Meet Our Team
At Elm Psychology, we're proud of our skilled and dedicated psychologists who are passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives.
Dr Emma Mercer
Founder & Principal Psychologist
Emma is an Educational Psychologist specialising in trauma-informed approaches and EMDR therapy. With extensive experience in supporting vulnerable children, Emma established Elm Psychology to provide bespoke psychological services for children, young people, and adults.
Dr. Emma L. Mercer - Founder & Principal Psychologist
Emma established Elm Psychology at the end of 2022 after working with various local authorities during her training and post-qualification. Her vision was to provide bespoke support to children, schools, and families through evidence-based psychological approaches.
Before pursuing her career in psychology, Emma worked extensively in the care and education sectors, particularly with looked after and vulnerable children. This background continues to inform her practice and areas of special interest.
Education & Qualifications
Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology - University of Sheffield (2020
EMDR Therapy Certification - EMDR Association UK & Ireland
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - Registered Psychologist (PYL38502)
Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)
Specialises In
Educational and developmental psychology
Trauma-informed approaches
Supporting looked after and adopted children
Social, emotional, and mental wellbeing assessment
Acquired brain injury in children
EMDR therapy for children and adults
Emma is a HCPC registered psychologist. You can verify her registration on the HCPC website by searching her registration number PYL38502.
Dr. Kathryn Velat - Associate Psychologist
Kathryn is an experienced Educational Psychologist dedicated to supporting children and young people with complex neurodevelopmental needs. She has led teams of educational psychologists within Local Authorities and contributed to innovative programmes that enhance understanding of neurodiversity across educational and therapeutic settings.
Her collaborative approach enables tailored interventions that support recovery, learning, and development for children with diverse needs. Kathryn plays a pivotal role in several national initiatives including the Partnership for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project.
Education & Qualifications
Doctorate in Educational & Child Psychology - University College London (2020)
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Neuropsychology - University College London (2022-2024)
BSc (Hons) Psychology, First Class - Open University (2015)
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) - Registered Practitioner Psychologist (PYL38474)
Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol)
Member of the Division of Educational and Child Psychologists (DECP)
Member of the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP)
Specialises In
Neuropsychology and neuropsychological intervention
Autism and neurodiversity support and assessment
Clinical supervision for school staff
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Video Interactive Guidance
Kathryn is a HCPC registered psychologist. You can verify her registration on the HCPC website by searching her registration number PYL38474.
Join Our Team
We're always interested in connecting with qualified Educational Psychologists who share our values and approach. If you're interested in joining Elm Psychology as an associate, please complete the form.