Linda Sunderland has over 20 years of experience in psychology, helping countless individuals navigate their emotional challenges. She specialises in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). With extensive continued professional development Linda adapts therapy to meet your individual needs and integrates Attachment Theory, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Poly-vagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Ego State Therapy, Flash Technique, and ACT, to provide you with the best possible care.

The First Step - Preparation 

I values the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of developing therapy to meet your individual needs. I appreciate that starting a therapy journey takes courage, trust in the therapist, and a willingness to open communication about some of life's most difficult and personal experiences. The first most important step is getting to know you and ensuring you feel comfortable and safe in this present moment. 

This phase of therapy will include gathering information about your history and when the problems you experience started. Please note that this will always be a sensitive gathering of historical information and you will never be expected to discuss anything you don't feel ready to. With EMDR Therapy only a limited amount of details can be enough to begin the reprocessing.

Establishing Safety and Presence

To enhance your capacity to feel balanced and emotionally safe in this present moment, we will begin to practice some therapeutic techniques that you can continue to use after the sessions. We will also practice these within the sessions to support you to express your emotions freely with the confidence that you can use the techniques to regulate emotionally when needed. 

Next we can move to therapy techniques that develop further understanding of the problem. This might be looking more closely through what we call formulation, at what has happened in the past, that has negatively impacted on you today and how you see yourself, others, and the world around you.  

I take the therapy approach that there is nothing wrong with you as a person, but things may have happened that impacted how you relate to yourself, others, and the world. As well as understanding difficulties you have experienced, we will work to enhance your strengths and capabilities. We will work together to enhance your understanding of your strengths, courage, resilience, and coping strategies. 

Ultimately my goal is to support you to live a life of peace and enjoyment in this present moment. We can tailor a unique therapy experience and guide you to meeting your goals of living your best life.