About Me
Emily Cook
MSc, MUPCA, MBACP, PGDip, BA Hons:
Why I became a Psychotherapist
I always knew I wanted to work in a health care setting, as medicine has always interested me. When I was younger, I experienced difficulties with my own health, both physical and mental. Experiencing psychotherapy myself as a young person inspired me to support others to help explore and understand what is troubling for them.
Specialist interests
I have a broad interest in working with people who experience anxiety and depression. However I have a specialist more focused interest in working with those who are experiencing long term physical health conditions and chronic pain, particularly Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and associated comorbidities. I am interested in the connection between the mind and body. Most importantly, when working with these types of presentations, I focus on the experience of the person I am working with. My belief is pain or illness is what you say it is and aim to really try and understand what life is like for you and offer a supportive space in which you can explore the impact a diagnosis has had upon your life, alongside some practical guidance and support.
Education
I have successfully completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Psychotherapy at The University of Brighton, which is regulated by UKCP. This brought the opportunity to reflect on other ways of practising psychotherapy and integrating them into my core modality. I also hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counselling (University of Brighton), which is regulated by the BACP. My training covered the following approaches to therapy:
Existential (core modality)
Phenomenological
Focus Orientated Therapy
CBT interventions
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Transactional Analysis
Systemic (family therapy)
Gestalt
Person and Client Centred
See my blog post for more info on my journey to become a psychotherapist.
Professional bodies
I am a fully qualified and insured registered counsellor. I am a member of UKCP, BACP and UPCA, which are governed by Professional Standards Authority. I carefully follow the codes of conduct outlined.
Membership Number: 2011188368
Previous work
Before becoming a full time psychotherapist, I worked in PR, gaining experience in the fields of travel, fashion and music. I have also worked as a clinic manager in a multidisciplinary private health clinic. This was really useful when setting up my own private practice, as I had previously supported many others go through the process.
Whilst I was training, I worked for West Sussex County Councils Carers Support as a counsellor. I really enjoyed the role, especially seeing such a diverse range of clients from different backgrounds.
Continual Professional Development
The learning never stops. As part of my ongoing development, I regularly attend continual professional development workshops to ensure my knowledge is as up to date, ensuring that I am offering the best possible service to clients.
RNIB Sight Loss Counselling (accredited)
This course focused on how to work with people with sight loss, including how to adapt practice to meet the needs of someone experiencing sight loss and training surrounding specific emotional responses
Mental Health Familiarisation Placement
Working on an inpatient unit in NHS, with people diagnosed with complex mental health presentations
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-
This is a way of working as a therapist and something I view as a “tool”, rather than my main way of working
Brief Therapy-
This course focused upon making the most of short term therapy
Relational depth-
Focused upon building a trusting relationship quickly
Focus orientated therapy-
A technique which explores the mind-body connection, linking words and emotions to sensations in the body
Safeguarding-
Highlighted the importance of client safety. Training provided by West Sussex County Council
Emotional Wellness in Diabetes care-
With Diabetes UK. Explored the specific mental wellbeing challenges that a person with diabetes might experience