About Us

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).

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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 persons needs. My experience of studying and working in psychology began more than 20 years ago and has become my passion. I eagerly 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 clients to develop an understanding of what they need from a treatment plan and we work together to understand how best to support them to relieve the distress that is the obstacle to them living their behaviour life.

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 entangled in them or disurbed by attaching 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.

Testimonial - I can't say enough good things about Linda...EMDR therapy has been life-changing for me, especially in dealing with Pure O. From the start, I felt comfortable and understood, which made all the difference. Each session helped me feel more in control of my thoughts and less anxious. It’s amazing how much progress I’ve made thanks to Linda. If you're struggling with similar issues, I can highly recommend EMDR with Linda. I’m so grateful for the help and support she has given me!

Bea Carrington 

EMDR Europe Accredited EMDR Practitioner/ EMDR Consultant-Supervisor-in Training 

BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (MSc)

NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse (BSc)

Hello, my name is Bea, I work with adults over 18 years of age in Nottingham, UK and online and I have a special interest in working with people who experience OCD. I tend to use the phrase ‘obsessive compulsive response’ rather than focus on people having a ‘disorder’ (although I understand it can result in a huge amount of pain and distress to suffer in this way). When looking at the roots of someone’s experience, my view is that an obsessive-compulsive response usually makes sense as an adaptation and way of coping which can become ‘stuck’. We can work together to help you get unstuck and feel more peaceful inside. 

I have 15 years plus working in the field of mental health and come from a mental health nursing and CBT background. Whilst I still integrate these approaches into my work as needed, I have found EMDR to be a ‘game changer’ which oftens results in long-lasting change and relief. My own EMDR therapy proved to be deeply healing and transformative. 

I describe my therapeutic style as warm, personable, creative, grounded, and collaborative. I like to use metaphors & analogies in my work with clients as this makes the concepts more understandable & can bring therapy alive. My strengths include an ability to get to the heart of the problem quickly. My teamwork approach is proactive, structured whilst allowing for creativity and intuition. I seek to embody my values of honesty, curiosity, compassion, and assertiveness in my work. I am a firm believer in the concept of using these approaches 'from the inside out' so that I am the best therapist I can be & understand better what it's like to be in a client's shoes. 

For me, working in an attachment-informed way is essential for long-term healing and I believe we all have the potential for secure attachment when we ‘light up’ these neural pathways. I am particularly influenced in this respect by the work of Diane Poole Heller. 

Testimonials:

"I went to Bea having been diagnosed with OCD and was in a very low and desperate place. I was plagued by intrusive thoughts and unable to break the obsessive-compulsive cycle. To say that Bea helped me turn my life around is no exaggeration. From day one she was extremely open, kind and supportive, with absolutely no judgement. Something I also really valued, is that she always treated me like a normal, intelligent person. She always listened and took the time to understand my unique experience. 6 years down the line I'm pleased to say that I am still able to manage my OCD well and live a relatively OCD-free life. I still use the techniques I learnt with Bea on a regular basis. I can't recommend her enough."

"The main aim of my therapy was to help with my OCD, since therapy I have been managing so well and utilise all the skills I learnt. I am now at a place I didn't think I would ever be able to reach again. I believe this therapy has changed my life! I was in an extremely difficult place before mentally and couldn't understand a way that I would ever feel like my old self. The things I have learnt I will carry forever and will be forever thankful to Bea for how much she helped me and how much of a compassionate, non-judgemental and realistic approach was taken to everything".

Our Passion for OCD Treatment