Emma Hartley is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist registered with the BPS and HCPC, specialising in stress management, burnout recovery, and resilience-building interventions. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London and certification in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. With 12 years across NHS mental health trusts and private practice, she currently works with professionals experiencing chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.
Emma Hartley completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at University College London following an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, where she first developed her interest in the physiological mechanisms of chronic stress. Her doctoral research examined the effectiveness of brief psychological interventions for workplace burnout, a topic that has remained central to her clinical work. Emma spent eight years within NHS mental health services, working in both primary care IAPT programmes and secondary care teams treating complex anxiety disorders, trauma, and depression. She has received advanced training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy, allowing her to match therapeutic approaches to individual client needs. Emma completed her Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy teacher training through the Oxford Mindfulness Centre and now integrates contemplative practices with traditional psychological techniques. She has particular expertise in helping high-achieving professionals who struggle with perfectionism, chronic overwork, and the inability to switch off from stress. Emma also works extensively with individuals whose stress has manifested in physical symptoms such as insomnia, digestive problems, or chronic fatigue. Her writing aims to translate clinical psychology research into practical strategies that readers can implement without requiring years of therapy, whilst being clear about when professional support is genuinely needed.