Emma Read

I have occasional spaces on Tuesday/Wednesday daytimes.  Please drop me a line to confirm currently available times.

When anxiety, self-doubt or a constant sense of unease becomes part of everyday life, it can feel as though you're always on edge. You might find yourself trying hard to keep others happy, putting your own needs last, or listening to an inner voice that is rarely kind. Perhaps difficult past experiences still affect you in ways you don’t fully understand, and certain situations leave you feeling overwhelmed or out of control. Over time, all of this can leave you feeling disconnected—from others, and from who you truly are.

Coming to therapy is a sign that you’re ready for something to change. It can be a quiet, steady space to explore what’s been difficult and start to feel more grounded and more like yourself. Together, we can make sense of patterns that may have helped you cope in the past but no longer feel helpful now. At your pace, and in a way that feels safe, we’ll work towards a calmer, more compassionate way of being.

I am a Chartered Psychologist and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, offering trauma-informed therapy for adults seeking lasting change. My practice integrates psychodynamically oriented therapy with EMDR and IFS, allowing me to work in a way that feels best for you. I specialise in supporting those living with the effects of PTSD, complex trauma, or past experiences—whether clearly defined or harder to name—that continue to affect life today.

Many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck in patterns they can’t shift, or carrying pain that others may not fully see or understand. They’re looking for a therapist who works gently and consistently, offering space to feel truly heard. My aim is to help you explore your experience at your own pace, with the understanding that you are already a whole and worthwhile person—no matter what you’ve lived through.

How I Work

Therapy with me is steady and collaborative. Sessions take place weekly at a regular time reserved for you. Because my approach is relational, trauma-informed and exploratory, I tend to work over the longer term—typically from 20 weeks to a year or more. This gives us time to build trust and work with depth. If you’re seeking short-term therapy focused on immediate goals, I may not be the right fit.

My integrative approach draws on several established models. At its heart is a psychodynamic understanding of how earlier experiences shape present-day thoughts, feelings and relationships. Alongside talking therapy, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support deeper healing, especially when words are not enough. I receive regular, specialist supervision in each of these approaches.

My Fees

My fee is £140 per session, paid by bank transfer. I offer a free 30-minute initial meeting via Zoom so you can ask questions and get a sense of how I work.

Insurance

I am registered with Bupa, WPA, Aviva, AXA and Vitality.

I will meet you just as you are, with warmth, respect and care. My role is not to push or to fix, but to walk alongside you as you begin to rediscover the strength and resilience that may have felt out of reach for some time. Together, we can begin to make sense of what’s been difficult, and move gently towards a life that feels more spacious, more grounded, and more accepting of who you truly are. You don’t have to remain bound by what has happened to you—and you don’t have to face it on your own.

If you're curious about whether we might work well together, I offer an initial 30-minute meeting at no cost. It’s a chance to talk, ask any questions you may have, and get a sense of how it might feel to begin. I look forward to hearing from you.