Psychodynamic Counselling in Edinburgh
Deeply rooted growth comes from understanding yourself
Counselling isn't about quick fixes or giving you advice on what to do. It's about understanding why you feel the way you do, and finding a way through that brings a sense of meaning.
The patterns we fall into rarely come from nowhere. I offer a warm and confidential space to understand their roots, what they're protecting you from, and how to find more room to be yourself.
I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and I am a Counsellor Member of COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland). I work in accordance with the BACP Ethical Framework.
Who is counselling for
When managing on your own is no longer enough
Many people seek counselling when they feel lost and empty, or when a seemingly small incident suddenly makes life feel unbearable. You might find yourself here because you’re navigating:
Anxiety and low mood
Feeling constantly on edge, burnt out, lacking confidence, or stuck in looping, negative thoughts.
Challenging relationships
Finding that the same dynamics keep repeating, whether it’s family friction or arguments with a partner that feel out of proportion, leaving you drained and disconnected.
The weight of “carrying on”
Realising that ignoring the problem, relying on short-term coping mechanisms, or pushing through on your own isn’t working anymore.
Making sense together
I offer a warm, accepting space to explore your inner world at your own pace. Counselling can be challenging, and we will work through that together with curiosity and compassion. Collaboratively, we identify recurring patterns in your life, looking at how early relationships and experiences shape your current feelings, behaviours, and ways of relating.
Psychodynamic approach
My work is grounded in the belief that our present difficulties often have roots in past experiences and patterns we’re not always fully aware of, which shape how we relate to ourselves and others. I don’t offer quick fixes or advice, but instead support you in developing your own insight and capacity for self-reflection.
The therapeutic relationship
The relationship between us is central to this work, and we explore the dynamics of this together. I offer a consistent, reliable presence and a safe, non-judgemental space where you can process underlying emotions and gain greater awareness and understanding.
Cultivating growth
Through a gradual process of exploring your inner world, it can become possible to let go of deep-rooted, unhelpful patterns and grow as a person.
Through our work together, we will aim towards:
Deeper understanding
Not just intellectual insight, but also greater emotional understanding of who you are, your reactions, and your relationships.
Emotional resilience
A reliable internal capacity to navigate difficult events and feelings without becoming overwhelmed or hopeless.
Improved relationships
Greater understanding of recurring dynamics, helping you develop deeper, healthier connections.
Grounded confidence
Moving away from merely trying to “carry on,” and connecting with a more authentic, confident part of yourself.
Deeper understanding
Not just intellectual insight, but also greater emotional understanding of who you are, your reactions, and your relationships.
Emotional resilience
A reliable internal capacity to navigate difficult events and feelings without becoming overwhelmed or hopeless.
Improved relationships
Greater understanding of recurring dynamics, helping you develop deeper, healthier connections.
Grounded confidence
Moving away from merely trying to “carry on,” and connecting with a more authentic, confident part of yourself.
How it works
Your path to starting counselling
Committing to counselling can feel daunting, especially when life already feels heavy. That’s why I use a simple structure, so you know what to expect from day one.
A free introductory call (20 Minutes)
We can start with a free, confidential call, by phone or video, whichever you prefer. This gives us a chance to discuss the process and what you’re looking for, ask any questions you have, and get a sense of whether we’re a good fit to work together.
First session
If we choose to move forward, we begin with an initial in-person consultation. We explore your needs, discuss how we will work together, and agree a brief contract.
Ongoing weekly sessions*
Counselling works best when it’s a predictable anchor in your calendar. We will meet in person on the same day and at the same time each week, providing a dedicated, ongoing space focused on your development and growth
FAQs
It’s natural to have questions before starting counselling. Here are answers to some of the things people often wonder about, and if there’s anything else on your mind, you’re always welcome to ask.
How much does it cost?
Sessions are £60 for 50 minutes. I hold a limited number of reduced-rate spaces for people on low incomes and for students. Do get in touch if this would make a difference for you, and we can discuss what’s available.
How long does counselling last?
There’s no fixed endpoint set in advance. Some people find a few months brings the clarity they’re looking for; others value staying with the work for longer, sometimes years. We’ll keep this under review together, and ending is something we’ll always plan for and talk through rather than something that just happens.
Do I need to know what to talk about?
No, you don’t need to arrive with anything prepared. Many people find that what feels most pressing emerges naturally once we’re in the room together. Part of my role is to help create the space for that to happen, at your pace.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, what you share in sessions is treated as confidential. I work in line with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethical Framework, which guides how client information is handled and protected.
There are a small number of exceptions where I may need to break confidentiality, mainly where there’s a serious risk of harm to you or to someone else, or where I’m required to by law. Where possible, I would always aim to discuss this with you first.
I also take part in regular clinical supervision, as required by the BACP framework. This means I discuss my work in a general, anonymised way with a supervisor, to make sure I’m working safely and effectively. Your identity is never disclosed.
What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, and there’s a lot of overlap between the two. I use “counselling” to describe my work, which is psychodynamic and relational in approach, meaning we pay attention not just to what’s happening in your life now, but to patterns and relationships, including the one between us, and how they shape your experience.
Do you offer online sessions?
I believe there is something special and unique about meeting in person so that is at the heart of how I work. Online sessions can be arranged where needed in certain circumstances.
What if I can’t attend a session?
If you need to cancel a session, I ask for at least 48 hours’ notice. Sessions cancelled with 48 hours’ notice or more aren’t charged; sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice will be charged in full.
How do I know if counselling is right for me?
It’s a good question, and one worth exploring on our introductory call. People come to counselling for all kinds of reasons. They may be feeling stuck, going through a difficult period, wanting to understand long-standing patterns, or simply wanting space to think. There’s no single “right” reason to start.
Still have questions?
No question is too small. Get in touch and I’ll be happy to talk things through.