Penny Markey

I am a qualified, Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I strive to work flexibly in ways best suited to your needs. It is imperative to me that my clients feel valued and respected during our professional relationship. I believe the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is fundamental therefore I offer a free 20 min introductory telephone session to allow a connection to be made (or not) at no cost to the client.

I Also offer a 'walk and talk' style therapy, where our sessions will be conducted in the outdoors, usually in and around the local nature reserve. I firmly believe that even the most mildest form of exercise can increase mood and brain functioning, reduce anxiety and enhance self perception, all of which support therapeutic change. There is no level of fitness required for this and the pace is set by you the client. These sessions are available once the therapeutic alliance has been established and are completely optional and at no extra cost.

In addition to this i run Mountain Therapy workshops, as a qualified Mountain Leader i have combined my passion for hill walking, the outdoors and psychotherapy to deliver these short 1 day workshops. These are around 4 hours long and take place in the Pentland Hills in Edinburgh. I run relief from Anxiety and relief from Depression. Please get in touch to learn more about these opportunities.   

The counselling process offers a safe and comfortable environment where you are able to explore the difficulties that are causing confusion or distress and assist with seeking a greater balance in life. It is impossible for any of us to escape life's challenges and the negative impact they can have on us, it's what we do about it that matters! Change is possible and with the right attitude and support you can overcome any difficulties.

What is CBT;

CBT is a talking therapy that focuses on how your thoughts, beliefs and attitudes affect your feeling and behaviours, and teaches you coping skills for dealing with your own problems should they arise again. Extensive research demonstrates the effectiveness of CBT in a wide and growing number of conditions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend CBT as a first line treatment for; depression, anxiety, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, body dystrophic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder. Research has also shown that people who are treated with CBT remain well for longer as they become their own therapist having a clear understanding of their thoughts and behaviours, increasing the resilience to relapse.

• Initial introductory (20 mins) Free telephone session
• Sessions thereafter range from £45 to £55 depending on financial circumstances

About my practice and the sessions:

Each session will run for 1 hour and ideally carried out weekly. Appointments are available weekdays, evenings and weekends. Initially, we will agree on a therapeutic contract, answer any questions you may have, you will set therapy goals and each session we will set an agenda. There will be homework tasks and we will work together to achieve your goals. We will continually be reviewing our work together to ensure you are getting the greatest benefit from the sessions.

I offer therapy to individuals and young people (16+) from my private practice in Seafield, West Lothian. I work from a private therapy room at a residential address. The therapy room can only be accessed by a small stairwell, if this presents as a problem please discuss any concerns with me. My practice is located on the main bus route between Whitburn and Livingston. Private parking is available.

In addition to my private practice I work alongside Alba Care ltd, an occupational health care company that provides a varied client base. I also take referrals CBT clinics a psychological assessment and treatment provider.