Emma McDermott

Monday to Friday face-to-face or online daytime appointments.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday online evening appointments.

Flexible appointment plans to suite various budgets and schedules.

I offer counselling focussed on understanding you and the changes that are a good fit for your life.  It is access to support during times of heightened feelings such as confusion, anxiety, stress and anger or troubling lows linked to depression, grief and low self-esteem. 

It is an opportunity to explore what is happening when your usual coping strategies are not enough or seem to be making things worse.

My approach works hard to understand the many layers of your life that maybe causing tension, distress or suffering. Essentially, it is a chance to slow things down, focus on what matters and from there make changes that take you towards the life you want to live.

I know from experience that making the first step and seeking help can be daunting but working with a counsellor can be transformative. Clients have described me as easy to talk to with a good understanding of the issues that bring them to therapy.

If any of the list below strikes a chord, then the talking therapy I offer could work for you.

1.  Unhealthy patterns of excessive behaviour leave you feeling confused, shameful and knocked off course. This can include relationships with food, money, drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping etc.

2. Life feels like a constant struggle, you feel stuck and not where you want to be in life. 

3. You feel lonely and disconnected despite colleagues, family and friends being around you. Distracted by unresolved issues and feelings linked to difficult experiences in the past. Grief maybe part of this story.

4. Looping thoughts of self-doubt lead to indecision and tension a in yourself and relationships with others.

If the answer is yes to any of these, I offer you the chance to explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences at the heart of the issues. Together, we will work at your pace to identify where you want to be and what will help you get there.

For those that wish to meet in person my therapy room is located just outside Manchester and free parking is available.

Therapy can be on a short-term basis to work on issues concerning you today, or on a longer-term basis if you have significant or many life events that you would like to explore in more depth. Your needs are important, and I am happy to discuss these in a free 30-minute introductory zoom or telephone call.

Additional information

My background includes years working within a corporate environment for multinational companies which means I have many reference points for work related issues, stress, burn out, anxiety and depression. As well as an awareness of the pressure that comes from work prioritise competing with personal goals and values.

Currently, I work with two charities. A domestic abuse service that supports people that have left harmful relationships.  Plus, a charity offering counselling for families close to children living with brain injuries.  Both often include journeys with the legal system.

My specialist interests are supporting those working through addiction issues . Due to feelings of stigma and shame it can be difficult to step forward and ask for help.  I also offer support for those who have experience of having a family member or close relationship impacted by addiction. Addiction and challenging relationships with excess can ripple through families for many years with unresolved issues linked to abuse, unacknowledged pain and shame. I use my knowledge and experience from recovery and domestic abuse counselling to support the multiple aspects of change and moving towards a hopeful and better life. 

Exceptions to the work

There are limitations to supporting those affected by drugs and a period of sobriety is required before therapy can start.

For those wishing to talk about domestic abuse this can be the focus for therapy once the relationship has ended.

Some find it useful to meet before committing to therapy. If this would helpful a free 30-minute online session can be arranged. The relationship is key to successful therapy therefore, I encourage everyone looking to find a therapist they feel they can trust and open up to.

Prior to the first session I email the working agreement which includes confidentiality and fees. This is reviewed during the first session along with an initial assessment that captures key information and goals for therapy. This usually takes 10-20 minutes and after that the rest of the session is yours to discuss whatever you choose.

Each session lasts 60 minutes.

Most people notice some differences between 6 and 12 sessions.

Monday to Friday face-to-face or online daytime appointments.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday online evening appointments.

Flexible appointment plans to suite various budgets and schedules.

I offer counselling focussed on understanding you and the changes that are a good fit for your life. It is access to support during times of heightened feelings such as confusion, anxiety, stress and anger or troubling lows linked to depression, grief and low self-esteem.

It is an opportunity to explore what is happening when your usual coping strategies are not enough or seem to be making things worse.

My approach works hard to understand the many layers of your life that maybe causing tension, distress or suffering. Essentially, it is a chance to slow things down, focus on what matters and from there make changes that take you towards the life you want to live.

I know from experience that making the first step and seeking help can be daunting but working with a counsellor can be transformative. Clients have described me as easy to talk to with a good understanding of the issues that bring them to therapy.

If any of the list below strikes a chord, then the talking therapy I offer could work for you.

1. Unhealthy patterns of excessive behaviour leave you feeling confused, shameful and knocked off course. This can include relationships with food, money, drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping etc.

2. Life feels like a constant struggle, you feel stuck and not where you want to be in life.

3. You feel lonely and disconnected despite colleagues, family and friends being around you. Distracted by unresolved issues and feelings linked to difficult experiences in the past. Grief maybe part of this story.

4. Looping thoughts of self-doubt lead to indecision and tension a in yourself and relationships with others.

If the answer is yes to any of these, I offer you the chance to explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences at the heart of the issues. Together, we will work at your pace to identify where you want to be and what will help you get there.

For those that wish to meet in person my therapy room is located just outside Manchester and free parking is available.

Therapy can be on a short-term basis to work on issues concerning you today, or on a longer-term basis if you have significant or many life events that you would like to explore in more depth. Your needs are important, and I am happy to discuss these in a free 30-minute introductory zoom or telephone call.

Additional information

My background includes years working within a corporate environment for multinational companies which means I have many reference points for work related issues, stress, burn out, anxiety and depression. As well as an awareness of the pressure that comes from work priorities competing with personal goals and values.

Currently, I work with two charities. A domestic abuse service that supports people that have left harmful relationships. Plus, a charity offering counselling for families close to children living with brain injuries. Both often include journeys with the legal system.

My specialist interests are supporting those working through addiction issues . Due to feelings of stigma and shame it can be difficult to step forward and ask for help. I also offer support for those who have experience of having a family member or close relationship impacted by addiction. Addiction and challenging relationships with excess can ripple through families for many years with unresolved issues linked to abuse, unacknowledged pain and shame. I use my knowledge and experience from recovery and domestic abuse counselling to support the multiple aspects of change and moving towards a hopeful and better life.

Exceptions to the work

There are limitations to supporting those affected by drugs and a period of sobriety is required before therapy can start.

For those wishing to talk about domestic abuse this can be the focus for therapy once the relationship has ended.

Some find it useful to meet before committing to therapy. If this would helpful a free 30-minute online session can be arranged. The relationship is key to successful therapy therefore, I encourage everyone looking to find a therapist they feel they could trust and open up to.

Prior to the first session I email the working agreement which includes confidentiality and fees. This is reviewed during the first session along with a form which requests key information and goals for therapy. This usually takes 10-20 minutes after that the rest of the session is yours to discuss whatever you choose.

Each session lasts 60 minutes.

Most people notice some differences between 6 and 12 sessions.