Douglas Stevenson BD (Hons), DipMin, DipHE, MCOSCA, MBACP
Email meAbout me
Picking up the phone or sending an email/text to a counsellor can be one of the hardest things a person might do. Nevertheless it is often the first step to health and well-being and that decision could be a life changing and positive step for you.
I have worked for over thirty years in various communities engaging with and learning from many diverse and unique individuals. I am therefore very conscious that life can throw up a variety of unexpected hurdles which hinder our growth, development and ultimately our happiness. I have counselled individuals who have suffered from anxiety, panic attacks, addictions, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, bereavement, traumas, paranoia, anger management, depression — indeed the list is endless — but I like to think that the vast majority have been able to move on from their initial state.
As a person-centred therapist I will offer the space and understanding for you to explore your feelings in a safe, non-judgemental environment.
Our first session will involve some paperwork — not the most exciting thing but needs must — as well as explaining what therapy is and maybe more importantly what it isn't. We'll talk about trust, confidentiality, acceptance and hopefully — at some point — you'll soon realise that taking that first step was a positive one.
Other points of interest:
1. I work in accordance with COSCA (Scotland's professional body for counselling and psychotherapy) Ethics and Code of Practice.
2.1. I work in accordance with BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) Ethics and Code of Practice.
3. I am fully insured with Holistic Services Insurance.
4. I am a Counselling member of COSCA (Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland) and a registered member BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
5. I attend regular supervision with a BACP and COSCA accredited supervisor to ensure my practise is ethical and to the highest standard.
6. I am on the PVG scheme with Disclosure Scotland
Training, qualifications & experience
BD (Hons) in Theology and Ethics from the University of Edinburgh
Postgraduate Diploma in Ministry from the University of Edinburgh
Diploma in Higher Education from Moray College, UHI, in Person-centred Counselling and Psychotherapy
COSCA Counselling Skills Certificate, Modules 1 – 4, University of the Highlands and Islands
Counsellor Member COSCA
Registered Member BACP
Volunteer Counsellor with Crossreach Counselling Services, Buckie
Therapist, Castle Craig, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Clinic
Volunteer Counsellor, Simpson House, Edinburgh
Member organisations
Accredited register membership
Areas of counselling I deal with
- Abortion
- Abuse
- Addiction(s)
- ADHD
- Affairs and betrayals
- Alcoholism
- Anger management
- Anorexia nervosa
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Bullying
- Cancer
- Childhood bereavement
- Depression
- Domestic violence
- Drug abuse
- Eating disorders
- Emotional abuse
- Family issues
- Feeling sad
- Gambling
- Hearing voices
- HIV/AIDS
- Infertility
- Internet addiction
- Loneliness
- Low self-confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Miscarriage
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- Panic disorder
- Paranoia
- Passive aggressive behaviour
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Physical abuse
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Postnatal depression
- Pregnancy and birth
- Psychosis
- Redundancy
- Relationship problems
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Separation and divorce
- Sex addiction
- Sex problems
- Sexual abuse
- Sexuality
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Trauma
- Work-related stress
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Perinatal Practitioner Training
Fifth Step listener with AA (12 steps)
Minnesota training in Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Bereavement and Loss
Photos & videos
Fees
£20 per hour for students in full-time education or for those unemployed or on Income Support.
£30 per hour with a £30 deposit which will be returned at the end of therapy unless there is a cancellation without notification. I have a PayPal card reader if you find this a more convenient way of paying. This is for one to one therapy, in a counselling room.
£30 per hour for Skype/Zoom/Telephone.
£40 for outdoor therapy.
Further information
Outdoor Therapy
I am conscious that the counselling room doesn't appeal to everyone. I am happy to spend an hour — or up to an an hour — walking, listening and interacting with you outdoors. This is sometimes known as outdoor behavioural healthcare or wilderness therapy. However I do not envisage heading into the mountains but rather a gentle stroll round Cooper Park in Elgin or one of the coastal paths in Buckie. This could either supplement the face to face therapy, or stand alone possibly acting as an introduction to counselling especially following our first session. This service would cost £40
Ongoing Training
Currently doing research leading to a MScR/PhD in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh. I'm looking at the effects of shame exacerbated in the public domain from an auto-ethnography methodology.
As well as the above I am also enhancing my existing skills by studying for a Diploma in Couple Counselling.
Maps & Directions
Cullen, AB56
Type of session
| Online counselling: | Yes |
| Telephone counselling: | Yes |
| Face to face counselling: | Yes |
| Home visits: | No |
Practical details
| Sign language: | No |
| Other languages: | None |
Accessibility
| Wheelchair access: | No |
Availability
I will contact you within 24 hours if you leave a text or email - and I will endeavour to make an appointment to see you within a week at a time which suits you best.
Types of client
| Young people |
| Adults |
| Older adults |
