Biography

“ Hi my name is Emma and I’m an experienced BACP Accredited, online counsellor.

I can help you with a range of issues including stress, feeling depressed or anxious, dissatisfaction at work or with life in general, low self esteem/confidence, relationship/family problems, parenting issues, loss, anger, trauma and/or [unhelpful] 'safety’ behaviours such as avoiding [tasks / people / situations], rehearsing, seeking reassurance, ruminating, rituals, not/touching things, checking, limiting food, overeating, shouting, keeping quiet, over-working, prioritising others, making lists, procrastinating, using alcohol/drugs [including prescribed/psychiatric drugs], and worrying.

Whatever you are struggling with I've found that the vast majority of my clients benefit from psycho education [learning about how the brain works but without the need to be a neuroscientist!]: say hello to your 'Monkey' brain... and most want practical strategies and techniques that they can easily apply to effect change in their day to day life.  If that sounds like you then please get in touch.

I have developed a series of mind maps to help explain common issues eg anxiety, depression, life balance, sleep problems, and potentially useful solutions which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [which is about recognising and challenging unhelpful thinking], breathing techniques, mindfulness [which is about being in the here and now / accepting thoughts], and various written exercises - these are just some examples - really it's just a question of finding what works for you.

I have a lot of experience of working with GPs, trainee doctors, and Fire Service employees.

I also have specialist experience and knowledge of disability, carer, health, student, LGBTQIA2S+ and gender dysphoria issues, and I have lived experience of rare disability and carer issues.

My background of working at the BBC and being a writer means I have a lot of experience of putting people at ease and developing a good rapport. I aim to offer a warm, friendly approach to counselling, which most importantly includes listening without judging.

I'm experienced in doing long and short term work - even one off sessions - having worked in a variety of different settings including in the NHS taking referrals from the local Depression and Anxiety service, for an NHS Specialist Gender Identity Clinic [for individuals thinking about, or in the process of, transitioning], and at the University of Exeter, as well as counselling GPs, trainee doctors and Fire Service employees via Employee Assistance Programmes, as well as via my private practice.

Finally, whilst I can't give you medical advice I can help you source information and support you if you are thinking about taking prescribed psychiatric drugs, are already taking psychiatric drugs but want to consider your options, have decided you want to stop taking them, and/or you are in the process of tapering already.

NB Please message me if you'd like a session on a day/time that doesn't look available on my calendar because I could have availability and/or I can create a session slot for you.

Member of

Accredited Member of BACP

Approach to treatment

I aim to offer a friendly approach to counselling, listening without judging. I believe that it's important for people to understand what mental distress is all about, with this in mind I have developed a series of mindmaps to help people understand common issues eg anxiety, depression, common problems eg sleep issues, and solutions. The idea being that information and understanding means it's possible to feel more in control about doing something positive to improve your own mental wellbeing. CBT, Person Centred, Mindfulness, Psycho-Education

Languages spoken

• English

Currently Practice

Privately online

Therapy Types

Stress, low mood, anxiety, low self esteem, relationships, loss, anger, trauma. I also have specialist experience and knowledge of disability, carer, health, student and gender dysphoria issues.

Qualifications

• Online Counselling Certificate Course, OCST [Online Counselling Services and Training], passed with Distinction, May 2016 – July 2016
• Creative CBT Diploma, Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Sept 2014 – Feb 2015
• Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling [Level 4], Exeter College, Sept 2012 – July 2014
• BSc (Hons) Psychology 2:1, University of Bristol, 1988 – 1991

Demographics of Focus

I work with adults, 18+