Douglas Stevenson BD, MScR, DipMin, DipHE (CounsPsych), MCOSCA, MBACP

If you are on a counselling site I'm assuming it’s because you need help with a particular situation in your life or have concerns regarding the well-being of someone else. As there are a lot of therapists in the country where do you begin? How do you know which is the right one for you, especially when we all sound very similar — good listener, empathetic and understanding (which of course all good counsellors should be).

I can't say that I am better than others who are advertising their services but I've had lots of life experiences — some good some bad — BUT I'm aware that my stuff will be different from your stuff even if it's similar. You are the important one and it's your story that will be taken seriously and listened to — (good listener) — see above.

Secondly I am passionate about people's well being. I'm heartened that daily struggles are being discussed more openly than ever before especially when a third of the population will battle with their own mental health at some point (actually I think this figure is higher but you get the gist). Therefore I aim to keep my prices as low as possible especially with Covid-19 and people finding it harder to budget. Lower prices does not mean inferior service — far from it. I'm here because I want to help if I can.

Thirdly I've had many years experience as counsellor both working with clients face to face as well as online. I completed an online counselling and telephone course at the beginning of the pandemic and have seen a variety of clients using this medium. Apart from a few glitches it works remarkable well.

You can stop reading now because you're either thinking I might try this guy or scroll down to someone else — if you are still at a loose end I'll add the last wee bit. Whatever you decide to do good luck in your search and I hope you find a way forward.

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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 generalised anxiety disorder, 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.

Our first session will involve some paperwork — yes even on-line.  This may not be the most exciting thing (it isn't) but needs must — this will normally consist of a contract — basically what I can offer and what you would expect from me as your therapist, as well as your responsibilities as a prospective client.  Other documents will include a GDPR consent form, CORE 34 psychological assessment form, and an information sheet. These documents will be explained in detail so that you will fully understand all procedures before we officially begin our work together.

You are not contracted to a set amount of sessions — in consultation with myself you will decide how many or how few you feel you may need. Remember counselling is not a sprint or marathon, it is a process whereby you begin to discover your worth and importance without feeling the need to do what other people expect you to do.

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

I'll stop here . . .