Erika Emerson

Currently I have availability for couples or individual  counselling as well.

 I am available face to face or online (Teams) 

I am a Level 5 Diploma qualified, accredited  and fully insured counsellor and psychotherapist.

I also have a  Level 7 Advanced Diploma  for working with couples. 

When I work with couples I look at what each partner brings personally into the session. My role is to help find patterns, dynamics and promote understanding of styles of relating to each other .We might look at family of origins , cultural backgrounds or other precipitating factors that can influence the issues presented in the therapy.I might ask you questions such as : What are your sensitivities that might trigger you into a defensive position? Are there stories about you that triggers difficult feelings? What are you survival strategies that you are using to maintain you sense of integrity , control ? Do they work in the present ?

I am dedicated to offer you a safe and supportive space to work through your particular emotional challenges. My aim was to create a space for you that gives you a chance to fully focus on your mind and soul with an expert guidance and non-judgmental support.

I offer long and short term counselling to indivduals and couples depending on your needs and difficulties.

I work from an integrative perspective based on Person Centred therapy. CBT is part of my tool box and practice a variety of approaches within that.

Therapy is not an easy choice - it is a brave step to take and some people need more time .For a longer term support that gives you an opportunity to take your time to look deeper into behavioural patterns we would be integrating Psychodynamic elements.

I have experience working with relationship problems, parenting issues, work related stress, feeling stuck, anxious, having problems with your self-esteem or need help moving on from a past trauma.

My therapy room is located in Fratton Community Centre. Here I can provide you with a safe and private space to work with me on your issues. 

First session is an informal assessment. I might send you a pre -session questionairre. I might ask you to fill in a short questionnaire in session about your mood. I will provide you with documents such as my Contract, Privacy Policy and the Consent form. I will explain to you about confidentiality rules and we would have a discussion about how many session you would like to have or how many I would recommend. In some cases I might recommend a different proffessional for you  to work with .The first session is an opportunity for you to get to know me to see if you are comfortable working with me on your issues.