Emma Walker

I currently have some availability on a Tuesday, Wednesday and little on Thursday afternoons, last appointment at 7pm therefore allowing clients to come after school or work if they are local as I understand how busy life can be fitting everything in.  I have some flexibility with appointments at the moment, having just finished NHS work, and appreciate that it can be difficult for some to commit to the same time and day, hopefully being able to work closely with you to schedule the sessions. 

I work as an integrative counsellor, this is an approach that combines different therapeutic theories and techniques to meet the specific and unique need of each of my clients.  This method integrates elements from various schools of thought, such as Person Centred, CBT, sand tray and humanistic therapy, among others.  

I view each client as a whole, hearing not only your emotional state but also your cognitive, physical and social dimensions.  For the work to be effective, building a strong, trusting relationship is central to integrative work, this means you are held with complete acceptance, non judgement and valued for being yourself and the traumas or troubles you carry.  

Each client is unique, I work alongside you to hear and understand life through your 'eyes', your feelings and views, allowing you to explore more deeply the root of these feelings and their impact on your self worth and often sit in the discomfort together in order to process past trauma and the feelings attached.   Being in a supportive, safe space with unconditional positive regard in the relationship, allows you to work towards goals, whether is developing healthier coping strategies, gaining deeper self - awareness and personal growth, greater emotional resilience, improved relationship and and communication skills.

Integrative counselling is flexible, client centred (and at your pace and direction as you hold your answers), and I adapt my approach to my client's evolving needs, aiming to empower individuals to make lasting , positive changes in their lives.

My work is based in a comfortable room in a barn outside Malmesbury, giving clients time to reflect on their way to the session and afterwards, I also offer zoom sessions but believe to build the trust it is useful to meet for the first couple of sessions if possible.

Working as a person centred counsellor involves creating a safe,  non-judgemental and empathetic environment where the client feels truly heard and understood.  This approach was developed by Carl Rogers, based on the belief that individuals have the capacity for personal growth and self healing when provided with the right conditions and relationship.

The work is non directive, meaning it is client-led, I am alongside you without offering opinions or solutions.  As the client you are encouraged by my using open ended questions and reflective statements to self explore, I am trusting your ability to grow and change at your own pace through awareness. 

As the client I am beside you as you become empowered to take control of your own healing process, each is again unique as your experiences and perspectives are.

All this is based on building a trusting relationship together in order to be open and genuine.  Working with confidentiality (except in cases where harm may occur).

After the initial contact, I offer a 20 minute zoom or in person session for free, this allows you to ask any questions, hear how I work, tell me as much or as little of what you would like to bring and your goals long term,  and most importantly for you to get a sense of whether you feel we can build a trusting relationship.

This leads on to 50 minute sessions, either weekly or bi weekly, in the room or on zoom.  After 6 weeks we have a check in to see how you feel the relationship and work is, reviewing the goals.

I am able to work short or long term, depending on your needs and situation.