Dr Emma Kirkby-Geddes

Emma (she/her) has over 10 years’ experience of working as a therapist. She specializes in behaviour change for people living with and affected by life changing injury, chronic health and pain conditions and life transition.  She is experienced in delivering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and draws upon her training as a mindfulness instructor in her work with clients.  

Clinical areas of interest:  

• Behaviour change specifically for life transitions, loneliness, physical activity 

• Psychological adjustment following traumatic events 

Emma has a PhD in Positive Psychology and an MSc in Health Psychology and is also a Chartered Health Psychologist. Her research interests include: 

• Positive Ageing – purpose in life and eudaimonic well-being for living well in middle age and later life 

• Chronic loneliness and the role of experiential avoidance 

She has skills in conducting literature reviews (rapid and systematic) and in undertaking research using quantitative/qualitative methodologies. She has many years of experience in designing and implementing evaluation of training and health projects. 

Emma has written and delivered training for a range of audiences focusing on topics such as:  

• Loneliness awareness – to support the work those working on the front line with vulnerable older adults 

• Self-care for health care professionals 

• Psychological skills – to support NHS staff in their work during the Covid pandemic 

• Person-Centred Care – for those delivering care to vulnerable adults and adults with long term health conditions