Emma Ward
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
Hi, my name is Emma. I believe that therapy should be warm, down to earth & non-judgemental. Lets begin with a conversation (usually over an iced coffee), and we'll build together from there. I understand the weight of carrying anxieties around on your own - it can be exhausting. And you may have reached the point where you feel that something needs to change, but you're just not quite sure where to start. We'll figure out a path together, bringing you back to the steadiest version of yourself.
First Steps
I have lots of flexible availability both online and in person (Liverpool). I offer all clients a completely free half hour introductory call, so that you don't have to worry about making any big commitments. Then the therapy works at your pace - one weekly, bi weekly or monthly, with no commitment required in terms of duration of sessions. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours and schedule your introductory call within a week.
How it works
Each session we will meet for 50 minutes and talk about whatever feels most pressing for you; no pressure, set agenda or script. As we get to know each other and you feel yourself becoming more open with me, the heaviness that you're carrying will start to feel a little lighter. Our sessions are confidential and we will work in a way that suits you best.
Type of Therapy
My practice is person-centred - which essentially does what it says on the tin; the person in the therapy is the centre of the therapy. This means that your unique experiences and feelings are at the heart of our work together. My job as your therapist is to recognise you for all of the parts of yourself because the more that you can get to know and accept yourself, the less anxiety you will carry. My aim is to create a space where you can connect to all of these parts in a safe and nurtured way.
I also work experientially, which can mean checking in with the body, your senses, and how you feel during the session. We can also explore working outdoors, breathing exercises or grounding, if it feels comfortable for you. These are your sessions, and we will work together to find an approach that suits you best.
Women's health
My most recent research focused upon therapeutic approaches for those experiencing (peri)/menopause, and I am particularly passionate about women’s healthcare, both physical and emotional. My practice is health and body informed and I understand the feelings of invisibility and silence that can shroud women’s health, varying from hormonal, gynaecological, pre-and post natal and menopausal. My job is to ensure that your feelings and experiences are held with care and that you leave our sessions feeling understood and respected. My practice is grounded in alliship and inclusivity, including SW and kink positive and gender and sex affirmative.
16 - 18 yr olds
I have worked for several years within University wellbeing services followed by a children’s mental health charity. Working in a person-centred way can create significant change in the lives of children and young people and have a positive ripple effect for the whole family. I will be sure to approach working with your child with the sensitivity and gentleness that they deserve. Sometimes talking to somebody outside of a parent or teacher can create a safe space in which a young person can bring their whole, complex self. Having a space that is confidential and their own can be transformative, and we will work at a pace that feels comfortable. If you’re a young person who is looking for some support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Person-centred and Experiential Therapist for Adults and Over 16s.
- PGDiP Person Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy Level 7.
- MA and BA in English Literature
- ILM coaching
- MBACP, NCPS accredited
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£65.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Discounted rates can be discussed for students and those in receipt of benefits, typically amending from £65.00 per session to £60.00 - although additional discount can also be determined on a case by case basis. Please always feel free to get in touch for an initial chat.
I aim to make my practice as accessible as possible and any additional needs can be discussed completely confidentially.
When I work
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Further information
Person-centred approach
Working in a person-centred way does not refer to a list of techniques but rather how we are in relationship to each other. Getting to know each other and building trust is the corner stone of person centred working; and ensuring that you feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts or feelings with me is the foundation of my practice.
Each week, we will be free to work flexibly and discuss anything that feels important to you. No strict agenda or schedule; instead we focus on what feels most central in your life, which may change every week or be one theme that we explore more deeply in each session. You don’t have to be sure about any of this yet – working together in a person-centred way means that these questions will be answered naturally as we move through the weeks together.
Experiential Approach
Working Experientially means that we are aware of the present moment, of your experiencing. This can look like checking in with how your body or breathing feels during our sessions, taking a moment of pause or grounding, journaling or written reflections, or moving outdoors to incorporate walking in to our sessions.
This is all at your own pace and is a completely optional part of the therapeutic process. We can work slowly together to explore whether you feel connected to your body and breathing; and whether this is something that you would like to explore more deeply.
Working experientially does not have to be a distinct part of our sessions, instead it can be woven through our time together simply as a small noticing of any tension in your body or moments when you feel more relaxed.
Children, Young People & Women’s health
My own journey in to my Psychotherapy Masters started with several years working within student mental health services. During this time, I worked predominantly with young women experiencing anxiety, stress, body image issues, OCD, imposter syndrome and loneliness.
My work was largely informed by my own experiences of disordered eating and depression, and it was from this personal experience that my passion for helping others continued to grow. As I studied, I supported a family member through menopause and depression, and my drive to prioritise women’s healthcare only grew.
As I completed my qualifications I worked in more depth with children and young people and was supervised by a senior CYP play therapist. I believe that working with young people is the space in which therapy can have its most significant impact. I am continuously amazed by the strength, depth of feeling and honesty that young people bring to their sessions. Working with young people requires a deep respect of their experiencing and acknowledgement of their struggles, which can often be minimised by the education system. Anxiety, isolation, social pressures and hormonal changes can all play a part in what can be a really difficult time for a lot of young people. Having a space to offload in confidence can make a huge difference.
