Clapham Counselling Services

Emma sees adults (18+) on a one-to-one basis for short or long term therapy work. Emma sees clients for the following reasons: abuse, anxiety, anger management, addiction, adjustment, autism, ADHD, bereavement and loss, depression, gender dysphoria, intrusive thoughts, loss of identity, low self-esteem, OCD, phobias, relationship difficulties, self-harm, sexuality, suicidal thoughts, trauma, work-related stress. Although this list is not exhaustive.

Clapham counselling services are helpful for focusing on a single issue that is present such as bereavement, workplace stress or relationship breakdown. Our Clapham counselling services are generally considered short-term work (weeks or a few months) providing support, guidance and education to help the client find solutions to their problems.

When considering starting therapy it is important to consider which therapy approach is right for you. There is a myriad of information and advice at our fingertips nowadays and it can be overwhelming to know where to start when it comes to choosing the right one. Below I have outlined 4 key approaches, which I hope are insightful and useful when it comes to making your decision.

Person-centred

The person-centred therapist will explore with you your reasons for seeking therapy, feelings, behaviour and worldview. Through providing unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathic understanding a trustworthy relationship is formed. The goal is for the client to develop a greater level of self-awareness, discovery of their own abilities and lead to a greater level of independence to cope with current and future difficulties.

Transactional analysis (TA)

A psychoanalytic approach to therapy, TA was developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. the theory assumes all adults develop three ego-stages: parent, adult and child. The ego system refers to the client’s personality made up of three parts which reflect different systems of feeling, thought and behaviour.

Gestalt

A clients ability for self-awareness can often become blocked due to negative and rigid behavioural approaches. The gestalt approach adopts relational theory with the current present state with a focus on the present moment to increase self-awareness, this will ultimately lead to the client achieving their full potential.

Integrative

Integrative therapy is an approach to therapy that combines various psychotherapy approaches including the above-described therapies to tailor the therapy specifically to the client. An integrative therapist takes the view that there is no ‘one size fits all’ to treat their client or a particular problem.

Emma has acquired a wide range of experience over the past 10 years within the NHS and private sector, working in both inpatient and community mental health settings. Previously, Emma has held positions within the senior management of a large blue-chip retailer.

Emma was instrumental in the set-up and expansion of the provision of personality disorder and trauma services in the NHS. Today she continues to work as a senior DBT practitioner specialising in the treatment of complex trauma and personality disorders. Emma developed a firm interest in the treatment of mental health difficulties experienced by women with Autism and/or ADHD. Within this role, Emma continues to work with people on an individual basis and also delivers group-based psychological treatments.

Emma works with clients privately from age 18+ offering integrative psychotherapy, which is part of her training as an integrative psychotherapist. Emma also offers Clapham counselling services and works in a client-centred approach which means she will incorporate all of her experience and knowledge in various therapeutic approaches to tailor the approach to her client’s specific needs.