About me & my modality

Who are you? And how do you work?

I’m Emily Knivett and I’ve been a therapist for 4 years now. Previously, I worked as a Learning Support Assistant in a secondary school. Mental health was often a barrier for the students I supported and I wanted to do more than support their academic growth. I began my therapeutic studies after experiencing first hand how reparative, insightful and holding therapy can be, and I was curious to learn more. I also had various painful bereavements to process. I found that when I stopped pushing away my emotions, and instead learned to embrace them, things got easier. Talking to someone outside of my family and friends was so helpful.

I draw on various psychological theories to suit each individual, we are all so different after all, and I believe it is the relationships between us all that facilitate healing. This type of therapy is called integrative-relational. Studies show that a strong therapist-client relationship is more important than the therapist’s modality when it comes to the success of the work.

I am easy to talk to and offer a calm, collaborative space to explore what's currently going on for you.

Drawing and Talking Practitioner

What helps me with my mental health?

There are various things that help me when I am having a hard time with my mental health. Like every other human sometimes I feel anxious, scared or upset, and sometimes all three at once! Experiencing some emotions can be difficult. Whilst my business name is Embracing Emotions, I am well aware that embracing all emotions is not an easy task, and it is a lifelong one, a balancing act. There won’t be a day when you can say that your emotions don’t impact you. Emotions provide useful information.

Exercise really helps me with my mental health. I exercise as much as I can to prevent more difficult emotions. I listen to my body and I make sure to relax afterwards. I have experimented a lot to find out which sports/activities I enjoy and will stick to. My favourite exercises are cycling, walking and running. This is often paired with being in nature - I love water, whether that be a river or the sea. Listening to my favourite music really lifts my mood (I often sing along very badly). Meditation really grounds me, especially meditations with breathing exercises. I don’t meditate enough but it is another thing that I try to do to prevent anxiety and to encourage a calmer mindset. The Insight Timer app is free and fantastic - I use it myself. You can find lots of meditations on there.

Another thing that helps me to embrace my emotions is journalling. I often free write. Sometimes I am more intentional and I write about a specific topic or use journal prompts. I try to be grateful as this is linked with better mental health, so I journal about things I am grateful for. Seeing my loved ones really lifts my mood. I enjoy baking. I like going out to eat or for coffee with family and friends. I love watching comedy or light hearted TV shows and films to unwind. Reading is a hobby I have picked back up and it brings me a lot of peace and fun.

It can be challenging hearing what my clients have experienced and so doing all of these things is very important to me. It’s important that you find what helps you with your mental health, it is personal to you. But hopefully these ideas have been useful!

Experience

I am proud to be a younger therapist and I believe age ≠ experience or wisdom; I have the insightful, difficult and personal experience of having a family member with bipolar.

Since 2013 I have supported and delivered interventions in schools around Kingston upon Thames. This work is mainly with teenagers who are neurodivergent and/or have mental health difficulties. I work with organisations such as The Grace Dear Trust who raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. I am a Counsellor for Health Assured, an employee assistant programme. Previously, I was a therapist at Express CIC in Tolworth, where I counselled young people with autism, pathological demand avoidance and ADHD, and their parents. I was also a therapist at the YMCA in Surbiton.

Training

  • BA (Hons) in Integrative-Relational Counselling

  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

  • Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (Suicide First Aid)

  • Online & Telephone Counselling Certified Counsellor

Other information

I am neurodiversity-affirming. My room is wheelchair accessible, has a gender neutral restroom, and sessions are available online. I am a Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and abide by their ethical framework. Along with being insured and having a cleared, enhanced DBS check, I am registered with the ICO, attend regular supervision with a BACP Accredited Supervisor, and have up to date safeguarding training.

Here’s a video of me introducing myself. These things are difficult to film!

I am committed to ongoing CPD; I have had further training on: suicide prevention, apostasy, emotionally related school avoidance, drawing and talking therapy, resilience, assertiveness, the zones of regulation etc.

“Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind - even if your voice shakes.”
— Maggie Kuhn