What has happened?

These the kind of issues experienced by divers using this service.

  • 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

  • Rescuing or providing first aid to another diver

  • Medical event while diving inc. IPO

  • Distressing interaction in diving environment (e.g. assault)

  • Boating incident (e.g. capsize or fire)

  • Surviving or Witnessing Drowning

Specialist Service for Divers

Talk to a psychologist who is experienced in scuba diving.

  • 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

Insurer Recognition

Dr Laura Walton is recognised by major UK health insurers, including Bupa, AXA and WPA. Please note that appointments may need to be organised differently, depending on your cover.

Choose what you need

We appreciate that this was an unexpected event and offer different levels to support immediate access.

  • Support + Distress Reduction (3hrs)

    Book two 90-minute appointments for immediate support relating to a recent diving-related incident. Includes prescribed practices for safety and healing that are tailored to you. If appropriate, EMDR techniques will be offered to soothe the nervous system and help you feel better. £330

  • + Reprocessing (6hrs)

    SUPPORT + DISTRESS REDUCTION, plus three hours of support to reprocess the memory of what happened. Recommended as two more 90-minute appointments, can be on the same day. The purpose is to help your system let go of the distress and begin building a story that your brain can use. On top of the 6hrs you get a 30 minute follow-up within the month. Also priority appointment slots. £660

  • + Preparation for Return (9hrs)

    SUPPORT + DISTRESS REDUCTION + REPROCESSING, plus three further hours for reprocessing or preparation for future diving (or other activities). On top of the 9hrs you get a 1 hour follow-up within the month. Also priority appointment slots. £990

Dr Laura Walton

DClinPsychol

A Clinical Psychologist, providing online psychological consultation and therapy. I studied Psychology at the University of Newcastle, then Research Methods at the University of Stirling, and completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Edinburgh in 2010. I am regulated by the Health and Care Professionals Council, in the UK. Previously I worked for more than 10 years in the National Health Service. I am trained and experienced in a range of psychological approaches including anxiety, panic and trauma reactions. I am also an experienced diver and scuba diving instructor.
Laura Walton

What Our Clients Say

Statements from divers who have used this service.

Support following DCI and PFO Diagnosis

Anonymous for Client Confidentiality

"It was incredible to find a service like this, to be able to talk to someone who understood what I was going through and someone who also understood all of the ins and outs of diving. Laura is so easy to talk to, professional, kind and clearly cares a lot about what she does. I would have zero reservations about recommending Laura to my fellow club members and non-diving friends. Thanks again for everything"

Help after Rescuer Role and Providing CPR to Buddy

Anonymous for Client Confidentiality

What part of the contact with Laura/the service was most helpful? "EMDR"

Overcoming diving anxiety after a series of stressful dives

Anonymous for Client Confidentiality

"I just wish more people knew about you and how briliiant the service is." What part of the contact with Laura/the service was most helpful? "Lots of things! - you were skillful in containing the scope of our work to the diving issues themselves - you were great at balancing empathy, encouragement, pace and practicality (that's not easy!) - you work very efficiently - I came away with simple statements and simple approaches - they fit on one page of my logbook therefore easy to reference - I learnt a lot! - I'm back loving my diving, even more. When I came to you I felt I was losing it forever."

Dealing with regulator skills stress before moving tech/cave training

Anonymous for Client Confidentiality

"I thought everything was great!" What part of the contact with Laura/the service was most helpful? "The EMDR coaching, both the software we used & Laura’s prompting/questions throughout. I felt physically & emotionally safe the entire time."

Professional Registrations

Dr Laura Walton is a UK Clinical Psychologist registered with the HCPC and an EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner.