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A Warm Welcome
Welcome to Otter Psychology!
At Otter Psychology, our work is grounded in the belief that relationships are at the heart of healing.
Children, young people, and adults thrive when they feel safe, understood, and connected.
We specialise in supporting children, young people, and families — particularly those navigating the complexities of fostering, adoption, and developmental trauma. We also work with young people and adults experiencing a range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety, low mood, and life challenges.
We understand that families often arrive feeling overwhelmed, worried, or unsure what to do next. Our role is to offer understanding, practical support, and a steady, compassionate presence in a space where you feel accepted, supported, and heard as we make sense of experiences together.
Meet Emily
Hi, I'm Dr Emily Geissler, the person behind Otter Psychology.
I'm a Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and have experience working with:
- Fostered and adopted children
- Families affected by early trauma and attachment difficulties
- Children and young people with emotional and behavioural challenges
- Parents and carers navigating complex family dynamics
- Young people and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and life stress
I believe that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported. My work is guided by compassion, curiosity, and a deep respect for the unique experiences of each family I meet.
I am passionate about helping children and young people who are struggling with emotional difficulties to feel better about themselves and their world. Whether a child is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, angry, or withdrawn, I aim to create a calm and trusting space where they can express themselves freely and begin to make sense of their feelings.
Supporting parents is just as important to me. Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel confusing and exhausting when a child is distressed. I work alongside parents to help them better understand what their child may be experiencing and to strengthen connection, communication, and confidence within the family.
My experience working with children, young people, and families has taught me that relationships are at the heart of healing. When children feel safe and supported, and when parents feel understood and empowered, positive change becomes possible.
Above all, my goal is to provide a warm, welcoming environment where families feel listened to, respected, and never judged. I do this work because I genuinely care about helping children and young people thrive, and about helping families feel more connected and hopeful.
I have the following qualifications and training:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
- Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT)
- Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Level 1 & 2)
- Trauma Focused CBT
- Non-Violent Resistance
- Masters degree in Clinical Applications of Psychology (MSc)
- Undergraduate degree in Psychology and Law (BSc, LLB)
- Low Intensity CBT (PGCert)
I am maintaining my professional development through the DDP practicum
Our Approach
Our work is relational, trauma-informed, and tailored to each child, family, or individual we meet.
We practice evidence-based therapeutic approaches that focus on safety, connection, and emotional understanding.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)
We use Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, a relationship-based model developed by Dan Hughes. This approach supports children and caregivers to build trust, strengthen attachment, and make sense of difficult experiences together. It places relationships at the centre of healing and recognises the lasting impact of early trauma.
Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT)
Emily is also trained in Animal Assisted Play Therapy, which uses play and the presence of animals to help children feel safe enough to explore their emotions. Play is a child’s natural language. Through play, children can express feelings, process experiences, and develop new ways of coping.
Working with other professionals
Supporting a child rarely happens in isolation. Real and lasting change often occurs when the adults around a child feel supported too.
Alongside therapy sessions, we offer:
- Therapeutic parenting support and training
- Consultation for professionals
- Clinical supervision
- Training and support packages for schools and education settings
These services help create consistent, trauma-informed environments where children can feel safe and understood.
A final note
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step — especially when caring for a child who has experienced trauma, or when life feels overwhelming.
Whether you are a parent, carer, young person, or adult seeking support, you do not have to navigate this alone.
We will be honoured to walk alongside you.