About Us

Dr Joyce Blake 

BSc (Psych), PGDip (CBT), 

MA (Psychotherapy), MBACP(accred), MBPSsS

I do not believe that ‘one-size-fits-all’ in therapy and, for this reason, I have completed many years of training in a range of modalities.  My aim is to use the therapeutic approaches that are best suited to help you.   I am a registered BPS psychologist and EMDR therapist (UK and Ireland EMDR Association).  I also have full accreditation with the  BABCP (for CBT) and the BACP (for Integrative Psychotherapy).

I work with adults, older adults and adolescents and also undertake supervision for trainee psychologists.

I use CBT and EMDR in my work for the NHS and in my private practice and have seen just how effective these approaches can be.  I also believe in the benefits of Jungian creative play, visualisation techniques and humour in order to gain insight and create change.

In my personal and professional life, my  aim is to be authentic, respectful and kind.  I believe that all individuals have the potential for growth and change.   I see therapy as ‘team-work’ where we work together, using cutting-edge psychological concepts and ways of thinking, in order to achieve mutually-agreed goals and help overcome difficulties you may be going through.

Prior to becoming a therapist I worked as a freelance journalist, I travelled extensively and lived in Singapore with my family.  I believe these experiences have all contributed to my curiosity and non-judgmental approach to therapy and treating people as individuals.

“Joyce was excellent, open-minded, kind and fun. I feel relaxed, kinder to myself, centred and have a new narrative that is really helpful.  Joyce, thank you for letting me imagine again”

“I have seen a range of therapists over the years, but Joyce has been by far the best.  She is warm, clever, and highly-intuitive and seems to have a sixth-sense in her understanding of my feelings. I have benefited so much from our work together.  Thank you Joyce, therapy with you really has changed my life!

 

 

 

 

Linda Sunderland

MA (Hons) psych, MSc psych, PGDip (CBT),

BABCP Accredited, EMDR Europe Accredited,

GMBPsS 

I am passionate about delivering therapy that meets each individual client's needs. My experience of studying and working in psychology began more than 20 years ago and has become my passion. I engage in  regular professional development to stay informed of new understanding and developments in research and practice. My motivation is to support and guide my clients in their unique journey which means I work in a very integrative way to incorporate attachment theory, ego states / parts work, mindfulness, somatic body practices, and Poly-vagal theory, into my CBT and EMDR therapy. I always work collaboratively with my clients to develop an understanding of what is needed to develop a treatment plan that suits their needs.

I am particularly influenced by my training in Attachment-Informed EMDR.

My experience began in the university of life which motivated me to seek further understanding about mental health and begin a psychology degree. With my own adverse history having been firmly locked away behind my defense mechanisms that lost their hold following the birth of my son; I then experienced post-partum OCD. Very much in line with the theory that guides OCD-EMDR I came to understand that my early life experience and attachment history influenced the development of OCD and that the thoughts where ego-dystonic, which was evident in my fear and distress when experiencing the thoughts. My view of OCD is as a protector part that acts like a defense mechanisms and my recovery doesn't mean I don't experience intrusive thoughts, but that I no longer become disurbed or attach meaning to them. I believe my personal experiences have supported me to develop a deep understanding of the nature of OCD and compassionaly understand and support others in their recovery journey.

Following completion of my psychology degree I began working in a residential setting as an Assistant Psychologist delivering an Intensive Therapy Model to children in specialist care and their family. Later completing a MSc in psychology I began working with adults. My previous experience of working in the NHS spans across different service (CMHT, Assertive Outreach, and IAPT settings) where I worked until 2021; since then working solely in private practice and offering EMDR, CBT, Attachment-Informed EMDR, and IFS informed EMDR.

Our Passion for OCD Treatment

At EMDR for OCD, we are deeply passionate about helping individuals overcome Obsessive Compulsive Disorder through specialised EMDR therapy. Our commitment to providing effective treatment stems from our dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with OCD.

Professional Expertise

With years of professional experience in the field of mental health, we have honed our skills to deliver exceptional care to our clients. Our team's expertise in EMDR therapy and advanced treatment techniques allows us to offer comprehensive support to individuals seeking relief from OCD symptoms.

Interest in EMDR

Our interest and advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy sparked a desire to explore its potential in treating OCD. Following treatment success and feedback from a number of clients who had struggled for years before finding relief with EMDR, our team realised that there was untapped potential in integrating various techniques and attachment theory. By delving into the available adaptations of EMDR standard protocol and it's theory of adaptive information processing, we have discovered this innovative ways to address and relieve the distress caused by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and and help individuals reclaim their lives.

Research Findings

Guided by the latest research developments in understanding the mechanism of change following EMDR and OCD treatment, we continuously strive to enhance our therapeutic approaches and methodologies. By staying informed about developments in various areas, we ensure that our clients receive a treatment tailored to their individual needs and reflecting the most effective care available.

For further resources in understanding research please refer to our resource lists.

Ready to Transform?

Contact us today to begin your journey towards overcoming OCD with our specialized EMDR therapy.