ABOUT ME
Moving beyond what's commonly known as 'gold standard treatment', as an integrative therapist, I fuse cutting-edge neuroscience with traditional practices to offer a truly comprehensive approach for tackling anxiety and OCD. This approach does not just focus on coping or recovery; it accelerates and prioritises relapse prevention.
"How Do I Stop This From Happening?"
As a therapist with a history of OCD and disordered anxiety, I've asked myself this question a lot and I've been asked it by so many other people too. What I've come to believe over many many years is that each of us must find the right lasting solutions for our unique set of problems. Without this, change remains elusive, whether we're facing disordered anxiety, phobias, OCD, or PTSD.
You may be wondering how I overcame my own OCD, panic, and anxiety struggles. Picture me at the breakfast table, tears falling into my morning granola as I grappled with despair. Like anyone with a misbehaving mind, desperation drove me to search for a way to recover.
I frequently reminded myself, "There is always a way" and I truly believe this applies to everyone.
“All I Want Is To Be Normal!”
Like most people, I yearned for a life filled with joy, purpose, and unforgettable experiences. However, it might surprise you to hear that I moved away from the desire to be "normal," as I soon realised that aiming for 'normal' when dealing with anxiety and OCD can trap us further in our struggles.
My roadmap to wellness involved learning new habits and beliefs and unlearning those that kept me stuck. I navigated dark times, adjusting my approach to weather each storm. I could go from being a fully present mum and successful therapist, coping with family life and making TV appearances, to feeling like an incompetent, anxious mess. I looked around at other people wondering why I couldn’t maintain stability.
Constantly Searching For Answers
For years, I searched for solutions, seeking practitioners to help me regain control of my body and mind. I longed for someone to say, "It's okay, Emma; I know exactly how to help you." Instead, I found partial solutions.
I Felt Let Down
If you've explored various therapies like me and you've come across evidence-based treatments, you've probably heard of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This non-pharmacological gold standard treatment for OCD and related disorders like Phobias, PTSD, GAD etc and it was a game-changer for my unique mix of disordered anxiety and OCD. A skilled therapist tailored the treatment, and it played a vital role in saving my life.
Yet, ERP, just like everything else, has its limitations.
Having experienced these limitations, I know that finding the right combination of support is crucial for lasting change. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and I've used various strategies and modalities to manage my symptoms, empower myself, and maintain progress, even during stressful times.
The High Cost of Relapse
Like a line of dominos, relapse triggers a chain reaction that can topple every aspect of our lives (Health, Family, Career, etc.).
What may begin as a few scary thoughts or anxious symptoms can rapidly snowball, leaving us feeling helpless. I focus on helping my clients stop this destructive cascade, showing them how to rebuild and maintain stability across all areas of their lives.
Addressing Relapse: An Overlooked Aspect
In my experience, relapse prevention is an often-neglected aspect of anxiety treatment. The focus seemed to be on managing current symptoms with coping strategies, leaving individuals vulnerable to future relapses. I bridge this gap.
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
In my journey to overcome my own personal struggles and to be able help others do the same, I've been inspired by trailblazers who came before me. Their wisdom and experiences have shaped my approach, and I'm grateful for the foundation they've laid. Like them, my work has gained recognition through my reputation, as well as through appearances by myself and my clients on anxiety podcasts, in books, and on television.
Nowadays, I work with individuals who have a track record of success, even in the face of episodic anxiety or OCD. They've accomplished significant milestones and hold a deep appreciation for the importance of not letting anxiety hold them back. They are committed to achieving their goals, whether in their careers, relationships, personal growth, or physical well-being. They are determined to lead meaningful lives, are intelligent and have huge hearts.
Many have already explored various therapies and worked with different therapists, yet they still find themselves grappling with personal challenges, often masked by their outward success.
Before You Book A Call
It's important to note that my approach may not be suitable for everyone. However, I have a knack for identifying patterns, understanding their implications, and devising effective solutions to address the root causes of issues. My ultimate goal is to help clients recover, heal, and maintain their well-being while they continue to lead their lives.
This journey is not for those seeking:
*** Quick-fix solutions or one-size-fits-all therapies.
*** To maintain the status quo without striving for improvement in life.
*** A passive experience without active participation in
self-mastery and empowerment.
*** A life where relapse occurs time and time again, without
learning how to recognise, prevent and manage it.
Testimonials
What clients say...
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Integrative Coaching and Therapy: A Holistic Approach
As an Integrative Psychotherapist, Coach and Teacher, my passion lies in helping individuals achieve balance in their lives.
With 20 years of experience in personal development and complementary medicine, I draw from a diverse range of healing techniques and disciplines to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.
My qualifications include a BSc FNCIP, registration as an Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, and certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (Master Practitioner), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Diploma), Clinical Hypnotherapy (Diploma), Emotional Freedom Technique (Diploma), and Complementary Therapies (Degree).
Over the years, I have helped people find relief through workshops, bespoke retreats, group programs and face-to-face clinical sessions. I am registered with the National Council for Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP) and am a proud Fellow of the organisation.
While I do not diagnose, my core treatments are based on researched evidence according to the National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Both counselling and psychotherapy are recognized by NICE and Anxiety UK as potential alternatives or complements to medication for treating anxiety disorders. More information on NICE guidelines for different anxiety types can be found on their website.
Having personally overcome anxiety and OCD, I openly share my experiences as a therapist and a mother. I reside in a small town in the mini Highlands of Scotland, where I dedicate my time outside of client work to creating content that offers comfort and healing to those in need. To learn more about my personal journey and professional insights, you can follow me on Instagram @the.anxiety.whisperer.
Office: Online & Scotland
Call xxx-xxx-xxxx
Email:hello@emmagarrick.com
Site: www.emmagarrick.com