Ema Exnerova
A psychotherapist based in London
A psychotherapist based in London
I am a psychotherapist and a doctoral candidate with a background that spans both law and psychology. Born and raised in Prague, I am half Czech, half Slovak, and moved to London in 2013 to study law, specialising in the real estate sector. However, after completing these studies and gaining work experience, I realised that the legal profession was not fulfilling for me.
During my time in the real estate sector, I volunteered with an organisation specialising in eating disorders, which deepened my passion for working with individuals on a deeper level. This experience led me to pursue a career in psychology, completing a master’s degree and a doctorate (awaiting qualification). I have since been helping clients navigate personal challenges and build lives that are more authentic and fulfilling.
My approach is grounded in warmth, unbridled curiosity and directness. I place great emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, fostering a collaborative environment where clients feel safe to share and explore their experiences.
Although my training encompasses a wide range of approaches, I have a particular interest in existential therapy for its emphasis on helping clients navigate uncertainty, build resilience and cultivate a greater sense of agency and meaning in their lives. I also like to draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which complements this by encouraging clients to engage with life’s challenges in an open and value-driven way, rather than seeking to eliminate discomfort or uncertainty.
I have worked clinically within the NHS, focusing on complex trauma and addiction, as well as in the third sector providing therapy for individuals with various mild to severe presentations. In my private practice, I assist clients with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety and depression, relationship issues, bereavement and addiction.
In our increasingly digital world, the way we connect, communicate and seek support is constantly evolving. A significant part of my doctoral training took place online during the COVID-19 pandemic, and my doctoral research focused on exploring the nuances of online therapy from clients’ perspectives. Through this work, I have come to appreciate the unique opportunities that technology brings to the therapeutic space.
My approach focuses on how online therapy can be used to create safe, reflective spaces for exploration and dialogue, whilst maintaining a personal and effective touch. In a digital age, it is important not to assume that technology has power over us; instead, we learn to use it in ways that serve us, enhancing our sense of agency and meaning.
For this reason, I have chosen to focus on working online with clients, offering a flexible and accessible way to engage in meaningful therapeutic work that aligns with the complexities of modern life.