About Emma Tappenden
EMDR therapist · mental health nurse · neurodivergent family specialist
I am a mental health nurse with over 30 years' experience working in some form with children, young people and families. Earlier in my career I worked with adults in addiction services, which gave me a deep understanding of trauma, coping, and the importance of meeting people exactly where they are.
EMDR became part of my practice because I saw how powerfully it helps people move beyond fear and trauma to a place of freedom and empowerment. That change never stops feeling meaningful.
As an autism assessor, I have worked with neurodivergent children for the last five years and I also understand neurodivergent family life from the inside. My experience shapes my approach: grounded in real-world understanding.
I am based in Godalming, but work across Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, in person or online. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening and walking my dog, Newt.
Credentials:
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Registered Mental Health Nurse (with the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC))
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EMDR Therapist (registered with EMDR Association UK)
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Parenting Consultant (CalmFamily trained)
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Autism Assessor ADOS-2 / ADI-R (with the Child Autism Assessment Clinic and Healios)
What working with me looks like:
We start with safety
The first sessions are about preparation. There's no rush into difficult material. You set the pace.
You don't have to explain everything
EMDR doesn't require you to talk through every detail of what happened.
Many people find this a relief.
Honest and practical
I'll always be straight with you about what I think will help, and I bring both clinical knowledge and lived experience to every session.
What people say about Emma Tappenden
"Emma helped me find a safe place which I could use outside the sessions. I found an inner strength which helped me release my fears and panic for good.
13-year-old client
I felt I was walking on eggshells with some important people in my life. Since working with Emma, my view of the future has shifted and I've learned how to let go of my worries and my expectations.
50-year-old client
Emma has been fantastic in introducing me to EMDR and making me feel comfortable throughout the process, despite it being a tough one! I'm just not angry any more. Would highly recommend:)
22-year-old client
"Emma and Alison are so experienced and knowledgeable, it is incredible. The course itself is well structured and every session felt important. I
had several takeaways each time."
Parent — neurodivergence workshop
Follow along
I share regular thoughts on LinkedIn on trauma, neurodivergence and mental health - things I find useful, that resonate and that are worth paying attention to.