Emily Adams

Hey, I'm Emily (she/they) and I'm a UKCP-registered Person-Centred Psychotherapist working in Manchester and online.

Many of us begin therapy when we realise we need to change something, heal from something or understand ourselves better. There could be something you know is hurting, you might feel burnt out, overwhelmed and exhausted, or it may be a more general feeling of being stuck and dissatisfied with life. Or, perhaps you might like to use therapy to get to know yourself better. Therapy can help you reach a clearer understanding of yourself and gives you a safer space to discover and develop more satisfying ways of living. In therapy we can explore, together, where you’ve been, where you are right now, and where you hope to get to. Therapy can help you get back in touch with yourself, find your voice and make sense of challenging emotions. 

My approach to therapy

I work from a Person-Centred philosophy, and the essence of this approach is to work with you in a warm, non-judgemental and confidential relationship that can enable you to move forwards in a way that feels best for you. It's about giving you the time and space to draw on your own wisdom, and decide for yourself how you'd like to live. 

We live in a world where we’ve been taught to follow rules and advice, strategise or use reason and logic to work through obstacles and problems. Alongside this often comes the belief that someone else might know what’s best for us, or that we can be given something that makes us ‘better’. What I am offering is a unique relationship away from the noise of external advice and opinions. I see you as the authority on yourself and your experience, and will work with you in a way that allows you to trust yourself and listen to your own wisdom more clearly. 

How does that work?

We are often hurt in relationships, and it’s also in relationships that we can start to heal - therapy can provide the kind of relationship that facilitates personal growth.

I believe that within an empathic, understanding and validating relationship where we are heard and understood, we can begin to see ourselves with more compassion, understand and trust ourselves more deeply. When we feel safe, directly addressing and exploring painful emotions and experiences (rather than leaving them in the background) can be useful, and it can be a relief to finally share something that’s remained unsaid with your therapist.

As well as a safer space to process more challenging emotions, therapy can also be a space to reconnect with hope, joy and humour. It's a unique space for you to listen to and trust your own wisdom. Therapy does not have the answers, but it is a place where answers can be found.

Through exploring your feelings and making sense of your story, new insights and ways of understanding yourself can emerge. These can become the first steps towards making any changes in your life that you’re looking for. It's a bit like 'coming home' to yourself. 

What can I expect in my first session?

During a first session, I will typically spend some time asking you a few questions to get a picture of what’s happening for you and to understand what you hope to get out of therapy. I will also explain some key elements of my practice to you, such as confidentiality. You may also ask me any questions you like about therapy in general, the process of therapy or my way of working.

If we decide to continue working together

If after we meet we decide to continue working together, our sessions will be guided by you. What is brought to therapy is unique to everyone, and you are always welcome to bring whatever you like to sessions. Nothing is ever ‘irrelevant’ – whatever you decide to speak about is important. We will work together at exploring your concerns at a pace you find comfortable. I understand it might feel difficult at first exploring things that perhaps you’ve never spoken about before, particularly with someone new. We will go gently, addressing things only when you feel ready.

How often are sessions?

A bit like how a regular exercise routine is more effective than sporadic workouts, weekly therapy allows us to build momentum with our work and develop a strong working relationship. There is much research to show that it's the quality of the relationship between clients and their therapists that's key for good outcomes in therapy, and we have the best chance of building a solid relationship if we meet regularly. 

I enjoy working alongside individuals going through life transitions (of any form).

I have an interest in how paid employment and work can impact our sense of self worth (what is sometimes referred to as internalised capitalism), and have worked alongside many clients who are experiencing challenges at work, or who are reconsidering their relationship with paid employment or work.

I particularly welcome working with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

My practice is sex worker-friendly.

I typically respond to enquiries within 48 hours, or on my return from leave if I am away. 

Please remember to check your junk mail folder if you're waiting on a response!