| Works with: | Individuals |
| Languages: | English, Mandarin |
| Locations: | NHS Wandsworth |
Joy Zheng
Joy Zheng is a fully qualified integrative counsellor working at The Awareness Centre in Wandsworth. Joy is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Joy is also undertaking postgraduate training in couples and relationship psychotherapy and is a student member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT). Her integrative approach draws on person-centred and psychodynamic perspectives, allowing her to support clients in exploring their experiences from different angles while adapting her way of working to each individual’s needs. Joy works with clients experiencing a range of emotional and relational difficulties, including challenges around identity, self-worth, relationships, life transitions, loss, and change. She is committed to providing a confidential, supportive, and respectful space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace.
Joy’s approach is warm, compassionate, and reflective, with a strong focus on creating a safe and non-judgemental therapeutic relationship. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process where clients can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, reconnect with their values, and explore possibilities for meaningful change. Grounded in person-centred principles, Joy places importance on acceptance, empathy, and working alongside clients rather than directing their journey. Drawing on psychodynamic ideas, she also supports clients in exploring how past experiences, unconscious processes, and recurring patterns may influence their present thoughts, feelings, and relationships. Through this process, Joy helps clients develop greater self-awareness, strengthen their sense of identity, and create space for new perspectives and ways of responding to life’s challenges.
Originally from Shanghai, China, Joy has lived in London for over 15 years and brings a valuable cross-cultural perspective to her therapeutic work. Having experienced the emotional challenges associated with cultural transition and separation, she has a particular understanding of the complexities of belonging, adaptation, and navigating different cultural identities. Joy is especially interested in supporting individuals and couples exploring relationship difficulties, cross-cultural dynamics, loss, life changes, and questions around identity and connection. Her lived experience informs her commitment to working with openness, curiosity, and respect for each person’s unique background and circumstances. Joy values diversity and inclusion and aims to create a therapeutic space where clients from all backgrounds feel understood, accepted, and empowered to explore their experiences and move towards greater self-awareness and wellbeing.
I found my sessions with Joy to be really helpful and insightful. She’s helped me open up more and provided perspective on different issues I’ve been dealing with. She’s a very thoughtful person who creates a comfortable space to talk through things. I’m always impressed by how well she remembers details from our conversations – it makes such a difference knowing she’s truly listening and engaged. Working with her has genuinely helped me grow, and I’d definitely recommend her if you’re looking for a therapist.
The counselling and guidance I received by Joy at the awareness centre has been invaluable and a huge help during a challenging time in my life.
Having been in and out of therapy for many years I found the approach and support to be very helpful and it enabled me to find clarity and the ability to not just face the many challenges in my life but start to deal with them. I am very grateful and would highly recommend Joy to anyone and everyone who would benefit from additional support through therapy. As hard and challenging as it was I always left feeling enlightened and lighter which was a huge lift at a difficult time. I found myself looking forward to the session every week. Thank you Joy.
I worked with Joy whilst I was having some difficulties with work relationships and dealing with problems with my family. Joy was really attentive, a great listener and really helped me. I always felt at ease and comfortable, and I highly recommended her.
When my partner and I hit a bumpy patch due to the pressures of life, we found ourselves struggling to communicate and truly listen to one another. I realised we needed a helping hand, but not just anyone. We wanted someone who genuinely cared, rather than simply following a set process. After reading many therapist biographies, Joy’s really stood out to me, so we took a leap of faith and booked an appointment.
From the very first session, Joy was warm, engaging, and deeply attuned to both of our personalities. She created a safe space where we each felt heard, giving us the time to express our feelings while gently helping us understand each other’s perspectives. The thoughtful “homework” she gave us also helped us recognise and change some ingrained habits.
We genuinely enjoyed the process, and now that our sessions have ended, we both find ourselves missing Joy. We were so impressed that we recommended her to my partner’s sister, who also found her session hugely beneficial. We would wholeheartedly recommend Joy to anyone seeking relationship support.
