Therapy That Helps You Move Forward: My Approach at Unavita Therapy

Seeking therapy can feel like a big step. Many people come to therapy when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, stress, burnout, or difficult life transitions. Or perhaps something in your life simply doesn’t feel quite right anymore.

At Unavita Therapy, my aim is to offer a space where you can explore these experiences safely and begin to reconnect with a sense of clarity, strength, and meaning.

I’m Joanna Burbury, a Clinical Psychologist based in Canary Wharf, London, and I have been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. I offer EMDR therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) both face-to-face in Canary Wharf and online across the UK.

While these approaches are grounded in strong psychological research, the most important part of therapy is the human connection. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each person who walks through the door.

Understanding the Difficulties You’re Facing

Many of the people I work with are highly capable individuals who feel they should be coping better than they are. They may be successful in their careers or appear strong on the outside, yet internally they feel anxious, exhausted, or weighed down by past experiences.

Some people come because of a specific event or trauma that continues to affect them. Others feel caught in patterns of overthinking, self-criticism, or emotional overwhelm.

Therapy offers a place to slow down and understand what is happening beneath the surface.

Rather than trying to simply “fix” symptoms, we work together to understand the patterns that are keeping you stuck and develop new ways of relating to your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Evidence-Based Therapy Approaches

I integrate several evidence-based therapeutic approaches so that therapy can be adapted to your needs.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful therapy for processing traumatic memories and distressing experiences. When something overwhelming happens, the brain can struggle to process the memory fully, leaving it feeling as if it is still present.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become less distressing and lose their emotional intensity. Many people find that experiences which once felt overwhelming begin to feel more like something that happened in the past rather than something that still controls the present.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT therapy focuses on developing psychological flexibility. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions, ACT helps you learn how to respond to them differently.

This involves building skills such as:

becoming more present and aware of your experiences

stepping back from unhelpful thoughts

developing self-compassion

reconnecting with your values

taking meaningful action in your life

ACT can be particularly helpful for anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and feeling stuck in life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured and practical approach that explores the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It can help identify patterns that contribute to anxiety, low mood, or stress and develop strategies to change these cycles.

The Mind-Body Connection

Alongside my work as a psychologist, I am also a trained yoga teacher, and I place strong importance on the connection between the mind and body.

Many psychological difficulties are not only experienced in our thoughts but also in the body – as tension, restlessness, fatigue, or a sense of being constantly “on edge”.

When appropriate, therapy may include elements that help regulate the nervous system, build awareness of bodily responses, and support emotional balance.

A Space to Reconnect With What Matters

Ultimately, therapy is not just about reducing distress. It is about helping you build a life that feels meaningful and aligned with what truly matters to you.

Many people find that through therapy they develop:

greater emotional resilience

a kinder relationship with themselves

the ability to navigate difficult emotions

clarity about their values and direction in life

My aim is to support you in creating a life where difficult thoughts or emotions no longer hold you back from living fully.

Therapy in Canary Wharf or Online

I offer in-person therapy in Canary Wharf, London, as well as online therapy across the UK.

If you’re considering therapy and would like to explore whether we might be a good fit, you are welcome to get in touch.

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful change.