Ursula Blumenthal

I am an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor, and particularly work with adult clients (25+ years old) with self and relationship issues, transition, loss and trauma, now mainly using EMDR (IFS-informed) as a key therapeutic approach, which I find to be very effective. I am specialising in working with clients whose current difficulties have their roots in past traumas, and who want EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy to process the past traumatic or overwhelming experience that is blocking their progress. We may integrate the use of IFS (Internal Family Systems) approaches to work with the ‘parts of self’ that have been formed through these experiences.

I have worked in NHS and private practice for 20 years. I have an Advanced Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Counselling (2006) and an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy (2016, Distinction) and am BACP Registered and Accredited (since 2009). I am EMDR qualified since 2019 and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner (2026). I have a blended practice, offering online therapy with the possibility of some in-person therapy in the initial phase. I am currently offering short and medium term therapy (10-30 sessions), and not longer-term therapy.

I am a warm and empathic therapist, very experienced at working with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Currently I am mainly working with adult clients whose present difficulties have their roots in past traumas, and who want EMDR therapy to process past traumatic or overwhelming experience and/or current experience and future fears. We will explore the history of the current difficulties (including family and personal history), and identify key experiences that may need processing with EMDR. In the preparation phase (and going forwards) we may use Internal Family Systems approaches to work with the ‘parts of self’ that have been formed through these experiences – these parts act as Protectors (against harm), but they may end up stopping you achieving what you need as an adult. When there is enough stability in the present, it will be possible to define ‘targets’ to desensitise and re-process.

After preparation, we normally focus on key past traumatic experience first, before processing current experience and/or future fears, if wanted. However, every client is different, and we will work together to come to an understanding of your issues, and make a plan as to where to start and how to move forwards. As some experiences are addressed, new insights will emerge and changes can be made in life, so the therapy plan can be adjusted to focus on emerging needs. 

I offer an initial phone call (20-30 mins, no charge) where we discuss your main reason for EMDR therapy, the current situation and stability, and your key past trauma(s), as well as practical issues (fees, slots). The aim is to decide whether to go forward to an initial consultation.

At the initial consultation (fee charged) we explore your current emotional distress and history relating to your key focus/target in more detail, clarify the aims for therapy, and consider whether EMDR is suitable for you at this time, and whether we are a good ‘match’ to work together. If we decide to go forward, a more comprehensive assessment is done at the first session and a contract agreed, after an intake confidential questionnaire has been completed.