About
Hello, I'm Emma. I’m originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, now based in London with a few chapters abroad along the way.
My path into counselling is personal as well as professional. Growing up, and throughout much of my early twenties, I struggled with my sense of self-worth. I often felt “not enough”, questioned myself and found it easier to consider what other people needed than to recognise what I needed.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand how much our earlier experiences and relationships could shape us. The things we learn growing up about expressing feelings, being accepted, keeping the peace or asking for support can stay with us long after we’ve left those environments.
Understanding my own story
Through my own therapy and training, I began making connections between my past and the ways I related to myself and others. I started finding words for experiences I hadn’t known how to explain, recognising my needs and questioning beliefs I’d carried for years.
That process wasn’t straightforward, and it certainly wasn’t about becoming a perfectly healed person. It was about understanding myself with more compassion and having more choice in how I wanted to live. It’s a large part of what led me to this work, and to creating The Flawed Journey.
Why The Flawed Journey?
The name reflects something I believe deeply: we don’t have to hide the messy, uncertain parts of ourselves to deserve connection and care.
I wanted to create a practice where people could speak honestly about their experiences, including the things they worry sound silly, complicated or difficult to explain.
My experiences help me appreciate how vulnerable that can feel. But your story will be different from mine, and our sessions are a space to understand you, without assumptions.
Outside the therapy room
Living in Australia, Singapore and Cyprus has also shaped me. I’ve experienced the excitement of starting somewhere new, alongside the uncertainty of finding your feet and working out where you belong.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me running, at yoga or the gym, getting stuck into a book, or out walking with my dog. I love travelling, discovering new places and spending time with the people I love, whether that’s a new adventure or catching up over coffee.
Community and connection matter a lot to me. So does making time for the things that help me feel like myself, beyond work and everyday responsibilities.
My wider experience
Alongside my private practice, I previously volunteered as a Supervisor for 3 years at The Listening Place, a London charity offering face-to-face support to people experiencing suicidal thoughts. I supported and guided a team of volunteers, helping them reflect on their work and offer thoughtful, compassionate support.
From September 2025 to September 2026, I also worked as a Wellbeing Officer for a community youth club, supporting young people’s wellbeing and contributing to a welcoming, supportive community.
Bringing the body into my understanding
I’m also a qualified yoga teacher. My interest in yoga grew from my own practice and a curiosity about how our experiences affect us physically, as well as emotionally. The tension we carry, changes in our breathing and how difficult it can sometimes feel to relax.
This led me to explore the bodily, or somatic, effects of stress and trauma more deeply. Personally, yoga gives me time to slow down, notice what I’m feeling and reconnect with myself, especially when I’ve been caught up in my head.
Professionally, it has broadened my appreciation of what we communicate and experience beyond words. It informs my sensitivity to the connection between mind and body, while remembering that everyone experiences that connection differently.
“In therapy we make a pathway to the person you intend to be.”
Education & Experience
My professional journey began in health and social care, where I developed a strong understanding of healthcare, wellbeing and the importance of compassionate, person-centred support. From there, my interests led me to further study in public health, business management and mental health counselling.
Alongside my counselling practice, I’ve gained experience across a range of settings, including hospitals, schools, charities and rehabilitation centres. These experiences have given me a broader understanding of the different challenges people can face and, importantly, that no two people’s experiences are the same.
My core counselling training is in Integrative Counselling, meaning I draw from different therapeutic approaches and tailor our work around your individual experiences, needs and goals.
Core Counselling Qualifications
-
Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Studies & Integrative Practice — 2018
-
Level 2 & 3 Introduction to Counselling Skills — 2017
Additional Professional Training
I have continued to develop my knowledge through additional training in:
-
Psychological Trauma & Trauma-Informed Care
-
Attachment
-
CBT, DBT & ACT-informed approaches
-
Therapeutic use of Mindfulness
-
Mental Health First Aid
-
Suicide Awareness & Risk Assessment
-
Domestic & Family Violence
-
Personality Disorder Awareness
-
Online & Phone Counselling
-
Walk & Talk Therapy
-
Counselling for Adolescents
My training and experience continue to shape the way I work: with curiosity, compassion and without judgement, while recognising that your journey is uniquely yours.