Emma Sheppard

I’m Emma. I'm an integrative counsellor and coach, I work with adults online, in Bethnal Green and London Bridge.

I work with people who are running on empty, struggling to hold it all down but somehow holding it all up.

People who might be used to juggling multiple things and don’t feel able to say no.

People who, on the face of it, seem to be successful, but wonder about their place at the table.

People who might be navigating life with extra challenges such as neurodivergence/long term conditions, caring responsibilities or parenting who still feel unable to put themselves first.

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. You might be struggling with something specific, or have a more general sense of being stuck, overwhelmed or dissatisfied with how things are going.

My approach combines therapy and coaching. We might spend time understanding where certain feelings or patterns have come from, noticing how they show up in your life now, or thinking about what you would like to change.

I don't see therapy as separate from the rest of your life, so we'll also be interested in what your day-to-day life actually looks like and how it's working for you.

You don’t have to come knowing what you need to work through, or what you want to move towards. That’s what the work is for.

How I work

Before training as a Counsellor and Coach, I worked for many years as an Occupational Therapist across mental health/crisis services, physical health and social care. Through years of working with people during difficult and vulnerable times, I've learnt the importance of listening carefully, understanding what matters to each person and helping them turn that understanding into meaningful, practical changes. This is at the heart of my practice.

As a therapist/coach, I work integratively and relationally, which means that I draw on different therapeutic ideas to inform the work we do together. Having said that, I orientate how I work depending on whether you need to be heard, make sense of your experiences/emotions/thoughts or behaviours, or are ready to move forward. I am also interested in how the relationship between us is developing and reflects your experience in the outside world.

If needed, we may integrate some aspects of Occupational Therapy into the work, for example how you use your time and energy, different roles and demands you are juggling, your relationships and routines, and what might help life feel more manageable. Some clients also find it beneficial to understand how their sensory experience shapes how they relate to the world.

What we might work on

• Anxiety, burnout and overwhelm: Managing stress, recognising your needs and finding balance, roles, behaviours and habits.
• Self-esteem and relationships: Boundaries, self-criticism and recurring patterns.
• Trauma, grief and loss: Processing difficult experiences and bereavement.
• ADHD, autism and neurodivergence: Understanding yourself, masking and everyday challenges including sensory profiles.
• Parenting and life balance: Juggling responsibilities, making time for yourself and reconnecting with what matters.
• Life changes and identity: Navigating transitions, uncertainty and changes in your sense of self.

What it's like to work together

I offer a relaxed, down-to-earth space where you can talk openly and feel heard without judgement. I'm an active and collaborative therapist. I'll listen, ask questions, share observations and sometimes challenge you to see things differently. Clients have described my approach as relaxed and relatable, with thought-provoking questions, constructive challenge and practical ideas they can take into everyday life.

Who I work with

I work with adults from all backgrounds and walks of life, online across the UK and face to face in East/South East London.

People come to me for different reasons, but often share a wish to understand themselves better, feel less overwhelmed and find a way of living that feels more like their own.

I believe finding the right therapist is important, and it's just as important to me that we feel we're a good fit. I offer a free 15-minute introductory call so we can get to know each other, talk about what you're looking for and see whether working together feels right. There's no pressure or obligation to continue.

Occupational Therapy

I currently work online with adults and offer a free 15-minute initial consultation before arranging a first session.

Sessions are 50 minutes.

Online rate: £85

In person rate: £100

There is a concessionary rate available depending on your circumstances.

I work using a Personal Consultancy approach, which brings counselling and coaching together. This allows the focus of our work to change depending on what you need – from understanding and processing experiences, to recognising patterns, considering different perspectives and making practical changes.

I also use tools and frameworks where they can be helpful. One example is Capacity States, a framework I developed to help people recognise changes in their energy, stress and capacity, understand what influences these, and identify ways of responding to what they need at different times.