Emma Sheppard

I work integratively, which means I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on you, what you bring to therapy and what feels most useful. There is no set programme or formula. Sometimes you may need space to talk, process difficult experiences and make sense of how you feel. At other times, you may want to understand patterns that keep repeating, explore what is keeping you stuck, or think more practically about what needs to change.

I am an active and collaborative therapist. I will listen carefully, but I will also ask questions, share observations and, when it feels helpful, gently challenge you to consider things from a different perspective. We might explore your emotions, relationships, past experiences and the beliefs or patterns you have developed over time, while also paying attention to what is happening in your life now.

My background in Occupational Therapy and coaching also influences how I work. I am interested not only in understanding why you feel the way you do, but in how this affects your everyday life. We may look at how you use your time and energy, the different roles and responsibilities you are balancing, your relationships, routines, habits and what matters to you. This can help us turn insight from therapy into realistic changes outside the therapy room.

I have 15 years' experience working across mental health, physical health and social care, which has given me a broad understanding of how emotional wellbeing can be affected by our health, relationships, environment and the demands of everyday life.

Ultimately, my aim is to offer a space where you can understand yourself and your needs more clearly, while also working out how you want to move forward.

You may have spent a long time coping, pushing through or putting other people's needs first. Perhaps life looks fine from the outside, but you feel exhausted, overwhelmed or disconnected from yourself. You might know that something needs to change, but not be sure what that is or where to start.

People come to me for many different reasons, including anxiety, burnout and work-related stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, recurring patterns, difficult or traumatic experiences, loss and major life changes. I also work with people who are exploring or adjusting to ADHD, autism or other aspects of neurodivergence, as well as those who simply feel stuck or have lost sight of what they need.

You don't need to arrive with a clear idea of what you want from therapy. We can start with what is happening for you now and work from there. Sessions are relaxed and conversational, while giving you dedicated time to think about things that can be difficult to make space for in everyday life.

I offer both counselling and coaching and can move between the two depending on what you need. This means there can be space to understand and process what has happened, while also thinking about what you want now and what might help you move forward.

I currently offer online sessions, as well as Walk & Talk sessions in Bethnal Green, East London (E2). Sessions are 50 minutes.

If you're considering therapy and would like to see whether we might work well together, you're welcome to contact me.

I offer a free 15-minute initial consultation before booking your first session. This is an opportunity to briefly talk about what has brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.

If you decide to go ahead, I will ask you to complete a short initial assessment form and read my therapy agreement and privacy information before our first full session. This gives me some background about you and anything important for me to be aware of.

Our first session gives us more time to explore what has brought you to therapy, what you would like support with and what you hope might be different as a result of our work together. You don't need to have this completely figured out before you come.

The first session lasts 50 minutes and is charged at my usual session fee of £85. There is no obligation to book further sessions afterwards.