This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Would you like emotional support - but find that talking is not always easy? I offer a warm, safe and collaborative space where you can explore your concerns through talking and/or the use of art materials.
As an integrative counsellor I base my approach on a variety of psychological methods, enabling me to offer broad-spectrum, personalised treatments.
Sessions are client-led; meaning I am guided by your needs, and tend to be a mix of talking and creativity. Don't worry! Art making is optional. Also, you do not need to be 'good' at art. The opposite: the more spontaneous and 'unfinished' your creation, often the more therapeutic.
I believe that in order to heal, your nervous system needs to feel safe. My approach includes the latest in neurobiological research, creating awareness of the link between body and mind.
Art materials in my practice include: paint, clay, collage, drawing, pastels, sand tray, and anything creative you might want to bring in. I work with drama and writing as well.
Among others, I can help with depression, anxiety, anger, stress, relationships, feeling stuck, lack of confidence, bereavement, trauma, racial trauma, the mental impact of the (peri)menopause.
As part of my services I offer an initial, free 15-minute phone consultation.
Client group: Adults
Website: www.emmablijdenstein.uk
Training, qualifications & experience
My background in news journalism taught me to listen and help people tell their stories. These abilities - combined with my love for creative expression - found a natural home in creative therapy.
I trained as an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor at The Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London and The University of East London. I have my own practice in Acton, West London.
Previously I worked at a homeless charity and a charity for women who have been to, or are at risk of going to prison.
Originally from The Netherlands, I have lived on several continents and am sensitive to different cultural needs. I can deliver therapy in English and Dutch and also speak French and German.
I have a passion for bringing therapy to those who struggle most, whether this is socio-economically or women going through the (peri)menopause.
I offer a number of reduced fee places. Contact me to find out if you qualify.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Creative therapy
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Additional information
I offer reduced fees for therapy students (£40) and people on benefits/state support (£25).
