WHAT’S THE PROCESS?
First, we’ll have a short phone call to see if my approach feels like a good fit. If it does, we’ll schedule an initial consultation session—this helps us answer three questions:
  • Is this the right approach for you?
  • Is it the right time?
  • Do we feel comfortable working together?
If we decide to move forward, therapy sessions are usually weekly. We’ll plan your treatment together, starting with stabilising techniques—EMDR can be intense, so we’ll build your resources first. Processing itself can vary in length, depending on what we’re working with. Later, we’ll work on shifting unhelpful beliefs, continuing to build coping skills, and checking progress.
EMDR is holistic—trauma affects both mind and body, and we’ll work with both.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
If you’re working through a single event—like fear of driving after an accident—therapy might take just a few sessions after our consultation.
More complex issues, especially those from childhood, take longer. EMDR isn’t a magic wand—it’s powerful, but real healing can take time. With more complex trauma, each EMDR phase can take longer and span several sessions.
The good news? You’ll likely start feeling some relief and learn helpful coping skills pretty quickly. And processing can lead to positive changes not long after.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
EMDR can stir up intense emotions, especially if you’re keen to dive straight in without building up your resources first. Part of our work before processing is to prepare you to handle this safely.
Between sessions, your brain can keep working—some people have vivid dreams, sudden memories, or find they’re relating to themselves and others differently. This can be a positive shift, but it might also affect your relationships.
I don’t recommend scheduling anything major (like an exam or job interview) right after a session. Likewise, big life decisions (like moving, changing jobs, getting married) can affect your therapy or mean you’ll need to pause.

WHAT KIND OF ISSUES CAN EMDR/ACT HELP WITH?
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD and trauma, but it can also help with:
  • Anxiety, panic, phobias, and fears
  • Abuse of any kind, at any stage of life
  • Fallout from natural disasters, accidents, or crime
  • Negative or irrational core beliefs
  • Depression
  • Intimacy and sexual issues
If you have other diagnoses, we’ll discuss them in your assessment—these can influence your treatment approach. Not sure if EMDR is the right fit? Just reach out—I’m happy to help you figure it out.

DO YOU OFFER ONLINE THERAPY?
Yes, I offer secure online therapy sessions. Online EMDR can still be very effective and can be a convenient option if you’re not local.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
  • Initial phone call: Free
  • 50-60 minute session: £90
Longer sessions are sometimes helpful for more intense or sensitive work. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE?
Life happens—I get it. I ask for at least 72 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Sessions cancelled with less notice may be charged in full. This helps keep things fair and consistent for everyone.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A SESSION?
If you miss a session without notice, it’s usually charged in full. If something urgent happens, let me know—we’ll discuss your options and whether we can reschedule.

IS WHAT I SAY IN THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes—with a few legal exceptions. Your privacy is essential. I’m only required to break confidentiality if there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if I’m legally obligated to share information. Wherever possible, I’ll discuss this with you first.

DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENTS?
My experience is mostly with adults, so I don’t work with children or adolescents. Some EMDR therapists specialise in working with young people—check out emdrassociation.org.uk to find one.

CLIENTS I’M UNABLE TO WORK WITH:
  • Children or adolescents
  • Clients who are actively suicidal or in crisis (please reach out to your GP or mental health services)
  • Clients currently in an active phase with another therapist or in active mental health treatment
  • Clients with extreme dissociation (like DID) that severely affects daily functioning
  • Close relatives or partners of current clients

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Simple:
  1. Book a free 15-minute phone call.
  2. If we both feel it’s a good fit, we’ll schedule a paid consultation session.
  3. From there, we can move to weekly sessions.

Contact Me to learn more.

"Ashley had a strengths-based approach that reminded me of the value of the way in which I had been comping.”

- ALV 2023