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Getting to know... Josey Lawrenson

We know you as the co-founder of Therapy North and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

Outside of work, I’m pretty much always at a concert or planning the next one. I’ve got 17 booked this year alone, all over the UK. Live music is my happy place, and there’s almost always some music playing in the background while I go about my day.

I also enjoy reformer Pilates! It keeps me feeling strong and clear-headed, and it’s a great way to unwind and stay inspired.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

Not at all! Before I discovered psychology, I bounced between a few completely different ideas. For a while I thought I might go into computer science, before that I considered something with animals, and at times I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do.

Everything changed when I took psychology at sixth form, it was the first subject I genuinely loved, and I knew I wanted to do something with it. At first, I thought that might be marketing, but when I started a counselling course, it just clicked. I knew straight away that was the path for me.

I’m about to complete my final year in both my psychology degree and my diploma in child counselling, and I haven’t looked back. I’m still just as passionate and have big plans for where I want to take Therapy North’s children and young people’s strategy in the future.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part of my job is, without question, the clients. I particularly enjoy long-term client work. Watching someone’s journey unfold over time and seeing the real, meaningful progress they make is incredibly rewarding. Being trusted to walk alongside someone through that process is something I never take for granted.

The most challenging part is definitely the admin. Between session notes, paperwork, and assignments for my training, it can feel a bit overwhelming at times. But the positives far outweigh the challenges, and the impact of the work makes it all more than worth it.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I’d say my greatest achievement is co-founding Therapy North and being one of the youngest Directors in the Entrepreneurs' Forum. It’s taught me so much about having a strong work ethic, drive and ambition. I thought my time at a highly academic school would’ve prepared me enough, but studying for a counselling diploma while also doing a psychology degree has definitely been a challenge, especially when I see some of my uni friends having a much more relaxed time. It’s taken a lot of commitment and resilience to keep going, even when things have felt overwhelming.

On top of that, I’ve managed to maintain some amazing friendships and still make time for myself, which I think is just as important. Balancing it all hasn’t always been easy, but it’s something I’m really proud of.

How do you relax outside of work?

Creative hobbies are my go-to way to unwind. I’m always on the lookout for a new crafty project, and most recently I’ve been getting into watercolour painting. I also love playing computer games - the Sims 4 is my favourite for switching off and getting lost in something fun. And when I really need to relax, nothing beats a long bath with a good movie on in the background.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

I’ve always lived in the North East, so I’m definitely biased, but I really do think it’s the perfect place to live and work. Our area still has a real sense of community. One of my favourite things about it is the variety. If I want a calm, beachy backdrop while working, that’s right on my doorstep. If I need a more formal, city-based setting, that’s never far away either. It gives you the best of both worlds. We have some world class universities and many people stay in the region after graduating once they experience our hospitality.

The business community up here is also something special. There’s a real sense of support and collaboration, especially among small businesses and startups. Whether you’re just starting out or growing something bigger, there’s space to develop and people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

Something people are often surprised to learn about me is that I used to horse ride. I started when I was 11 and kept it up until I was 18, even taking part in a few small competitions along the way. When I was younger, I’d help out at the stables every weekend without fail. It was a huge part of my life for a long time, and also came with its fair share of injuries! I don’t ride at the moment, but I’d love to get back into it one day, even just for the occasional hack out in the countryside.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .