You may know that an experience is over, yet still find yourself reacting as though you need to stay alert, avoid conflict or keep everyone else safe.
I offer psychological therapy for adults affected by trauma and difficult life experiences, including CBT, EMDR and individually assessed EMDR intensives. We work together to understand what is happening and find an approach that fits your needs, readiness and circumstances.
Book a Clarity & Direction Consultation
When past experiences keep shaping the present
Trauma-related difficulties can follow a single event or repeated experiences over time. You may be struggling after an accident, abuse, a frightening medical experience, distressing events at work or experiences within relationships.
Some people seek help with intrusive memories, nightmares or avoiding reminders. Others notice persistent shame, feeling on edge, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting or a strong reaction to criticism and conflict. These experiences can have different explanations, which we explore carefully rather than assuming a diagnosis.
I also work with adults wanting to understand the impact of emotional neglect and attachment-related experiences. You do not need to decide whether your history is “bad enough” before asking for help.
Understanding your responses without judging them
I’m Becky Grace Irwing, a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, EMDR therapist and Registered Mental Health Nurse. My clinical experience spans NHS services, specialist teams, university mental health and independent practice.
We begin with a shared psychological formulation: a working understanding of how your experiences, current difficulties, relationships and ways of coping fit together. This helps us choose where to begin, rather than moving straight into processing memories.
Depending on your needs, our work may involve CBT, EMDR, compassion-focused approaches, grounding, sensory adaptations and practical changes in everyday life. We agree the focus together and review how the work is affecting you.
EMDR and trauma-focused work
EMDR is a psychological therapy recommended by NICE for specified adult PTSD presentations. During processing, you bring an agreed memory or related experience to mind while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. Assessment and preparation come first.
You will not be expected to disclose everything immediately or begin processing before we have considered readiness and safety. You can ask questions, pause and tell me when something needs adapting.
EMDR intensives offer longer appointments for suitable clients, following assessment and preparation. They are one possible format, not a promise of quicker recovery or a replacement for the support someone may need between sessions.
Trauma and The Good Person Trap®
For some people, being helpful, agreeable or highly responsible became a way of reducing conflict or protecting important relationships. Later, saying no or disappointing someone can feel threatening, even when the present situation is different.
I use The Good Person Trap® to describe the pattern of tying goodness to safety, belonging or worth. It is my conceptual framework, not a diagnosis or a separate validated treatment. We use it where it helps make sense of your experience, without assuming it explains every trauma response.
Therapy adapted to you
My practice is neurodivergence-informed and LGBTQIA+ affirming. We can discuss communication preferences, processing time, sensory needs, breaks and grounding options. If you are autistic or have ADHD, adaptations are part of planning the work together.
Questions about trauma therapy
Do I need a PTSD diagnosis?
No. The consultation can help us understand the difficulties you are experiencing and whether trauma-focused therapy, another approach or additional assessment would be useful.
Can we work online?
Appointments are available online across the UK, Europe & Worldwide (excl. US & Canada). We consider privacy, a suitable space, your current circumstances and what support you may need around sessions before agreeing a plan.
What if I need more support than private therapy can offer?
My practice is not a crisis service. If you need urgent support, multidisciplinary care or a level of contact I cannot provide, I will discuss this openly and help identify appropriate next steps where possible.
Start with Clarity and Direction
The first step is a 90-minute Clarity & Direction consultation, available in Norwich or online across the UK, Europe & Worldwide (excl. US & Canada). We explore what is happening, consider whether my practice is the right setting and discuss the support most likely to be useful.
The fee is £195, including a personalised written summary with my initial formulation, recommendations and suggested next steps. There is no obligation to continue into therapy with me.
Ongoing 50-minute therapy sessions cost £125. Appointments in person take place at 125 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.
Book a Clarity & Direction Consultation
Not sure whether to book? Contact me with a brief outline of what you are looking for.
Clinical information: NICE guidance on PTSD