I, Emma Tappenden, am a therapist specialising in EMDR and neurodivergence, a registered mental health nurse and a neurodivergent family/parenting consultant. I'm also a supervisor and trainer for clinical professionals. Based in Godalming, Surrey, I offer both online UK-wide and in-person trauma-informed therapy, supporting adults, young people and children, whether or not they're neurodivergent, in navigating mental health challenges using EMDR and other evidence-based techniques.
In-person and online therapy for when you feel something has
to change
Is this therapy for you?
I help adults, children and families navigate trauma and/or neurodivergence, online and face to face, shaped around you,
the language you speak and your personal context
For adults
18+
(can include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)).
Are past events still shaping how you feel, react or relate? I can help you process them and move forward.
For children & young people
Under 18
(can also include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing EMDR))
Trauma or neurodivergence might show up in behaviour and/or mental health. I can help identify where the predominant needs lie.
Family support and workshops
For neurodivergent families
We've created these workshops based on our clinical and lived experience. We provide a safe space to share and explore your specific circumstances.
Why EMDR is one of my specialisms
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is how you process traumatic memories, while doing something rhythmic such eye movements or tapping, so the memory loses its emotional charge and power over you.
EMDR is one of the main approaches I use, particularly when trauma is part of what's brought someone to therapy, but it's not the only technique I draw on, and it's not the only reason people come to see me. I work with adults, young people and children, whether or not they're neurodivergent, and I bring the same trauma-informed approach whatever combination of things someone's navigating. Neurodivergence and trauma often show up together, which is part of why I specialise in both, but neither is a requirement for working with me.
A two-minute watch, on EMDR and my experiences of neurodivergence and how I can help you.
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"What amazed me was that by the end, the memories just didn't matter any more. They were still there, but they lost their power over me."
35-year-old woman
Emma Tappenden
Therapist specialising in EMDR and neurodivergence · mental health nurse · neurodivergent family specialist
With over 30 years' experience supporting children and young people and families, I am primarily a therapist specialising in EMDR and neurodivergence. I understand neurodivergent family life from the inside and strongly believe in the importance of support for the family unit.
Based in Godalming, Surrey, I see clients face to face in a 20-mile radius across Sussex and Hampshire and online across the UK.
I also deliver neurodivergence training for teams, often through a trauma lens, from nurse preceptorships with the NMC (Nursing Midwifery Council) to staff in supported living settings.
"I have already seen positive changes in my son since he began working with Emma. He now lives independently, far from home and, most importantly, feels safe."
Parent of 22-year-old client
Getting started
Starting therapy might feel like a leap of faith, but whatever brought you here, we will work it out together. Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, support for your child or a space to talk honestly about how hard family life has become, you're in the right place.
A 20-minute call costs nothing and commits you to nothing. It's just a conversation.
01
Get in touch
Fill in the short form below — tell me
a little about what's brought you here, whether you are exploring therapy, supervision, training or workshops.
I will get back to you within 48 hours.
Get in touch
02
Free 20-min call
Ask questions, get a sense of how
I work, and decide if this feels right.
03
Begin at your pace
No rush into difficult material.
We start where you are.