Diving Psychology
Specialist Clinical Psychology Services for Scuba Divers
Psychological consultation and/or therapy may be useful for a range of concerns. I offer specialist psychological services for problems experienced by scuba divers. Where fitness-to-dive is a concern, divers are directed to seek a medical opinion from their own doctor or consult a doctor with dive medicine expertise. Where dive training is required, and the diver is fit-to-dive, divers are directed to seek the services of a scuba diving instructor.
All services are offered via online video call.
Available throughout the UK
Book online and get calendar reminders.
Fully private practice, confidential service.
EMDR available for trauma & some phobias
Psychological issues in diving
We offer consultation and psychological therapy following diving incidents & accidents. The benefit of specialist Diving Psychology services is our knowledge of the underwater environment, the diving community, and specific psychological impact of events in this context.
Underwater panic with significant impact
Distressing equipment problem
Responding to problems: out-of-air / entrapment / entanglement / rapid ascent
Coping with distressing or traumatic diving incidents inc. DCI & Drowning
A safe, effective learning environment to develop scuba diving skills and confidence is often enough. Ongoing psychological barriers to diving may benefit from specialist support.
Problematic anxiety or repeat episode of panic
Specific fears / phobias
Difficulty regulating stress reactions hindering diving
Difficulties with diving or training due to previous drowning event(s)
More general issues that are impacting on psychological/behavioural or physical fitness to dive. For people that would like to scuba dive, or progress further in diving, and are experiencing barriers to diving or training. For example:
Mental health concerns (e.g. excessive and problematic anxiety, low mood & depression).
Chronic stress & burnout
Confidence & esteem issues
Lifestyle concerns, (e.g. physical fitness and diet, poor sleep)
See the options below.
Online payment system
Accept payment via health insurer
Via Videocall
Book one session at a time, or block book an amount of time and split into several sessions. If it is your first appointment, 90 minutes is recommended.
DClinPsychol
Dr Laura Walton is a UK Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and an EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner.
Statements from divers who have used this service.