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Susan Darker-Smith
Trustee
Why did you choose to train (or retrain) in EMDR therapy?
My introduction to EMDR was somewhat unusual. After a serious assault in London (in my mid-20's), I developed PTSD. I sought support from a psychologist who had 'read a book' on EMDR but had not been properly trained. Needless to say, it was harmful. Eventually, I saw an EMDR Accredited EMDR Consultant who, within just a few sessions, gave me back my life. It made me passionate about the need for appropriate training. Eventually, I went on to train in EMDR myself, then became an EMDR Europe Accredited Child & Adolescent Trainer - because I wanted to make absolutely sure that children and adolescents were safeguarded through ensuring appropriate standards of training. My experience also made me passionate about accreditation - because it really is the ONLY way to guarantee public safety - especially for children and adolescents.
What is your favourite place on the planet?
I was actually born in New Zealand. I have a picture of Milford Sound (NZ) in my office, to remind me of where I come from and my gratitude of having been born in a country where I was taught Māori as part of my primary school curriculum : long before recognition and honouring of indigenous cultures was popular in our world.