About me
I am a psychodynamic counsellor and I work with people (16yrs +) of all identitites, abilities and neurodiversities. I recognise and value the ways in which we have all been shaped by our individual and collective experiences and am open to correction and challenge, where I fall short. I have almost forty years' prior experience as an NHS scientist in cancer services, then as a community worker.
Counselling and psychotherapy are useful if we are looking for support through life's difficulties, or to help us recover from events which have been experienced as traumatic or overwhelming. Working with a trained professional can also help us to live a life which is more fulfilling and true to ourselves.
Perhaps you are experiencing a mental health difficulty, such as anxiety, stress, depression, grief or loss. Alternatively, you may have relationship, family or job difficulties, feel stuck or unfulfilled, or wonder why the same pattern seems to be repeating itself again and again.
The psychodynamic approach is based on the theory that our earliest life experiences are internalised and repeat themselves throughout our lives; in relationships, jobs and in the way that we deal with life's difficulties. Where these experiences were not good enough, or where there were hardships, or trauma, we may not have the tools to deal with these difficulties. However, research has shown that through a supportive therapeutic relationship, change can happen.
Consequently, I suggest an initial consultation, to help us determine whether I can help you and whether we both think we could build a trusting relationship together. This session is in person, for 50mins at the reduced fee of £25.
I work from two premises and have availability at both.
On Wednesday mornings, I am at the Red Sandstone Building on Leith Walk. This is wheelchair accessible, including lift access and accessible toilet.
On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, I am at EH1 Therapies in the West End. This is situated in a basement flat, with a flight of stone stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Training, qualifications & experience
I hold a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in Human Relations and Counselling, awarded by Robert Gordon University and accredited by COSCA. My PhD is in Medical Physics and I also have a PGDip in Community Education.
I have counselled in two Third Sector services, one for people experiencing long-term illness, their families and carers and one for people with mental health struggles, such as depression, anxiety, stress, loss, grief and past trauma. I have been in private practice since 2024.
Originally, I was an NHS scientist and worked in cancer services for 18yrs. I then changed career to Community Education and for the following 18yrs I worked with people experiencing exclusion and disadvantage, in prison, in drug and alcohol services, youth services, schools and in homelessness and supported accommodation, where I continue to work on a sessional basis.
I am a registered member of BACP and adhere to their ethical framework and complaints preocedures. I have submitted my application for Accreditation.
I am insured through PPS and am a PVG Scheme Member for regulated work with children and protected adults, in both support work and counselling. In counselling, I work with ages 16+ years.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
The above list is not exclusive and it may be more helpful to make an appointment for an initial consultation, during which we would have time to figure out whether I can help and whether we could work well together.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
An initial consultation is offered at the reduced fee of £25. Thereafter, sessions are £50 for 50mins. I hold a few concessionary places for those on a low income, for whatever reason.
Usually, I invoice monthly in arrears and payment can be made by bank transfer. However, we can discuss an alternative if preferred.
When I work
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