EM Portrait of Emma McGowan

Emma McGowan, BACP

Calm practical counselling for anxiety

3 years in practice · based in United Kingdom · sessions in English · online sessions

Explore online therapy options

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.

About Emma

Emma McGowan is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing anxiety, depression and related concerns. She speaks plainly and offers a calm, non-judgemental space for people who feel unlike themselves or are struggling after life changes. Emma's background includes study in psychology and counselling and she uses that knowledge to guide practical conversations.

She draws on person-centred principles to put the client’s perspective at the heart of the work.

Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Background and approach

That means sessions begin with what matters most to the person and they shape the pace and goals. Emma also uses cognitive behavioural techniques to help people notice and adjust unhelpful thinking and patterns that keep problems going. Psychodynamic ideas inform how she looks at past experiences and relationships that may influence current feelings and reactions.

She invites gentle curiosity about patterns such as attachment, abandonment or difficulties with intimacy. Emma aims to make those patterns clearer without overwhelming people. Typical issues she supports include stress, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, self-esteem and ADHD related struggles.

She also works with people facing career changes, compassion fatigue and long-standing emptiness or dissociation. Emma is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, often abbreviated to BACP. Her approach is collaborative and practical, focusing on small steps that add up to real change.

To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

Approaches online and how they can help

Emma uses client-centred work to keep the focus on what matters to each person; this approach supports people who want to feel heard and in control of their pace and goals. Cognitive behavioural therapy helps with recognising unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavioural changes to reduce anxiety or lift mood. Psychodynamic ideas are used to gently look at how past relationships and patterns might influence current reactions and choices.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Emma discusses different ways of working with each person and together they decide what fits best for the client’s needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative decision can change over time as progress is made or priorities shift.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video calls are useful for conversations that benefit from face-to-face contact, phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit a break at work, and messaging or live chat suit shorter check-ins or the chance to write things out. These options make it easier to attend regular sessions and to try different formats until the best fit is found.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Emma help with?
She works with stress, anxiety and depression as well as relationship and intimacy-related concerns. Other areas include grief, trauma and eating or sleeping difficulties.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Emma uses a person-centred style that lets your priorities lead the sessions. She blends cognitive behavioural ideas and psychodynamic thinking when useful.
What professional background does she have?
She has a BSc in Psychology and an FdSc in Counselling and three years of professional experience working with people on mental health concerns.
Where is she based and what credential does she hold?
Emma works from the United Kingdom and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
Yes. Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
3 years
Licensed
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.