ABOUT ME
I am a Counselling Psychologist with over 12 years’ experience in both the NHS and private practice.
Who I am
Hello, I’m Dr Emma Clarke, a Counselling Psychologist registered with the HCPC.
My journey into psychology began at the University of Kent, where I completed my undergraduate degree and discovered a deep fascination with how people think, feel, and behave. I quickly realised I was drawn to understanding people’s stories — what shapes them, how they make sense of their experiences, and how I might be able to help.
This led me to pursue doctoral training in Counselling Psychology at the University of Surrey, where I laid the foundations for the kind of psychologist I strive to be: thoughtful, reflective, and compassionate.
At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy begins with a safe and secure relationship. When we first meet, my focus is on creating a warm, open, and non-judgmental space where you feel seen and heard. I view our therapeutic relationship — the trust, rapport, and mutual understanding we build — as the cornerstone of our work together.
I understand that reaching out to speak to someone new, especially about personal and sensitive matters, can feel daunting. While therapy can be empowering, eye-opening, and healing, it can also stir difficult emotions along the way. That’s why I work to provide a grounding and secure base — a space where, through active listening and mutual collaboration, we can explore your needs and build a path forward that feels right for you.
Qualifications and continuing professional development
BSc Psychology (First Class Honours) – University of Kent
PsychD in Psychotherapeutic and Counselling Psychology – University of Surrey
Foundation level in Systemic Family Therapy
CBT Informed and Carer Supportive Practice in Psychosis – King’s College London (Grad Cert/Grad Dip)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Essential Supervision Skills – University of Surrey
Supervisory Training – University College London (UCL)
I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend workshops and training to enhance my practice. Over the years, I’ve deepened my knowledge and skills through courses and workshops in:
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
- Mindfulness and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Trauma and PTSD (including complex trauma)
- Body-based and polyvagal-informed approaches
- EMDR tools and techniques
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Attachment-Informed Approaches
This is not an exhaustive list, but it reflects the breadth and depth of my training. It allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to best meet your individual needs.
What I offer
In my private practice, I provide individual psychological therapy to adults and young people aged 16 and over. This can be on a short- or long-term basis, depending on your needs. I support people experiencing a range of difficulties, including:
Adjustment to life changes or losses
Stress and burnout
Anxiety disorders (including OCD, health anxiety, and generalised anxiety)
Depression and low mood
Low confidence and self-esteem
I have specialist training in working with trauma and PTSD — whether that’s a single traumatic event or more complex, developmental trauma that has built up over time. Whether your experience happened in childhood or adulthood, I offer a safe and informed space for healing.
Not everyone comes to therapy with a diagnosis — or even a clear sense of what it is they are going through. That’s completely okay. In our initial sessions, we’ll focus on understanding your experience in a way that resonates with you. My aim isn’t to label or diagnose, but to walk alongside you as we explore what’s going on and how we might move forward together to reclaim your life.
Ethical and legal standards
I am a registered practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and adhere to their standards of conduct, ethics, and professional practice.
I also comply with UK GDPR regulations when handling personal data.
Please read my confidentiality and privacy policy and website privacy policy for further details.
Dr Emma Clarke Psychology 