Emma Devai, BACP

Emma Devai practices with a commitment to authenticity and genuine human connection, believing that therapy is a collaborative partnership rather than a hierarchy. She strives to build a space rooted in mutual respect where clients feel seen, heard, and valued, offering a warm, open, and approachable presence that normalises life’s messiness and complexity.

Working relationally, Emma emphasises healing through honest and meaningful connection. When it is therapeutically useful she may share emotional responses in the room to deepen trust and strengthen the relationship, and she is comfortable bringing gentle humour when appropriate. As an integrative counsellor she draws on techniques from multiple approaches to tailor support to each person’s needs, combining clinical ideas in a way that fits the individual rather than applying a single method.

Emma holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice & Crime Control and the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - a background that informs her understanding of the systems affecting young people and adults, including education, social care, workplaces, and the criminal justice system. This perspective helps her support clients in making sense of their experiences, navigating systemic challenges, and rebuilding confidence, identity, and emotional well-being.

Her practice is relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based, drawing on restorative and desistance-informed perspectives to encourage self-understanding and positive change. She works with adults and young people and brings experience from schools, social care settings, and a range of supportive organisations. Emma aims to create a relaxed, down-to-earth space for young people in particular, working at the client’s pace and using collaborative, creative approaches where helpful.

Integrative Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Emma integrates client-centered therapy, which focuses on creating an empathetic, non-judgemental space where the client’s perspective guides the work - this approach helps people explore identity, relationships, self-esteem, and emotional expression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is also used to identify and gently challenge unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns; it is often helpful for managing anxiety, low mood, and stress by building practical coping skills and new perspectives. Motivational Interviewing supports change by exploring ambivalence and strengthening personal motivation, a method well suited to work with addictions, readiness for change, and goal-focused work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Emma works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to determine what fits best based on needs, goals, and personal preferences. This shared decision-making allows therapy to be tailored and adjusted as things evolve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit support around family, work, education, and geographic limitations. For many people this accessibility supports consistent engagement, allowing therapy to continue even when life circumstances change.