My Story

photo of Joanna Russell, close up of Jo wearing a black hat

Educator.  Coach.  Brit.  

A specialist senior social worker, I had the career I’d always wanted. I was making an impact on people’s lives. I had a beautiful home, a busy social calendar, and a loving family.

But inside, I felt lost.  I’d invested so much in getting here — why did I feel so empty?

The truth was I didn’t realize how bad things had become. After climbing the corporate ladder for 15 years, I began to lose my enthusiasm for work. I struggled to concentrate, experienced nagging self-doubt, and dwindling self-esteem—all early signs of burnout. They were showing up in all areas of my life, not just work.

It took the deaths of my beloved grandmother and mother to spur me into making the changes I so badly needed.  Having encountered Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) years beforehand, I knew it was effective, so I devoted myself to realigning my values, strengthening boundaries, and healing. 

Keen to share what I’d learned with others, a move to the U.S. gave me the chance to train with NLP expert Dr. Matt James, and I grabbed it with both hands. 

I’m now a Master Practitioner of NLP, Mental and Emotional Release® (MER) Therapy, and hypnosis. As a mindset coach, I help clients worldwide—from senior executives to healthcare workers—to restore motivation, boost performance, and thrive at work and in life.

What Others Have Experienced When Working With Me

Wow, what powerful sessions! Thank you for allowing me to be part of what you do and believe in. The power of envisioning and being able to see things as I want them to be is incredible. I have to give credit to Jo, my NLP coach, she is a pleasure to work with and is fully invested in supporting me to achieve my goals.
— JASON
My sessions with Jo have been so helpful. Prior to working with her I had been feeling low, unmotivated and very anxious. Jo’s warm and supportive approach has been so beneficial to me and has made such a difference to how I think and feel now.

The tools and techniques that Jo has worked through with me have helped me release deep-rooted emotions and I feel much more confident, positive and capable than ever before.

I was certainly feeling burnt-out, and Jo has given me a fresh perspective and outlook and I have so much more energy for this, I am so thankful.
— NATASHA

Accredations & Qualifications

check Master Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming

check Master Practitioner of Mental and Emotional Release®

check Master Practitioner of Hypnotherapy

check Integrative Psychologist

check Licensed UK Social Worker

check Certified Professional Life Coach (LCIOC)

check MSW, PGDip, PGCert, CHP 

check BSc (Hons) Social Science

check (Board certified by the Association of Integrative Psychology)