Jo Ryan
Modalities of
more learning
Jo's Approach is Integrative.
At Barefoot Coaching & Counselling, Jo Ryan draws on a range of evidence-informed and holistic modalities to support each client’s unique needs and goals. Her approach is integrative, meaning no two sessions are the same - instead, tools and techniques are thoughtfully tailored to where you are at and what you are working through.
Combining psychology-based therapies with mindfulness and mind–body approaches, Jo supports clients to build greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and lasting change. Each modality is used with care, compassion, and a focus on empowering you with practical strategies you can apply in everyday life.
Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a practice that involves intentionally bringing our awareness to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgement. It allows us to notice our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours as they arise, rather than becoming unconsciously driven by them. Over time, we begin to recognise that the mind is constantly generating commentary and judgements - and in that awareness, we create space to choose which thoughts are helpful, and which ones can be gently released.
When we spend more time anchored in the present, we develop the ability to observe our internal experience rather than be controlled by it. This shift supports greater clarity, emotional balance, and self-awareness in everyday life.
As Rumi beautifully expressed: 'Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment.'
Research suggests that while external circumstances such as work, relationships, and environment contribute to happiness, a significant portion of our wellbeing is shaped internally - through our thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns. This means that by learning to work with our mind, rather than against it, we can meaningfully influence our sense of fulfilment and wellbeing.
Mindfulness supports this process by helping us reduce automatic reactions to uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and instead respond with greater awareness and choice. In doing so, we create more space for calm, clarity, and a deeper sense of connection to life as it unfolds.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based approach that supports people to live a meaningful and purposeful life guided by their values, while also learning to accept the difficult thoughts and feelings that are a natural part of being human. Rather than trying to avoid, suppress, or eliminate discomfort, ACT recognises that this struggle can often increase stress and emotional suffering.
Through ACT, you learn practical psychological skills to relate differently to your thoughts and emotions, so they have less control over your behaviour and wellbeing. This creates space to respond more intentionally, rather than react automatically. At the same time, ACT helps you clarify what truly matters to you - your values - and begin taking committed action toward the life you want to create.
This approach has been shown to be effective in supporting a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, OCD, workplace stress, chronic pain, PTSD, and substance-related difficulties. By combining mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action, ACT supports greater psychological flexibility, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a gentle, compassionate, body-based approach that supports emotional healing and regulation. It combines principles of cognitive therapy with light tapping on specific acupressure points on the body, helping to calm the nervous system while processing difficult thoughts, emotions, and memories.
In a therapeutic setting, EFT can be particularly supportive for anxiety, stress, trauma, and emotional blocks. Many people find it to be a grounding and empowering process that helps reduce the intensity of emotional responses, while also increasing awareness and self-understanding. Because EFT is simple and practical, it can also be used outside of sessions, giving clients a tool they can draw on in everyday life to support emotional balance and resilience.
Jo Ryan is passionate about empowering clients with tools they can use between sessions to self-regulate, grow, and support their own wellbeing. Each modality shared within Barefoot Coaching & Counselling is also personally practised and integrated, reflecting a lived understanding of its benefits and application.
'The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.' - Hippocrates.
EFT can assist with:
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Emotional challenges: anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, stress, procrastination, addictions, self-esteem concerns
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Physical challenges: pain, migraines, fatigue, insomnia
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Personal performance: public speaking, job interviews, sports performance, confidence, and self-belief
Matrix
Reimprinting.
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Matrix Reimprinting is an advanced variation of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) that supports deep emotional healing by gently working with past experiences that still carry emotional charge. When we reflect on the 'movie' of our life, there are often key moments that have shaped how we see ourselves, others, and the world. At times, these experiences can lead to unconscious beliefs that continue to limit our confidence, wellbeing, or potential.
This approach helps you identify and safely revisit the origins of these core beliefs, allowing you to shift your relationship with past events that may still be influencing your present. Rather than being defined by these memories, Matrix Reimprinting creates space to respond to them with understanding, support, and new perspective.
In this process, clients are guided to re-visit earlier experiences in a safe and resourced way, allowing unmet needs from that time to be acknowledged and supported. This can include expressing what was needed, releasing emotional intensity, and 're-imprinting' the memory with new, more supportive beliefs, emotions, and internal imagery.
By changing how past experiences are held in the mind and body, individuals are able to reduce the emotional impact of old memories and create space for more empowering beliefs to emerge - supporting greater freedom, confidence, and emotional wellbeing in the present.
'EFT is the most powerful new transformational technology to come along in years.' - Jack Canfield
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying I will try again tomorrow.
Mary Anne Radmacher