Emma Louise Sharkey

Emma Louise Sharkey is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem and depression. She works with people dealing with addictions, grief, sleeping and eating difficulties, and anger. Emma encourages people to recognise their strengths and take small steps forward. Her approach aims to make that first step feel workable rather than overwhelming.

Emma uses a straightforward, person-centred style. Sessions focus on what the client wants to change and what has already helped them in the past. She draws on techniques from trauma-focused work and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing where appropriate. Hypnotherapy is also part of her toolkit when clients are open to it.

With three years of professional experience, Emma brings practical support and a calm, steady presence. She emphasises collaboration and helps people build plans they can try between sessions. That can include simple coping strategies for anger, routines to improve sleep, or steps to reduce substance use.

Emma holds membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She invites people to move at their own pace and to be curious about what might change with regular work. Her style is warm and direct, aiming to make therapy feel relevant to daily life.

People who choose to work with Emma normally want clear, manageable goals and a gentle but focused process. She supports clients who are navigating life changes, parenting stress, career pressure, or struggles linked to identity and relationships.

Approaches that guide online work

Emma draws on Client-Centred Therapy to keep the client’s experience at the centre of sessions. This approach focuses on listening, reflecting what matters to the person, and helping them find their own solutions. It suits people who want a steady, respectful space to talk.

She also uses Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, often called EMDR, for trauma-related memories. EMDR aims to reduce the intensity of distressing memories by guiding attention while the person recalls them. It can help with anxiety, trauma and strong emotional reactions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Emma will discuss what feels sensible based on a person’s history, goals and preferences, and she adjusts methods as therapy progresses. Decisions about using hypnotherapy or trauma-focused techniques are made collaboratively rather than assumed up front.

Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so please confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online sessions helpful because they fit into busy days, cut travel time and allow more flexible scheduling. Others appreciate that some sessions can be shorter check-ins, or arranged at times that suit work and family life. Registered or accredited professionals can guide which format will best support the goals you bring to therapy.