Dr Emma Biggs - Psychologist
Location: Leuven & Online
Life with a chronic illness often comes with many challenges. Changes to work, social life, and identity, alongside ongoing physical symptoms, can take a significant toll. If you then add in navigating a foreign health system, in your non-native language, without your extended social network, this can feel really overwhelming.
My aim is to offer a space where you can explore your feelings surrounding the issues you are facing. Together, we will work to figure out what you need to be able to cope, and thrive, despite ongoing challenges. I use a person-centered approach, with the emphasis being on your experience and your values and goals. I am aware that, especially in the case of a chronic condition, you may already have extensive experience with psychologists or other mental health support providers. I am very open to hearing about what has and hasn’t worked for you in the past, so that together we can figure out how to make counselling work for you.
I hold a PhD in Psychology and have worked for many years in academic research, studying the neurocognitive components of chronic pain. Throughout my work, it has become increasingly clear that mental and physical well-being are deeply intertwined — and that those living with chronic illness are often under-supported. In addition to these professional experiences, my personal journey has led me from the USA, to the UK, to The Netherlands, to Belgium, back to the USA, and then back to Belgium. I have ample firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges that come with an international life. As a result of these professional and personal experiences, I began offering evidence-based counseling in 2024, supporting individuals affected by chronic conditions and their loved ones.
If you would like to chat about your experience with a chronic condition, being affected by a loved one’s condition, or simply want some support with international life, then please reach out. I offer counselling in English to adults, both online and in-person.
Qualifications
2013-2021: PhD in Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium & Maastricht University, The Netherlands
2011-2012: MSc in Psychology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
2008-2011: BSc in Psychology, Exeter University, United Kingdom
Further Training
2024: Existential well-being counseling: a person-centered experiential approach
2023: Essentials of Good Clinical Practice
2017: Summer School on Emotional Learning and Memory in Health and Psychopathology
2013-2018: Experimental Psychopathology Postgraduate School
Work Experience
2024-present: Counsellor and Research Consultant, Self-employed
2023-2024: Assistant Professor, Tilburg University
2023-2024: Life Science Research Professional, Stanford School of Medicine
2021-2023: Postdoctoral Researcher, Stanford School of Medicine
2018-2021: Research Associate, KU Leuven
2013-2018: PhD Fellowship, KU Leuven & Maastricht University
