Dr Emma Girling

Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist (BABCP accredited)

BA (Hons), DClinPsy

As a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, families and adults, I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, to provide a supportive, non-judgemental space, and fresh understanding and ideas. In narrative therapy we have a great saying: the person is never the problem. The problem is the problem.

We will work together to understand your or your child’s challenges, talents and aspirations, and help you move towards meeting your goals.

My career has included working in diverse services in the NHS and other organisations. This has included providing specialist support for young people diagnosed with ASD, ADHD and learning differences, and for people affected by  anxiety, trauma and OCD. I have always had an interest in adapting therapy for specific situations such as for people who are neurodivergent, for children and young adults, and for people affected by  physical health conditions.  

In recent years, during the challenges of the pandemic and beyond, I have also been privileged to provide psychological support to fellow health professionals. I also often provide training, mentoring and supervision to psychologists and other professionals in health and education.

Following my doctoral training in clinical psychology, I have continued to complete training in current evidence-based approaches. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT); narrative therapy; eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR); and evidence-based hypnotherapy. Lots of information about these approaches is available online. We may use ideas from several of these approaches, and others, in a course of therapy. You might have an idea about which approach you would like to try - if so, let me know!

I am trained to assess and diagnose autism using gold standard, evidence based tools including the ADOS-2 and 3di. I am also able to offer assessments for other neurodevelopmental conditions and learning differences. I have many years of experience in assessment with children, teenagers and young adults. I believe that getting the correct diagnosis can be hugely therapeutic, making sense of past experiences and helping us understand the sort of support needed to move forwards.

In our work together, we will always take into account your cultural and social experiences. We are an inclusive practice and people from all communities and backgrounds are welcome.

Qualifications and professional registration

Registered Practitioner Psychologist with the UK HCPC (PYL 15048)

Registered as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with BABCP (060307)

I am also registered with the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and the UK organisation governing best practice in data protection (ICO).

Selected relevant specialist post-qualification training

I love to learn new things in clinical psychology – I always remember a wise young person I was working with once told me, ‘everyone has stuff to learn and everyone has something to teach people’. Here are some of the trainings I have completed…

• Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2)
• Autism Diagnostic Intervew, Revised (ADI-R)
• Narrative therapy training (Level 2, currently completing advanced training)
• Certificate in Evidence Based Hypnosis
• Training in supervision and in delivering training in CBT
• EMDR training
• Numerous CBT conferences and workshops, including Trauma Focussed CBT; CBT for panic; adaptations to CBT for ASD and learning disabilities; CBT and mindfulness; CBT for travel phobia; CBT for tics; CBT for eating disorders
• Post qualification training in paediatric neuropsychology, British Psychology Society Division of Neuropsychology
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for tics (CBIT) training
• Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) training

Current professional activities

Senior Psychologist in an NHS paediatric service, supporting young people with complex health and neurodevelopmental conditions and completing assessments for ASD and other conditions

Providing supervision, mentoring and training for psychologists and other health professionals

Visiting trainer at University of Canterbury (Salomons) DClinPsy programme, teaching supervision skills

Location

I am based in Kent, UK. Most of my independent work is online.  I am able to conduct face to face ASD assessments for children in Kent.

Publications

Update on Children, Adolescents and Families. (2015). CBT Today: official magazine of BABCP.

Reynolds, S., Girling, E., Eastwood, L. & Coker, S. (2006).  The relationship between mental health problems and young children's ability to discriminate amongst thoughts, feelings and behaviours.  Cognitive Therapy and Research, 30, 599-607.

Girling, E, & Sweetingham, S. (2006). Starting out in Surestart. Clinical Psychology Forum.