Our ‘Peek Behind the Curtain’ series is a plain language deep dive into what sessions with our individual psychologists are like – beyond what a summary bio and list of therapy modalities might tell you. It is based on one-on-one conversation between clinical psychologist and director, Dr Valerie Lieu, and each therapist.
If you are someone who likes to gather as much information as possible before choosing a therapist, this series is for you! First up is Emma Welch, a Clinical Psychologist here at Head in the Clouds. Emma sees both individual clients and couples, we will include a ‘Peek Behind the Curtain’ to both types of therapy (Couples Therapy to come!)
N.B. We will be adding these for all our psychologists over time, so if you don’t see one for the psychologist you’re looking into, stay tuned!
Emma Welch, Clinical Psychologist.
Individual Therapy
For Emma, the first session is about getting a broad understanding of who her client is, what they are currently struggling with, and how their personal background experiences may have shaped patterns (in thoughts, behaviours, and emotions) that were once adaptive, but may not be anymore.
These can underpin a whole range of issues that clients present to her with, such as depression and anxiety, low self-esteem and confidence, grief and loss, relationship difficulties (with romantic partners, but also family members, friends, colleagues), facing big life challenges and associated stress. Generally, at the start of the second session she will share her ideas on what might be contributing to current distress, and check that it aligns with her client’s experiences.
Emma believes strongly in empowering clients in therapy to create change through helping them develop insight into aspects of themselves that might be more automatic or unconscious, such as the impact of early attachment relationships, core beliefs and assumptions about the self and others. Moments during the week where intense emotions are triggered are explored in session, then Emma supports her client develop a deeper understanding of their reactions to enable them to choose how to respond in the future, rather than relying on their default patterns. Emma observes that as her clients engage in emotional processing during sessions, they develop greater self-understanding and compassion and clears the way to establish new adaptive patterns. These adaptive patterns may arise partly from existing strengths and can also be skills taught and practiced in sessions.
Emma has a conversational style in her sessions, with a focus on building a trusting relationship with her client. She is warm and curious, and the combination of these qualities with her clinical knowledge is weaved into sessions flexibly. Part of what she loves about being a clinical psychologist is getting to meet and work with people from all walks of life, and seeing the unique qualities and strengths each person brings to the therapy room – even if they may not see those strengths yet when they first walk in.
If you'd like to book a session with Emma, head over to her bookings page.
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