Emma Bede

She/Her

Online in the UK

As a therapist I draw on a range of different approaches. My main model is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on making meaningful changes where we have the power to do so, and finding ways to live with what we cannot change. I also draw on compassion-focused and mindfulness-based approaches, individualised to fit different clients' specific needs and resources. My background is in attachment, and I find it's often useful to draw on this when working with people whose childhood needs were not met, or who find themselves stuck in painful relationship patterns. I love to work in creative and flexible ways to suit each different person I work with, and work with people for anything from a couple of sessions to months or years, depending on what they need and want. In addition to therapy, I also offer diagnostic screening and assessments for autism and ADHD, and consultation sessions for people considering whether to pursue formal diagnosis - I absolutely believe in the value of self-identification and also recognise that some people find it very helpful to go through an assessment process focused on insight and increased self-knowledge. I also supervise other therapists, run training and workshops around neurodivergence and wellbeing, and continue to be involved in academic research around effective psychological therapies in the real world.

Who I work with

I work with adults of all ages and genders, both neurodivergent and neurotypical. I particularly specialise in working with people who have recognised their neurodivergence later in life; if this is you, you might be looking for support with rewriting your ideas of who you are, letting go of the blame and shame you may have experienced from others and yourself, unmasking, and finding more comfortable ways to live in tune with your needs and interests.

About Me and How I Work

As a therapist I draw on a range of different approaches. My main model is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on making meaningful changes where we have the power to do so, and finding ways to live with what we cannot change. I also draw on compassion-focused and mindfulness-based approaches, individualised to fit different clients' specific needs and resources. My background is in attachment, and I find it's often useful to draw on this when working with people whose childhood needs were not met, or who find themselves stuck in painful relationship patterns. I love to work in creative and flexible ways to suit each different person I work with, and work with people for anything from a couple of sessions to months or years, depending on what they need and want.

In addition to therapy, I also offer diagnostic screening and assessments for autism and ADHD, and consultation sessions for people considering whether to pursue formal diagnosis - I absolutely believe in the value of self-identification and also recognise that some people find it very helpful to go through an assessment process focused on insight and increased self-knowledge.

I also supervise other therapists, run training and workshops around neurodivergence and wellbeing, and continue to be involved in academic research around effective psychological therapies in the real world.

Qualifications & Professional Background

I qualified as a Clinical Psychologist at UCL in 2006, and since then have worked in a range of NHS and private settings, as well as in research. I have additional specialist training in ACT and mindfulness, assessing for autism and ADHD, adapting therapy for neurodivergent people, and supervision. I am insured to work in the UK, professionally regulated by the HCPC, and am a member of the Association of Clinical Psychologists UK and the British Psychological Society.

Next Steps

You can look at my website to learn more about me: www.willowpsychology.co.uk. You're welcome to ask me questions by email, or contact me to book a free brief online call: emma@willowpsychology.co.uk. It's really important for you to find a therapist whose approach and personality are a good fit with you, so I encourage everyone to make contact with several different therapists and find someone you're comfortable with.