After the birth of her first son, Jo Bealey reconsidered her career path with the realisation that she wanted to do something meaningful and fulfilling with her time. This was the beginning of her journey in psychological wellbeing, training in mindfulness for children and going on to support new mums as a postpartum doula. A qualified counsellor, she has a firm belief that therapy should be available and attainable for everyone. She has recently launched @Ohheyparenthood, an online hub for expecting, new and old parents who are looking to deepen their knowledge on how to meet their child’s needs and support their emotional development – whilst meeting and healing their own too. Here Jo talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind what she does, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I have always had an interest in the human mind: what leads us to think, behave and act in the way in we do and how given the right environment, we are given the opportunity to change.
It was after the birth of my eldest son that I re-evaluated what I wanted in a career and concluded the need for it to be fulfilling and meaningful. It was then I began a multitude of studies and qualifications – no looking back.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I began my journey in psychological wellbeing through training as a children’s mindfulness coach, realising it was the parents who needed the support. I moved onto supporting new mums as a postpartum doula.
I have a special interest in attachment theory and set about developing a business teaching baby massage, giving parents the tools to bond with their babies through touch and sharing education on how to create a secure attachment with their children. It created something much more than I intended. I was fully booked months in advance, parents would come together and share their struggles with parenting and it became a beautiful space of support, understanding and a sense of community.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
My biggest breakthrough was the realisation that it is possible to make a living and develop a career from something which I feel so passionate about.
There have been many contributing factors but time spent in self-development and therapy has given me the self-confidence and belief to overcome my absolute fear of public speaking! Smashing this glass ceiling has allowed me to share my passion with those who are keen to learn more.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
With 3 little ones, it’s always a bit of a juggle and struggle. I’m extremely fortunate to have a wonderful, supportive network of parents and in-laws who all help where they can.
My husband is fantastic and we share the parent load, allowing each of us to pursue our careers whilst ensuring that one of us is always available for our boys.
The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
It feels like the last 10 years has been a bit of a whirlwind!
Each year has bought its own difficulties and unique challenges that we have had to overcome. Throughout it all, the biggest challenge has been the ability to hold the hope and faith that despite what the current circumstances may look like, change is always possible, and everything can be achieved.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The immediate pro of having a business is being my own boss. As a mother in this season of parenting, to have autonomy and not being answerable to anyone is a huge advantage. The ability to set my schedule around the kids is amazing.
It gives me the opportunity to work with the most wonderful clients who come to therapy for a range of reasons and can offer long-term work which develops into a beautiful therapeutic relationship.
The downside is missing the companionship of colleagues, but I’m fortunate to be in a circle of those other business owners who feel the same.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m really excited for what lies ahead in 2023.
I’ll be building and expanding my practice by opening my doors for couples therapy, but it is the recent launch of @ohheyparenthood, my new business baby, which is bringing the most joy.
Ohheyparenthood is an online hub for expecting, new and old parents who are looking to deepen their knowledge on how to meet their child’s needs and support their emotional development (whilst meeting and healing their own too!).
I’ll be offering a variety of workshops, courses and sessions that I’m really looking forward to getting off the ground.
Visit the Counselling with Jo Bealey website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also check out the Ohheyparenthood Facebook and Instagram pages.
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