years, I’ve witnessed how people can rediscover their strength and the remarkable capacity to heal and rebuild, even after great loss.

Client-First Approach

Reaching out for support can feel like the hardest step, but it’s often the start of finding your balance again.

Request An Appointment

You don’t have to handle this on your own. We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, with clear, down-to-earth support - no pressure, just someone to walk alongside you.

Contact Our Team Today

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Speechmarks

Client Feedback

  • Working with Jonathan has helped me understand my ADHD in a way that finally makes sense. Rather than feeling judged or told to 'just get organised', I felt understood. The practical strategies we explored have helped me manage overwhelm, improve my focus, and be kinder to myself. I now have a much better understanding of how my mind works and how to work with it rather than against it.
  • I came to therapy feeling constantly anxious and exhausted from overthinking everything. Jonathan created a calm, supportive space where I felt able to talk openly. Over time, I learned to understand my anxiety rather than fear it, and I now feel more confident in managing situations that would previously have overwhelmed me
  • I was carrying things from my past that I had never really spoken about. Jonathan helped me explore these experiences at a pace that felt safe and manageable. I felt listened to, respected, and understood throughout. Therapy has helped me make sense of my experiences and move forward with greater clarity and self-awareness.
  • Therapy with Jonathan has been one of the most valuable investments I have made in myself. His warm and genuine approach helped me feel comfortable from the very first session. I have developed greater confidence, healthier boundaries, and a much stronger sense of who I am. I now approach life with far more self-belief than I ever thought possible.
  • Thank you so much for everything you've done.
  • Thank you for your guidance & support you have offered me in our sessions, and helping me grow & heal.
  • Thank your for helping me feel safe and so not judged in the challanges you helped me work through. It will stay with me.
  • Thank you for everything you have poured into this project. We are so greatful to have worked with you on Public Record. We are so greatful for your dedication, kindness and generosity. It has been our honour to be on this journey with you.