MY APPROACH
SO...HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Counselling is a talking therapy. It usually takes place at the same time and in the same space every week. Sessions last for 50 mins. The length of time that people attend counselling for depends on each person and the area they want help with. For some people a block of six or twelve sessions is what they need. For others a longer time is needed. Each person is unique.
You can find out more about counselling here on the COSCA website: https://www.cosca.org.uk/counselling/counselling-overview or here on the BACP website: https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/what-is-counselling/ If getting your information from books is more your thing, you might like ‘Couch Fiction’ by Philippa Perry or ‘Starting Therapy’ by Alison Crosthwait. The BBC also has a great video on how talking therapy works and you can watch it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/how-does-therapy-work/p0fnr2nj
WHAT I OFFER...
Therapy works when a trusting relationship is forged between client and therapist. I do this by providing a safe and non-judgmental space where we can work together to explore your unique needs and challenges. I am committed to this relationship based on empathy, warmth and respect. I won't give you advice - I see the counselling process as providing the conditions in which you can come to understand how your life experiences have made you uniquely you.
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My work reflects the psychodynamic and person centred training I received. This simply means that I am mindful of how the past can be played out in our present lives and so I might ask you questions about your life and relationships in your life whilst at the same time I will be endeavouring to provide the therapeutic core conditions to enable you to come to your own conclusions as you are your own best expert! I enjoy working with image (be that through our imaginations, drawing or simply looking at images) and work creatively if you feel comfortable doing so.
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I am happy to work with people for short or long term contracts. I offer therapy in person or online depending on what feels right for you.
IF YOU THINK YOU'D LIKE TO WORK WITH ME...
If you think you’d like to work with me the first thing to do is get in touch. If I have availability, I will suggest an initial session. I offer this at a reduced rate of £30. This session will feel a little different from other sessions as I will ask a lot more questions than usual. I will ask for contact details and about your life up to this point. I will also ask you what has brought you to counselling now.
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I can't offer a crisis service, if you feel you are in crisis and need to speak to someone urgently, please have a look at the resources below:
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Edinburgh services
Contact your GP
Or if out-of-hours call 111 for NHS 24
Edinburgh Crisis Centre
0808 801 0414
Open 24/7 for people in mental health crisis – initially by phone with the possibility of same or next day face-to-face support.
Social work emergency service
0800 731 6969
Emergency out-of-hours social work service
Help for intimate partner (domestic) abuse
click here for a full list of support services on Edinburgh council website
other local help and support
click here to search Hub of Hope for other local and specialist services
helplines
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87
Open Monday – Thursday 6pm to 2am and all weekend (Friday 6pm to Monday 6am). Helpline service for people feeling low, overwhelmed or finding it difficult to cope.
Samaritans
116 123
Open 24/7. Support for anyone who is in distress or who needs someone to talk to.
Saneline
0300 304 7000
Open 4.30 til 10.30pm daily. Emotional support for anyone affected by mental illness including families and carers.
Edinburgh Nightline
0131 557 4444
Open 8pm-midnight every night of term for confidential, non-judgemental support for students at any Edinburgh college or university, by peers.